Introduction.

[5yearplan]

Hi All,

I just found this board & I hope it will be a great help as I start this new path. I am 40 years old, homeschooling mom to 3, my youngest is 5.5. I am planning to start at FPCC to earn an ADN over the next 5 years. I know, I know, that is a loooooong time, I could get a BSN in that time, but I can not go full time. At this point just taking one class a semester seems brave & challenging. I haven't even met with an advisor, so I'm not even sure if my plan is realistic. I am hoping to take my science classes one at a time b/c science scares me a little. I have no idea when to apply for the nursing program, I know there is a long wait list, but unlike most, I'd be worried about getting in too soon, rather than too late. Part of me feels like I'm crazy to even start this at my age, the other part of me says I'm young, I'm healthy, and there are a lot of years ahead of me.....

Any thoughts or ideas & especially support are very welcome. :)

[RN9742]

I have no real advice for you! But did want to mention, typically in nursing programs you will have to go full time during the actual nursing part of the program. I would definitely recommend going in and speaking with an advisor! Good Luck.

[junebug1313]

I'm also 40 & finishing up my pre-reqs at Columbia College (the commute from St Louis sucks). I have met lot's of other students our age and older. Your 5 year plan sounds realistic. I've heard the waiting list can be 2-6 semsters long and once you finish your pre-reqs to apply you can finish taking classes while on the wait list. Good Luck!

[5yearplan]

JustDeena, I am aware of that, but in my last two years (when I'll be working on those courses) my kids will be a bit older (14, 11 & 8 by then), so it won't be as hard. I may end up needing to pay a fellow homeschool parent or a sr. homeschool student to stay with them. I'll work it out when I get to that point.

Junebug1313, I'm so glad I'm not alone (over 40 & just getting started). I don't think I could handle the commute, though if you record your lectures, you could listen to them on the road. FPCC is pretty close by, so that won't be a problem. In the long run I think this will really help make things better for myself & my family.