Mom thinking about going back to nursing school... NEEDS ENCOURAGEMENT!!!

CAT-CNA · Oct 11, 2010

Yes, there is. I just turned 35, married, have a 6, 5, and 1 yr old. The older 2 are in school so I have "alone time" when the 1 yr old is napping during the day, then the girls get home from school, we go over homework, then if it is Mon or Wed I do what I can then go to class. I have a Human Services degree so all of my previous classes (except for the HMS classes) transfer into the nursing program. I am currently taking A&P 101, Bio 201, Chem 101, and retaking Eng 211 (just to bring up the grade). I am thinking I have to re take Bio 201 I am not doing so well in that class. Other than that I only have to take my TEAS, and take A&P 102 to apply for nursing school. My big thing is I have a hearing loss (deaf in right ear) so I always thought my hearing would hold me back but I found the association for nurses with hearing loss and I thought why not go for it? Another thing that convinced me to go for it is the kids pediatrician-he has a hearing loss too as he uses those headphone type stethoscope so if he can be a doc, why can't I be a nurse? I am also a licensed CNA and I take/took every opportunity I have/had to help the nurse and just decided that that is what I want to do, I want to do more what I do now so just go for it. I really like this site, I have been reading a lot of threads just to get an idea of what to expect and to expect the unexpected :-)

Womanonajourney · Oct 11, 2010

From one second degree/career pre-nursing student to another allow me to share the following excerpt from a daily devotional by John C. Maxwell's Go for Gold that I love to read when I am experiencing frustration, doubts, and fears:

Find a Purpose

More than anything else, having a sense of purpose keeps a person going in the midst of adversity. Business consultant Paul Stolz did an extensive study on what it takes for individuals to persist through setbacks.

According to Stolz, the most important ingredient of persistence is, "Identifying your mountain, your purpose in life, so that the work you do is meaningful. I run into people everyday who are basically climbing the wrong mountain. People who have spent 20 years or more of their lives doing something that has no deep purpose for them. Suddenly, they look back and go, "What have I been doing?"

It's normal to feel that it is time for a change but you worry if it's too late or if you can do it at your age with all the responsibilities that you have in your life. But the most important question is not "Can I do this?" but "Can I afford not to?"

A friend of mine began her nursing program when she was 46 years old. Being a nurse had been her dream but it was deferred due to devotion to two marriages (respectively), three kids, and then again as she cared for her grandchildren so that her daughter could go to nursing school!! But one day she decided the time is NOW. Your time is NOW. Go for it!

beautygirlsmom · Oct 11, 2010

This was so meaningful - and motivational - this morning. Thank you!

Jmb002 · Oct 11, 2010

Jenn-

My name is Jenn as well. I am 37 years old and have 4 kids (12, 10, 7, and 4). I work full time as a daycare provider and a medical transcriptionist. I am working on finishing my pre-reqs this quarter and am applying to nursing school December 1, 2010. I am taking intermediate algebra, chemistry, and human growth and development (15 credit hours). It is very stressful to say the least, but I am loving it. I finally decided to do something for myself. My little one will be in kindergarten next year, which is when I hope to start nursing school. It looks like there are quite a few of us "older" non-traditional students out there! LOL! Good luck! We can do this! :)

Jenn

Witty3RN · Oct 11, 2010

Hi Jen

I'm 35 years old and finishing my pre-req's so I can apply to nursing school in Fall 2012. I have three kids (10,6,1) and I know it will be difficult but I know that I will be able to do it. So I think that you should go for it and you will be great... Love to read all the post of all the other mothers with kids going to nursing school. I think it's very doable :)

Witty3RN · Oct 11, 2010

This is the problem I have with older ladies wanting to go back to nursing school...they don't have a concept of reality...Nursing school is not reality...where are the posts about the stay at home moms who went back to school, passed boards, became licensed and now work...The reality is this...nursing is alot of common sense...just because you get into nursing school does not mean you will be a good nurse when you are done...another thing I am seeing is that women who start a nursing career when they are older may not be physically accustomed or physically able to actually do the work....I am founding doctors not liking these "brand new nurses" who are just starting out and some of them are in their 50's...it is annoying to them and actually to be honest it is annoying to me at times...I'm annoyed because many show poor judgement and still at an older age...mom or stay at home moms lack critical thinking skills...I'm not trying to be negative about you wanting to be a nurse...I am not so sure you are realistic about nursing as a profession...If you are going to do it...you need to get your Bachelor's because if you look at the slim job market for nurses ...that is the minimum required....Good Luck...think really hard about the money and time you are going to spend and decide if this is what you really want to do....for many of us nurses our profession is our passion...and we feel that people who do no have that passion for nursing our slighting us and the profession.....

