middle age and confused

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hi im new to this site and really excited about being able to communicate with people with the same nursing passion. I am 45 years old and have always wanted to become a nurse. However, i was also afraid of pursuing my dream because of my struggles with math, but its a passion i cant seem to let go of. In 1992, i received a bachelor of arts degree in psych. Currently i am employed for a police dept which is so frustrating because its not what i want to do. I know i should b thinking about retirement in a few years but something inside me still want to go back to school to obtain my nursing degree. If there is anyone out there that can give me some good advise, i would appreciate it. Also, if i do decide to go for it, should i start with the lpn program first to see if nursing is a smart career choice at this stage of my lfe. HELP!!! midlife and confused..

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

Go for it! This can be a highly rewarding career. I'm 54, have been an RN for thirteen years and love it. Don't bother with an LPN program - the job prospects are poor. You might want to volunteer or work part-time in a hospital to get to know some nurses and see what it's like.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Like Bill says... Go for it!!!

I'm 49 and will be 51 at graduation. Like you, I was thinking I would ordinarily be thinking about retirement packages, but I decided instead on a second career. I'm loving it!

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THANK U... i am going to your advise and go for it... i will be taking the prereq i need at ga perimeter college and then apply to ga baptist and maybe emory... thanks again..

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Specializes in Bone Marrow Transplant.

I am 42 and will be 43 when I graduate. It's never too late to follow your passion!

Since you have a Bachelor's degree, there are some schools that offer programs for people who already have a degree. I am at Kennesaw State, and they have an accellerated program where you graduate after 4 semesters rather than 5. The folks I know who are doing that say that it is grueling.

Also, as far as math goes, learn "dimensional analysis"--it's a great technique for solving dosage calculations, and while not fool proof, it does not require the memorization of formulas and improves your ability to get the correct answer.

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Private Duty Peds.
Go for it! This can be a highly rewarding career. I'm 54, have been an RN for thirteen years and love it. Don't bother with an LPN program - the job prospects are poor. You might want to volunteer or work part-time in a hospital to get to know some nurses and see what it's like.

GO FOR IT!! and here in the State of Georgia, there are plenty of jobs for LPN's, do what you feel is best for you!!

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You already have a Bachelor's Degree so why would you want to go to LPN school??? You probably would not be happy with that, most of the LPN's I know go back and continue their education. I have been a GA RN for 15 years, I have been blessed to be able to work in most every area, and I would not want to be anything else. Nursing math is different from general math, not harder just a different set of rules and conversion tables, memorization is the Key!! You can do it... Good Luck.

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There one down side of the Nursing field, if retirement plans are what you are really looking at, then take a long look at where you might be working. Most hospitals have a 401k, but retirement does not come with length of service, but usually age. Private companies may have better retirements, but how much support will you have from other nurses and liability? There are good and bad in all situations. Look before you leap to far.:twocents:

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.
You already have a Bachelor's Degree so why would you want to go to LPN school??? You probably would not be happy with that, most of the LPN's I know go back and continue their education. I have been a GA RN for 15 years, I have been blessed to be able to work in most every area, and I would not want to be anything else. Nursing math is different from general math, not harder just a different set of rules and conversion tables, memorization is the Key!! You can do it... Good Luck.

There one down side of the Nursing field, if retirement plans are what you are really looking at, then take a long look at where you might be working. Most hospitals have a 401k, but retirement does not come with length of service, but usually age. Private companies may have better retirements, but how much support will you have from other nurses and liability? There are good and bad in all situations. Look before you leap to far.:twocents:

Just a point of interest...

The original post was made here over three years ago, and the original poster hasn't been to this site since February of 2008. I would guess that the school career for the poster has ended. Thank you for your words.

Thread closed.

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