Late in life career change - don't know where to begin

[njitalgirl]

i am 44 with three boys a husband and two dogs. for five years now i've been wanting to go back to school for nursing. i live in northeast pa and am having trouble finding a community college nearby. the cost elsewhere just wouldn't work. does anyone live in nepa and if so - any ideas on where to go? should i become a cna first? i'd love any info any of you can give me. thanks so much, i really appreciate it.

k

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I don't live anywhere near there but can say that being a CNA does not necessarily make you a better nurse, although it might help you decide whether or not you really want that for a career. Good luck in your search!

[dolphn545]

Not sure what part of NEPA you're in. I'm just outside of Scranton. Just finishing up my LPN. Were you looking at going for LPN or RN? Are you near Scranton? You can PM me if you don't want to get too personal on the boards.

Like I said, I am going through the LPN program, but plan to bridge over to the RN program after I get working.

[RNisme]

I live in NJ, but was thinking of moving to PA and looked at some schoold there - Northeast PA is large - can you be more specific where you are at?

[njitalgirl]

I live in NJ, but was thinking of moving to PA and looked at some schoold there - Northeast PA is large - can you be more specific where you are at?

Hi Lori62

I am in Lake Wallenpaupack. I am originally from New Jersey as well, Bergen County. I've been here for 6 years. What part of PA are you looking to move to?

[RNisme]

I live in Bergen County - I am going to stay here. I was going to move last spring - but my plans changed - and now I will stay here at least until I am done getting my RN. I was looking around Jim Thorpe, Sunbury and Williamsport. I found an LPN program near Sunbury (don't remember the name) and there is also Geisingers, but they are too far for you.

Good luck in your search - by the way - I love the area of PA you live in - the traffic here is HORRIBLE.

Lori

[njitalgirl]

Hi Lori

What part of Bergen County are you from? I grew up in EP. Miss it very much. Miss all my friends. It is pretty up here and there is no traffic but there is no place like home (NJ). So you have started school for nursing then?

Kim

[RNisme]

I live in Dumont, grew up in Lodi. I started all my pre and co req's, finishing them this summer. I start the nursing classes in the fall. I've live in Bergen almost my whole life, and would leave gladly - but now not until I am done with school. I live 7 miles away from Bergen Community - and sometimes it takes me almost 30 min to get there!

[njitalgirl]

Oh I remember. I went to Bergen Community for accounting in the early 80's and for about the same distance as you it took forever with the Plaza traffic! Good luck!!

[iLovemyJackRT]

Hey K, I am curious what Part of NEPA you are from. Message me in private if you want. I am from the Lehigh Valley area, and I went to school in philadelphia. I know alot of ADN and BSN programs if the area.....but my thought on a CNA is this...if you ultimately want to be come a RN, and you have all the other responsibilities in your life....why waste the schooling time...go right for your RN !!! .....let me know if you have any questions.....

[njitalgirl]

Hi there, for some reason I couldn't message you in private. I am in the Lake Wallenpaupack area. Good point - just didn't think I could handle the extra schooling right now to go on to RN. I would definitely go for it later on, lol. Congrats on your becoming an RN recently!! Where are you working? You have lots of options near Philly - here, not so many. Thanks so much!! Kim

[starbabyfive]

hi njitalgirl i can't give any info----just wanted to say 'hi' to you from northwestern pa 48 year old here, starting lpn program in 8 weeks. also want to wish you the best in your decisions to reach your goal.