New Here And Need Some Advices

veegeern, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2005

First let me say that your age isn't an issue as long as you are in good health and are committed. I started a PT program when I was 28. For reasons that I won't go into here, I didn't finish it. I graduated with my BSN at the ripe old age of 33. PT and nursing are very different. Either way, plan to do some very intense studying. Both are heavy in science and application. Meaning that you can memorize information, but you have to be able to understand and use that information almost as soon as you learn it. There were students in both programs that had children. Those who had a good support network finished, and those that did not weren't able to keep up because a lot of time is spent both in class and out of class for both programs. Both careers are physically and mentally demanding. Nursing probably offers more varied work environments than PT, but not by much. I would reccomend that you look beyond "helping people." You've found two choices that offer that for you. Try to do some research for yourself about what each person actually does in different settings: hospital, clinic, home, school, community, etc...and see if that helps. I was able to follow a PT in various settings by contacting a hospital and a clinic and telling them that I was considering applying to a program of study and would like to observe. Finally, if it's something that you really want to do, stick with it no matter how long it takes.

NaomieRN · Nov 30, 2005

Where do I start?
Well I am 32 and I came in this country 4 years ago met my soul mate and decided to stay here.
For the past 2 years I have been running a small business from home but I grew tired of it.
All my life I mainly worked with children from being a childcare provider to being a counselor.
I always been interested in nursing and also in physical therapy but until now never has the opportunity to accomplish either one.
I am not interested by the money but by the human aspect and the ability to help and care for others and maybe make a difference in people’s life
I am now in a time of my life when I have the maturity, and the time that would allow me to go back to school to pursue anything I want but I need some advice and I was hoping this would be the right place.
First I am 32 and from another country so should I even consider being a nurse am I not to old to start? After all I graduated from high school in 91 never been to college and to make it worst English is not my primary language. So do I even stand a chance to be able to enter school and once I enter to succeed?
A lot of you on this site have been in this field for many years would you recommend this profession and if you do what qualities do you think are essentials for this job
If anyone as experience in both nursing and physical therapy what would you advise being a nurse or physical therapist assistant?
Looking forward for your answers
Deborah

Hello,

I am 35 years old, already have a Bachelor in Nutrition and a Master in Education. I recently decided to pursue a degree in nursing. I started as been wanting to be a nurse, but I failed the first semester when I was 21 and was discouraged by staff, instead I pursued Nutrition. When I look around my classes, I am one of the youngest person. There are people that are in their mid 40s. I believe there is a lady there that may be in her early to mid 50s. I came from another country also and English is not my first language. The bible tells us in Philipian 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ, who strenghtens me". You are 3 years younger than me. If I can do it, so can you. I will start the nursing program in September 06. I am looking forward to start with a positive attitude.

Just pray to see what God wants you to do. Both careers are rewarding. It is better to choose one, than not to choose any.

Just take a class at a time. Dont take too many difficult classes together.

Good Luck

willtm · Dec 1, 2005

And you are going to be 40 anyway...you may as well be 40 and have a degree and a career you love:)

Hello,
I am 35 years old, already have a Bachelor in Nutrition and a Master in Education. I recently decided to pursue a degree in nursing. I started as been wanting to be a nurse, but I failed the first semester when I was 21 and was discouraged by staff, instead I pursued Nutrition. When I look around my classes, I am one of the youngest person. There are people that are in their mid 40s. I believe there is a lady there that may be in her early to mid 50s. I came from another country also and English is not my first language. The bible tells us in Philipian 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ, who strenghtens me". You are 3 years younger than me. If I can do it, so can you. I will start the nursing program in September 06. I am looking forward to start with a positive attitude.
Just pray to see what God wants you to do. Both careers are rewarding. It is better to choose one, than not to choose any.
Just take a class at a time. Dont take too many difficult classes together.
Good Luck

cdsable · Dec 21, 2005

Where do I start?
Well I am 32 and I came in this country 4 years ago met my soul mate and decided to stay here.
For the past 2 years I have been running a small business from home but I grew tired of it.
All my life I mainly worked with children from being a childcare provider to being a counselor.
I always been interested in nursing and also in physical therapy but until now never has the opportunity to accomplish either one.
I am not interested by the money but by the human aspect and the ability to help and care for others and maybe make a difference in people's life
I am now in a time of my life when I have the maturity, and the time that would allow me to go back to school to pursue anything I want but I need some advice and I was hoping this would be the right place.
First I am 32 and from another country so should I even consider being a nurse am I not to old to start? After all I graduated from high school in 91 never been to college and to make it worst English is not my primary language. So do I even stand a chance to be able to enter school and once I enter to succeed?
A lot of you on this site have been in this field for many years would you recommend this profession and if you do what qualities do you think are essentials for this job
If anyone as experience in both nursing and physical therapy what would you advise being a nurse or physical therapist assistant?
Looking forward for your answers
Deborah

Hi, I have been an LPN for 22 years mainly working in long term care. Nursing Homes and skilled nursing facilites. I worked 6 mo. at a Dr. office. I worked 2 days in a hospital. I really enjoy working with the elderly. It is a very rewarding job. You are not to old to go into nursing. If it is something you want to do, you will do good. It was very interesting to me in school, learning about the human body. I enjoyed it so much, I made all A's because it was something I wanted to do. Go after your dreams. I am 48 yrs old and am now studying for my RN degree at home through a directed study system from LPN to RN program. I really enjoyed office nursing also. I got pregnant and the Dr. left, so I was layed off my job. Office did not pay as well as nursing home nursing. Go for it, it sounds like you would make a great nurse!!!