Lets be honest

SirJohnny · Apr 1, 2017

Hi there:

Nursing school is a bear, much worse than either the undergraduate BS-Applied Mathematics or BS-Computer Science degrees that I earned at the University of Pittsburgh.

In addition to the demanding academic schedule, you'll endure the emotional roller coaster known as nursing school hell. Everyone, at some point in their nursing school days, has broken down and cried, and seriously contemplated quitting.

My advice. Get your life in order. Get the divorce behind you. Have a game plan of who is going to watch the kids while you are at 12 hour per day clinicals.

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That being said, if you want to go for it ...

Find out the pre-requisite courses for the nursing programs that you are interested in

applying to. Every nursing program I have seen requires 1 semester of Chem w/Lab,

1 semester of Microbiology, and 2 semesters of Anatomy & Physiology. You may also

be required to take an Algebra-I or Algebra-II level mathematics course.

I would suggest starting out with Anatomy & Physiology at your local Community College. The cost will be relatively low. Now is the time to hone your study skills. You should walk out of A&P I and II with a 90+ average. As bad as you may think these two courses might be, they are a cakewalk compared to nursing school. Remember, you aren't spending 1 or 2 twelve hour clinical shifts in the hospital at this point.

Make sure you know how to write term papers. You will write multiple articles during the nursing school process.

In nursing school, I probably put in 4 hours a day studying. More on the weekends. Way more the week before midterms and finals. Remember, there are no curves in nursing school. Univ of Pgh now requires an 80% to pass an undergraduate nursing class. That means, 79.4% = fail/do over and 79.5% rounds up to 80% meaning you passed. You will most definitely see classmates pass or fail a class by only 1 or 2 questions. The margins of failure vs. success are that thin in nursing school.

Regarding finances. Make sure you have a few $$ in reserve for a rainy day fund. The car will probably die the morning of clinicals, or you may need a new furnace or washer/dryer. Stuff costs money. Make sure you have it, before nursing school.

Relatives, boyfriends, and girlfriends will all get jealous of your success. Some will support you ... others will try to tear you down. Don't believe me? Look at some of the earlier threats posted on this website (allnurses).

Here's to wishing you a successful journey.

Johnny in Pennsylvania.

(Completed BSN - Univ of Pgh in 2014).

allnurses Guide · Apr 1, 2017

Sara, I was 35 when I returned to school. I was an underachiever in high school. When I had to turn my high school transcripts, I was embarrassed.

The only other school I had ever had were some gen eds and a certificate for a nurse's aide.

I was a mother of 2 young children and ended up getting divorced during nursing school.

I did struggle because the divorce played with my head and health. I had failures along the way and had to make many sacrifices. I knew I had to do this, though, because I needed a career off which I could live.

My grades, as a more responsible adult, were dramatically better than when I was in high school. I carried all A's and B's in my gen eds. I'm sure this was noticed that I took college much more seriously than I did in high school.

I consider myself okay in the intelligence department, but I knew I could do this if I put in the hard work. I utilized the school counselor to help me when I struggled with my issues.

I was successful, passed my boards on the first try and now hold 2 nursing jobs.

I understand your situation and I want to encourge you. Be sure to seek help along the way. Nursing school is doable, but with extra baggage, it can be harder than it needs to be.

I had classmates who went through deaths and their own nightmare of cancer... and succeeded.

Best wishes to you.

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Apr 1, 2017

I attended college for the first time when I was 17. I did very badly. I was also a pretty terrible student in high school.

I went back at 35, and I'm now 37, wrapping up my prereq's. I have a 3.7 right now. Once you actually care about what you're learning about, the experience is totally different. I used to think I hated science, but it's absolutely my strongest subject. I have the maturity and experience to juggle things (like full time school, marriage, friendship, kids) that age has given me.

Going back to school has been one of the best things I've done for myself.

Good luck in your decision.

Sara2.0 · Apr 1, 2017

Thank you for your responses.

I feel like I am standing on a precipice of life, and it's do or die time.

I have been in an abusive marriage for 11 years and I am finally taking back my life. Which is why I know I need to do something life changing. I am considering getting into our local CNA program to help get my feet in the door, and money in my pocket. I think it's something I can do with little outside trouble.

People have always told me I should do something in the human services because I am very personable and easy to be around, someone who shows compassion. I also thought about becoming a social worker, but I don't know much about the job force once I'm done with school. My dream would be to become a psychologist but I thought nursing school would be more attainable then a masters in psychology. But the more research I put into it the more I psych myself out.

But I also know, it's do or die time. And I need to be able to secure a future for me and my kids. Our local nursing program here has a good daycare program but once (or if) I get to clinical hours...that's where things get tricky. Maybe I could work part time as a CNA and with help of child support afford a sitter to get me throw the program.

Thank you for your time.

jtboy29 · Apr 1, 2017

I've always been an average student all through high school and junior college. Nursing school is tough whether it be an LVN or RN program it's tough. Especially when you have people seeking attention from you and you simply just have limited time to mess around and the advice on that one is have people around that support what you are seeking to do in life because they will continue to be supportive of you. Every nursing student that has gone through their respective programs have graduated and some have failed however; it's not impossible if you put in time, effort, and commit yourself to being better. You have to want it bad enough because that how you will succeed. I can tell you right now, that I took my LVN program very seriously because this paves the path for me to a better future for myself. I knew nursing school was hard and tough and a lot of commitment would have to be put in however; I had determination to get it done. I know I'm not married or have any kids however; I'm 31 and when I was close to hitting 30 I knew I had to do something to better myself for the rest of my life.

shasta13 · Apr 2, 2017

I've always been an above average student, but science has NEVER been my strong suite. I'm back in school for nursing and I'm doing very well in my science pre-reqs, but I am studying a hell of a lot. Like, 3-5 hours every day. With my very first science pre-req last year, I literally spent 6-8 hours a day studying for that one class. It was the hardest class I've ever taken in my life (general biology) and thankfully it was the only thing I had on my plate at the time. On the up side, that class gave me a very good foundation for my other classes and I can easily say that the rest of my science classes (AP 1, AP 2, microbiology, chemistry) were a breeze. I think you can do anything you can invest yourself and time into.

That being said, the ages of your children would be my biggest concern. I, too, have four children, but no little ones. All of mine are old enough to either drive, know people that drive, or able to hop on their bikes. They can wash their own laundry and prepare their own meals. Also, I have a supportive partner. I don't think it's impossible for you, but have a plan B, C, D, and E when it comes to the care of your children.

And. I'm happy that you got yourself out of a bad situation. Big congrats and hugs.