I feel that you may be a bit intimated by brand new older nurses that have more of a concept of reality that a brand new young nurse. And why wouldn't we - we have gave birth to kids, cared for sick, understand what it's takes care of family, and most have previous degrees or worked in meaningful careers before deciding to go to nursing school. I don't understand your need to be negative unless you feel threaten by older nurses. I will start nursing school at the age of 37 and I will not feel the least bit threaten by a 21 year old women. Or a older negative nurse with 18 years of experience.

Jmb002 · Oct 11, 2010

This is the problem I have with older ladies wanting to go back to nursing school...they don't have a concept of reality...Nursing school is not reality...where are the posts about the stay at home moms who went back to school, passed boards, became licensed and now work...The reality is this...nursing is alot of common sense...just because you get into nursing school does not mean you will be a good nurse when you are done...another thing I am seeing is that women who start a nursing career when they are older may not be physically accustomed or physically able to actually do the work....I am founding doctors not liking these "brand new nurses" who are just starting out and some of them are in their 50's...it is annoying to them and actually to be honest it is annoying to me at times...I'm annoyed because many show poor judgement and still at an older age...mom or stay at home moms lack critical thinking skills...I'm not trying to be negative about you wanting to be a nurse...I am not so sure you are realistic about nursing as a profession...If you are going to do it...you need to get your Bachelor's because if you look at the slim job market for nurses ...that is the minimum required....Good Luck...think really hard about the money and time you are going to spend and decide if this is what you really want to do....for many of us nurses our profession is our passion...and we feel that people who do no have that passion for nursing our slighting us and the profession.....

I find it disheartening that you can talk about "stay at home moms" lacking critical thinking skills and using this as an example of things that annoy you at work. I think no matter where you go you are going to have those that annoy you in certain situations, and sure there are probably many stay at home moms that don't show those skills. However, I think it is a HUGE generalization. I am an older (37) nontraditional student. I have been home with my kids for 10 years. However, I am a 4.0 student and a full time medical transcriptionist who has worked in a hospital setting in one way or another for 15 years in the past. Since I was newly married (16 years ago), I have wanted to be a nurse, but life happened. I had kids and my husband had student loans to pay back and the time was never "right." The time is now "right" for me to go back to school and pursue my dreams. I don't think it is fair to tell us how "annoying" stay at home moms are in the work force. Just because that has been your experience (which I am completely sure it has been), doesn't mean that we should not pursue our goals.

Don't get me wrong, I understand that new nurses are probably a headache for the seasoned nurses and things can be annoying, but not every "older" student that enters nursing lacks critical thinking skills just as all nurses are not all kind and compassionate and love their job. I, personally, have been a patient on the other end of a seasoned nurse who obviously didn't love her job and was "annoyed" with lots of things. I think it is dependent on each individual person!

Jenn

CAT-CNA · Oct 11, 2010

I find it disheartening that you can talk about "stay at home moms" lacking critical thinking skills and using this as an example of things that annoy you at work. I think no matter where you go you are going to have those that annoy you in certain situations, and sure there are probably many stay at home moms that don't show those skills. However, I think it is a HUGE generalization. I am an older (37) nontraditional student. I have been home with my kids for 10 years. However, I am a 4.0 student and a full time medical transcriptionist who has worked in a hospital setting in one way or another for 15 years in the past. Since I was newly married (16 years ago), I have wanted to be a nurse, but life happened. I had kids and my husband had student loans to pay back and the time was never "right." The time is now "right" for me to go back to school and pursue my dreams. I don't think it is fair to tell us how "annoying" stay at home moms are in the work force. Just because that has been your experience (which I am completely sure it has been), doesn't mean that we should not pursue our goals.
Don't get me wrong, I understand that new nurses are probably a headache for the seasoned nurses and things can be annoying, but not every "older" student that enters nursing lacks critical thinking skills just as all nurses are not all kind and compassionate and love their job. I, personally, have been a patient on the other end of a seasoned nurse who obviously didn't love her job and was "annoyed" with lots of things. I think it is dependent on each individual person!
Jenn

