In the progress of becoming a Registered nurse :) but yet im a little worried...

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okay so i graduated in 2010 i took a year from school because i got a full time job and i needed to buy a car to go back and forth to my local community college.. I have my car now.. and im 20 right now..and im going to community college.. the thing is that i still work at my full time job.. because im still paying for my car and my mom is making me pay for my contracted cell phone bill..and pay for help with school. so i have no choice to quit right now...so i plan on going to college part time to finish my general and preq's

but i added the time up and i wont be finished until im 24 :(and probably wont actually get my associates degree in a Registered nurse until im 25 or26... i really want to become a nurse.. but the wait is making me impatient..plus im afraid of being a late nurse. i know it may take me a little bit faster once i quit my full time job and get a part time job...which i know things will change in the future.. .esp. when i start doing clinical work.. which i plan on not working at all..

but i want to know

is that bad if i end up getting my AA at 25,26 or 27?

how old and how long did it take you to get your degree in nursing?

did you work during college?

what is some tips on how to stay focused and achieve good grades while working in college?

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There are a lot of "mature" students out there who are in their 30s, and 40s trying to complete their degrees. in time, you will become a nurse just be patient and let things ride.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

You certainly won't have a problem - if you check stats on new grads, you will find that the majority are in that same age range. I am totally in agreement with your mom.... paying for your own 'luxuries' is the right thing to do. If you don't consider a cell phone or car as luxuries, you might want to check with all the students that use mass transit & don't have cell phones - LOL.

Say "hi" to your mom for me - she sounds great.

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

What kind of full time work do you do? I suggest working as an aide or something in the medical field so you can get experience and see what nurses do. Sometimes employers will give you tuition money in exchange for you working for them after school. I think your mother is doing the right things too. :yeah: I just graduated from RN school at age 28 and took my boards on my 29th birthday.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

I was 29 when I earned my RN. Many were older.

It's really going to take you 5-6 years to complete your associate's degree?

You may need to double down on your courses or look at online courses. Most CC offer them for the same price of tuition.

I suggest plotting out a timeline that lists every course you'll need, and plugging them into your calender. Then take a look and see if there is someway to make it happen quicker.

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Don't be afraid to be an "older nurse" once you graduate... I know you're 20 now, and when I was 19-20 I thought 26 or 27 years of age was OLD. It's really not!! Ask anyone (about half of any nursing program nowadays) who is over 30 or 40, and they will laugh and tell you 25-28 is still very young to get started as a registered nurse.

I would suggest first and foremost that you do what you truly feel is "right" for you ad the right decision for your home situation (mother, bills, car, etc..). IMO, if this were up to me, I would only work part-time if possible, and study full time or even part time.

Working FT and part time schooling can be tough... I'm sure you can do it, but I wouldn't suggest it. It all depends on how good you are at dealing with stress and good time-management skills.

As for tips for schooling/studying: Make sure you devote enough time to study at least 2-3 hours a day, and if you will be working only part time hours, remember that school is #1 priority, and studying is important. Make sure your boss knows that you can only work "x" amount of hours a week (so you can keep your sanity)!!!

I'm sure you will find the right answer that works for you.. everyone is different. You're never too old to start your dream career!

Good luck! :yeah:

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