Making the leap

AspiringNurseMW · Jan 4, 2015

Hi. 27, 2 kids, went to school originally for Fashion Merchandising and I was a Visual Manager at the Gap for over 5 years. Did a couple of secretarial /office admin jobs after I had my kids. Recently moved to PA and just jumped in. Completed my first semester this past fall, and now I'm waiting to see if I got accepted into THE ASN program at my school.

I made sure to research job openings in my vicinity and see if they had preferences for ADN or BSN. Also made sure there were positions open to new grads that didn't require experience.

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jan 4, 2015

Lots of people on here fall into that category! I am graduating in May this year from an ADN program and then going on to get my BSN, and I am just entering the early part of my fifth decade of life! I have been an office manager most of my life, but decided in 2010 to start taking the many pre reqs required for the nursing program. I had so many because I had been out of school so long so I started from the bottom, especially with Math. (UGH) So that took me a few years, especially part time, but you can get that done a lot sooner than I did. It's been very interesting to say the least! I love school though, and I've made some friends for life in this program.

tulipsweeti, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2015

@lorirn2b thank you so much for sharing and congrats on your impending graduation! Did you get into the first program you attempted to get into? Did you have hours working/volunteering in healthcare prior? If so, how many? What has been the most surprising thing about nursing school? Thanks again!

tulipsweeti, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2015

@AspiringNurseNW: how are you managing juggling school and the kiddos? I have a 14 year old and a 17 month old to balance. My husband is in a steady job with set hours so I think with his help I should be able to make it work. Has anything surprised you about school so far?

AspiringNurseMW · Jan 4, 2015

Being organized and setting realistic expectations. My kids are almost 4 and 13 months. Every week I meal prep freezer recipes and crockpot recipes. So in the morning Mon - Fri I usually just dump one in the crockpot in the morning and dinner is done. I also prep breakfast for at least 4 to 5 days to cut time in the morning.

I wrote down all my assignments, quiz, and test dates into a planner provided by the school. I entered really important assignment due dates a day or two before they were actually due to make sure they got done on time. I also use the Google Calendar on my phone and have a dry erase board calendar on my fridge for appts, events, shoot even the menu.

I took 17 credits /6 classes last semester and I work 20-30 hours from home. 2 classes at school , 3 classes completely online, and I hybrid class. I ended the semester with a 3.9 GPA. November was tough with the holidays and my daughter's 1st Birthday party. But I managed.

I also gave the hubby specific responsibilities, and we have a lowered expectations in regards to how the house will be maintained. I only do laundry twice a month, sometimes I fall asleep with toys strewn about the living room like land mines. Oh well. I had to learn to lose the habit of using downtime to clean and replacing that as study time. I clean when the kids are up in small increments or in between assignments. For example I learned that studying is best done on 30-40 min increments so I would study for 30 minutes then go wash dishes, study again, then do dishes +small break, etc.

This semester I'm only taking 4 classes /14 credits because I am taking both A&P 2 with Microbiology, but I keep having this desire to add another class to lighten the load during nursing school, lol.

Hope some of that helps!

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jan 4, 2015

It was the only program I applied to. I actually had an application packet completed and ready to deliver to a hospital diploma program the day after I got my acceptance letter from the local community college. I did have some volunteer experience with Meals on Wheels, not in healthcare, I had experience working as a private duty aide also for two MR ladies occasionally. But you don't need healthcare experience to get into a nursing program. My program advised us to take the CNA course just for the experience in a medical setting and in dealing with the patient experience. I didn't do that but I did get my CNA license after first semester and that is what I am doing now, CNA in long term care. Not much longer though!

Sizzline · Jan 4, 2015

Me! I am 33, mom of two, and I left a career in retail management to pursue nursing. It is a huge change, and very intimidating, but I feel like it will be worth it!

tulipsweeti, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2015

@sizzline thanks for sharing!

Why did you decide to change? What type of program are you in? Did you have healthcare experience prior to applying? Any tips for how you manage school and kids?

iPink, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2015

Congrats for making the leap.

I graduated in 2012 with my BSN. I had gone through a 15-month ABSN program, which was rough. However, time management, great work ethics, and determination were the keys to success. Although the program was rough and will never do that again, I gratefully passed and enjoy what I do as a nurse.

I have also enjoyed my many four days off in a row work schedules!

Good luck on your journey.

tulipsweeti, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2015

@ipink thanks!! Which ABSN program did you complete? Did you get in on your first attempt? Did you have any healthcare experience prior to applying? Thx for the extra info!

iPink, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2015

I completed one up north. It was the only program I applied to and got into the first try. I have never worked in healthcare (in any capacity) prior to making the decision to go back to school for nursing.

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