I agree with you! However, I have worked as a CNA in LTC setting for 3 years and let me tell you, I have seen them all. I had a nurse ask me one time if i knew how to enter the dosage amount on a iv machine, I was like no your the nurse shouldn't you know that? Same LTC facility there was a nurse there that I would catch laughing at the residents pain, then when his family showed up she would down talk the aides and say how lazy we are. There is a resident there who basically fried his brain. He was a druggie, got high, had to have surgery a week later, drugs still in his system, interaction with anesthesia, now he is bed bound does not talk he hisses at people and tries to bite you. I would always warn new people don't let him bite you , he has ****. Anyway about the resident, he has a gtube, but he is not a continuous feed. This nurse in particular would make the aides change his sheets, stay in there with her to do his feedings, then she would take the "food" and put it in his tube but instead of holding the tube up for the food to go down she would take the plunger and slam it in the tube so the food and stomach acid would come back out of the tube and get all over him and the bed. So when she was done "taking care" of him she would have the aides clean him up and change the bed--again. I have seen nurses argue with residents, I have seen them be just down right rude and talk down to the aides. Now don't get me wrong I have worked with some awesome nurses that truly care for people. So believe me, I can handle the physical aspects of nursing. I read another thread where a RN tried to say that a LPN is not a nurse, but I think my sister in law would disagree with that statement, she's a LPN she is also the ADON in a LTC facility. She recently was acting DON since the DON went on maternity leave for awhile, so I would say that yes a LPN is a nurse. Anyway I got off topic for a bit there, my point is just because you are book smart does not mean you can cut it as a nurse, yes it takes brains to know what you are doing but if you don't care about people then you are going to burn out fast. Just because we are older and some think we don't have the "passion" for this job are just plain out wrong. Like a few have said life happened and we had to put what we want on the back burner. I don't know if I will get into nursing school since it is so competitive but I have to try, you never know what you can do unless you go for it :-)

CAT-CNA · Oct 11, 2010

It also seems to me that there is a lot of discouragement from some of the posters on this site, is that really something that should be going on on here? I mean I get that in some areas of the country the jobs are slim pickings, but in other parts of the country there are jobs and places willing to hire new grads. I just think this should be a place of encouragement, not discouragement :-)

Craftiechickie · Oct 11, 2010

Hi! I'm doing exactly that! I'm married with 3 kiddos and have been a SAHM for 11 years. I was always upset that I never finished. Anyway, it's hectic at times but it's totally possible and if you really want it, you can do it! Go for it!! :)

jock · Oct 12, 2010

Hi everyone!
I of course am new here, and so happy to find this forum!
I am a 36 yo, SAHM... who has been a wife and mother for the past 10 years. Now that my two youngest (twins) will be in school full time next year, I am considering going back to school for a nursing degree... something I have wanted to do for years!
I am so scared of going back to school to begin a career! Is anyone else here my age, have a spouse, kids, home to care for? I feel like I am already spread pretty thin, but this is something I really want to do.
Is it doable? Is anyone else in my position or similar, doing it now?
Can it even be done???
Thanks for any suggestions or encouragement! Honesty is much appreciated!

:) Hi there

I am a 52 year old and have almost finished my 2nd year bachelor of nursing. Nobody can tell you it will be easy but if you believe in yourself and really want to do it you will. It takes shuffling your life around a bit but IT CAN BE DONE. Besides you will never know unless you try. GOOD LUCK. If I can do it anyone can do it.

