Need Advice!!!!!

BellasMommyOBRN · Sep 16, 2008

you would be amazed as to what you can do when you really want something! i just had a daughter a year ago and thought it would be impossible to complete my nursing dream in the near future (especially since i am a single mommy!) so yes i had plenty of doubts but decided in the end to just go for it! don't let intimidation stop you. you will do just fine! this is coming fro someone who also wasn't a huge math and science fan in high school.

as far as paying for school, i was able to get a lot of grants because of my personal situation. if you need help, help is out there you just need to do some research.

good luck!!:heartbeat

Dreamer74 · Sep 16, 2008

Thanks, that does make me feel better. I just need to go for it and do my best. Also, good luck to you.

Nurse Salt · Sep 16, 2008

I remember the first day I went back to school... I was taking preqs @ the local Jr College and I was SO unsure of myself mainly because it had been so long since I was in school! I remember standing in the kitchen and my SO giving me the pep talk moms give kids on their first days... I was terrified! But after I got to class I felt like I had never graduated and I was 20 again! You can do this, and if you don't at least try you will regret it later! I too was bad at math and science in HS also because of too much socializing, you'll be surprised at how EASY it comes to you this time around! Good luck!

Dreamer74 · Sep 16, 2008

I hope that I have the same feelings. I just called the advising department at local jr college. I am going to go for it. Thanks for the encouragment it is greatly appreciated!!

NAM210 · Sep 16, 2008

The time is right if you feel it in you. I have been doing my job for 12 years and I am not happy at all. I have always wanted to be a nurse and now I feel is my time. I have just started my pre reqs at my local community college and I feel confident when I go to class. I am 31 and I felt like how could I even begin a new career. It took a lot of encouraging and this message board is the best place for us to get the best advice. I didnt realize how many people were in the same situation I was in. Keep going for your goal do not give up and as for the money situation there is lots of scholarships and grants uot there that they will give to unemployeed people. Speak to the financial office at your school and they will help you. Good Luck to you and go for it! I am!!! :yeah:

Bicster · Sep 16, 2008

With me not working money is going to be tight and there would be no way I could pay out of pocket. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

You should work and just take it one class at a time.

School can be expensive and it would be irresponsible to saddle yourself with debt being unemployed. This is especially true if nursing does not work out for you. Loans need to be paid back regardless if you complete the program or not.

francazeau · Sep 16, 2008

Hi Dreamer,

I am 36 years old and have three kids 10 and under. I just started my pre-reqs at the local community college. I have always wanted to be a nurse as well and I will not put it off any longer. You are never too old or too late to try something new.

As far as paying for college, there is financial aid out there as well as grants. Also, the local community college is usually a cheaper way to start off. My books costs more than my class! Good luck to you and please follow your dream! :up:

APUalyssa* · Sep 16, 2008

i would definintly go for it :up:

if you want to do it and its your dream

then why shouldn't you do it?

GOOD LUCK!

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Sep 16, 2008

I was in the same predicament you are currently facing. I earned my BS in Business Administration in 2003. Since earning my degree, I have been laid off three times. The last lay-off prompted me to make a career change. I too had considered a career in nursing when I began my undergraduate career. I don’t remember what made me choose business, but I did. I researched all of the schools that offered an Associate’s Degree. This biggie here in Indiana is IVY Tech. It is quite competitive. Although I think competition is important, I felt that completing my degree in the least amount of time was of more importance. I learned that Indiana Business College offered an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. So, went in spoke with a counselor and began working on my admittance into the program. Today, I am working towards that degree.

As for being good in science and math, I have found that because I am so passionate about nursing, those courses come easier to me than I anticipated. You may have to study more than the average, but I don’t believe it will be impossible for you. The teachers are there to help. They too want to see you succeed. You will be fine!

As for paying for school, because I was laid off back to back, my adjusted income was quite low. As a result, I received: a Pell Grant, and Indiana State Grant, and an Indiana State Nursing Grant. Check out to see what scholarships are offered. Your financial aid office will be the first place to start. There are also student loans (If you choose the federally backed loans, the interest rates are good right now). I have heard many hospitals even contributing to paying off some or in some cases all of a new-hire’s student loans.

I know this is long winded, but I sincerely hope it helps! Good luck to you.

Never2late1 · Sep 17, 2008

Hi there

I think now it is the right time to pursue the Nursing, don't you think? like you said you have been dreamming to study nursing, but you haven't had time, now you do, so why not. You are just 1 step away. For the tuition, there are many ways you can pay for school like financial aid, loans, and scholarships.

Good luck

Dreamer74 · Sep 17, 2008

ParkerBeanCurd, thanks for the advice. I know the longer I ponder about what to do, the longer it will be before it is a reality. I do think I am just going to go for it.