need some positive reinforcement. help?

[espo44]

Hi all,

I got my bachelor's degree forever ago, when I was too young and irresponsible to know what I wanted to do. Now I'm 34, I've got a 2.5 and a 1 year old, and I want to become a nurse!! So I'm starting my very first pre-req in 3 days. It will take me about 2 years to finish all the pre-reqs since I have to take one at a time and work full time. My goal is to get into an Accelerated BSN program once the pre-reqs are finished.

But here's the problem. Right now, as I get ready to take my first college class in ten years, I'm feeling nervous and negative about my chances about even getting into an ABSN program. I mean, what if I spend all this time taking the pre-reqs and in the end, can't even get into a program??!! I KNOW that I'll do well in my pre-reqs because this means SO much to me. I mean, for the first time in my life, I know what I want to be "when I grow up"!! I'm so excited about the possibility of becoming a nurse and truly helping people. Right now I'm a project manager in a corporate setting and it's soul sucking. There is nothing redeeming about it except that it pays the bills. Anyway, can anyone offer some encouragement? It seems like such a LONG time from now that I'll even be done with my pre-reqs and the entire time, I'll be scared that I won't even get into a program. I guess I just need to hear some positive stories.

Thanks for letting me vent!

[sh1901]

Hi espo44,

I'm almost 32, I have a 10 year old and an 11 year old. I also got a BA when I was young and well, dumb. I knew what I wanted but didn't go for it for various reasons. It was tough going back to school. I had to take some prereqs and started my program in January 2009. I'm now in my second semester and I LOVE it! It's scary, don't get me wrong, but very rewarding. It's also had to give up time with my family (both away from home and when I'm there but need to study).

You can do this! Just hang in there!! You'll find a lot of encouragement and support on this site as well. :redbeathe

[ellakate]

but here's the problem. right now, as i get ready to take my first college class in ten years, i'm feeling nervous and negative about my chances about even getting into an absn program. i mean, what if i spend all this time taking the pre-reqs and in the end, can't even get into a program??!! i know that i'll do well in my pre-reqs because this means so much to me. i mean, for the first time in my life, i know what i want to be "when i grow up"!!

patience, grasshopper. . .

since you have been to college before, you will do the right thing by just showing up. attend your classes with confidence, remembering that your classmates may not have done it before. it is a little bit soon to to worry about getting in to a program. first things first. get those pre-reqs out of the way and make good grades. that will improve your opportunities when the time for application arrives.

good luck! you will do well. when i returned to complete my degree in my late 30's, there were moms in my classes. their kids were always so proud of them.

[nicuRNor]

I agree with the "first things first rule." I definitely get caught up in all the "what-if"s but one step at a time really helps. I recently started an ABSN program after 2 years of prereqs working full time at 28 yrs old. I know you can do it! One class, one day at a time. If it's something you really love it will happen and I believe the universe will take care of you if you put your mind to it.

Good luck, stay on top of things one day at a time, and you will definitely make it! :)

[vmoh18]

I am 35 years old and am in my second year of my program. I have two more semesters to go. I too thought I was to immature to know what I wanted to be when I grow up. My grandfather helped with that decision on his death bed. He said to me " It is always easier to listen to the negative thoughts in your head than to have the courage to pursue your dreams. Remember if it is to be it is up to me." It took me a while to figure out what he was talking about, but I finally realized that he knew before me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Every time I want to give up I can hear him saying those words and find the courage to go on. Just also remember you can do this.

[NinetyNine]

Hi Espo44,

You should be proud that you finally have discovered what you want to do in life! :yelclap: A lot of people still struggle trying to figure it out and some never come to a solid conclusion. Age means nothing nowadays. Don't watch the hour glass - focus on improving yourself and doing what you want!

:anpom::nmbrn:

[ShantheRN, BSN, RN]

I started out as an english lit major. I didn't want to teach and had no clue what I'd do with a BA in it. Reading is my passion so I chose something that was easy! I didn't finish that degree due to family tragedies. I didn't figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up until I was 28. It took a few stumbling years before I took the leap. I'll be 33 when I graduate with my ADN. It takes a lot of soul searching, and very few 20somethings figure that out after a few years of college!

Good for you on starting the path to your career! One class at a time, just keep telling yourself that. I was so nervous about going back (had fears of being the old lady on campus lol) but it goes away. Your confidence will come back faster than you think.