Womanonajourney · Oct 13, 2010

this is the problem i have with older ladies wanting to go back to nursing school...they don't have a concept of reality...nursing school is not reality...where are the posts about the stay at home moms who went back to school, passed boards, became licensed and now work...the reality is this...nursing is alot of common sense...just because you get into nursing school does not mean you will be a good nurse when you are done...another thing i am seeing is that women who start a nursing career when they are older may not be physically accustomed or physically able to actually do the work....i am founding doctors not liking these "brand new nurses" who are just starting out and some of them are in their 50's...it is annoying to them and actually to be honest it is annoying to me at times...i'm annoyed because many show poor judgement and still at an older age...mom or stay at home moms lack critical thinking skills...i'm not trying to be negative about you wanting to be a nurse...i am not so sure you are realistic about nursing as a profession...if you are going to do it...you need to get your bachelor's because if you look at the slim job market for nurses ...that is the minimum required....good luck...think really hard about the money and time you are going to spend and decide if this is what you really want to do....for many of us nurses our profession is our passion...and we feel that people who do no have that passion for nursing our slighting us and the profession.....

ittibittinurse:

it's usually not good to begin a sentence with the words "the problem i have with older ladies. . .". you can offer a different perspective but do so in way that does not downgrade another person or group of people. i am sure that lacking a sense of reality is about the demands of a nursing career is not a problem that only older women are subject to. many men & women of all ages who enter the nursing profession (and other professions) do not fully comprehend the demands of a profession until they have entered into. i have friends of all ages who have been nurses for years and they tell me that every day presents an opportunity for learning. moreover, poor judgment can be made by anyone of any age & skill level. mistakes may be more common among novice nurses but i am sure that it does not have to do with their age. you make very general, sweeping statements based on the narrow purview of your experience and assumptions that doctors are annoyed by those in their 50s and just starting out. as a mother (27 years old, with both bachelors & masters degrees) i wholeheartedly take offense to your assertion that mothers lack critical thinking skills. i take it that you are not a mother. if you were you would know that being a parent challenges your critical thinking ability every single day. as a mother you are responsible for making decisions that can not only impact your life but that of another being.

georgetown university has an accelerated nursing program for second degree students and below is an article in which they specifically discuss the benefits/desirability of students with "life experiences":

http://gumc.georgetown.edu/news/stories/87833.html

an article on the american association of colleges of nursing's website discusses 2nd degree students. consider the quote:

"susan m. di biase, crnp, msn, a faculty member at jacksonville state university in alabama, knows a thing or two about second-degree students. she was one. "as a nurse educator, i have taught dozens of second-degree students who often distinguish themselves as class leaders," explained di biase. "when i was taking classes, i thought the students were strong academically and many said nursing was harder than their first degree. my first employer made a custom of hiring second-degree students because she thought they were good thinkers and strong patient advocates."

to read the article in full follow this link or cut & paste it into your browser:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/publications/issues/aug02.htm

bottomline:

one is never too old to pursue their dream. nursing schools have physical requirements that students must meet prior to gaining entry into their program. if you are able to meet that requirement and successfully complete your clinicals i don't see the problem. to assume that because someone is older he/she will not be able to cope with the physical demands of being a nurse is ignorant. there are plenty of young people who are not in good physical condition, lacking the physical strength and ability needed to perform the rigorous physical responsibilities that being a nurse entails--and plenty of older nurses who are in great shape, nimble, and able to handle anything. streotypes have no place here on the board or in places of employment. :twocents:

also, beside nursing is just one facet of the multidimensional, dynamic profession. after gaining some clinical experience and obtaining an advanced degree (which can be done easily given the number of nontraditional or distance education rn to bsn, rn to msn (bridge option for those with bachelors degrees in other fields, as well as phds that allow entry to bsns that prepare you to be a nurse researcher or nurse educator) one can work in research, nursing education, become a clinical nurse leader, clinical nurse specialist/nurse case manager. nurses are not restricted to working in the hospital, there are opportunities in home health, public health, community based clinics, doctors offices, nursing homes, assisted living, geriatric care management, care coordination, etc. last but not least, nurses are becoming entrepreuneurs at a rapid rate these days! the opportunities are limitless and the shortage is not over! :twocents:

best wishes to everyone in all future endeavors! :yeah:

woman on a journey