New Here,Olders Nurses to Be??

Published

Hi! My name is Gwen and I am 38 years old and looking forward to beginning a career in Nursing soon. I have always been interested in Obstetrics so think I might pursue either a Certified Nurse Midwife or a Womens Health Nurse Practitioner. I obtained my GED in 1997 and made alternate status at that time in the LPN program,however I want to pursue an Associates Degree at my local community college. I know that I require Gen Ed Courses in Language, Math and Chemistry before applying to the Nursing Program. Would my age make a difference in whether I would be chosen as a candidate for the program? Am apprehensive about the pre-enterance exam. Is there anywhere I can brush up on my skills for this exam? Thanks!

Gwen

Gwen - I want to become a midwife also, good to see others interested in the profession!

I'm an almost 30 y/old mom of 3. I think having the 3 kids makes me feel 10 years older though, they can be draining sometimes (all boys).

Honestly, I don't think they could reject you because of your age - that would be discrimination though I am not well versed on those laws!

I'm in the process of finishing up my prereqs (or in my case, re-taking some (A&P) because it has been 11 years since I took them) and it is tiring to do it all over again but like everyone has said, it is never too late to go back and I can't wait to start my nursing career!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Gwen...I was 39 when I entered nursing school. I'd spent 18 years as a respiratory therapist and took nursing pre-req's one at a time until I completed them. My age didn't matter when it came time to apply to nursing school...it was all GPA and letters of recommendation. Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To all you youngsters - take heart! I finished prereqs with A's and was just accepted this week into an ADN program (I have a BA in English!) If I can do it, you can do it too - I just turned 60!!!!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Seems like I'm in the same boat as some of you. I'm a 38 yr old mother of two who, after 10 years of working in a job I loved that I am being forced out of, have decided to take that giant leap to begin preparing for my ADN. I work 40 hrs a week and am currently taking 3 classes (night and telecourse) at our local community college for my pre-reqs.

The hardest thing for me so far (other than lack of sleep :chuckle) is working time in with my two children, hubby and get my schoolwork done. It's been a challenge so far - only into week 4 of my classes - but I'm enjoying getting back to learning new things.

A question for anyone who's already been there.....any tips you could share on balancing family, work and school life? I know it's a difficult situation, but I'd like to make sure my kids still know what their Mom looks like while I'm getting my degree. :)

You have asked the same questions I have had in my mind for several months now. I want to go into nursing ( I have a BS in mechanical engieering) and have a 16 month old son and want to have another one before I turn 34. I am 32 right now. I am so scared that I cant do it and balance everything. I need at least 8 hrs of sleep and dont know how I can balance working 40 hrs, spending time with hubby and baby, etc. I will be watching this post for suggestions.

Would anyone recommend just quitting work and going to school f/t and using loans to pay bills, etc for the few years until I get a nursing job?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTAC, Homehealth, Hospice Case Manager.

Hi Gwen!

I was 41 when I started my nursing program...I say go for what ya want! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

wdwpixie,

Part of learning nursing skills is learning proper lifting technique. If you are truly concerned, you might want to take a CNA class. This will give you lots of basics and practical info, including bed-making skills.

As for bed, I have always found that making a single bed (and one that can be raised to a comfortable level while I work on it) is much easier than making my own queen size bed at home.

Best of Luck to you

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You have asked the same questions I have had in my mind for several months now. I want to go into nursing ( I have a BS in mechanical engieering) and have a 16 month old son and want to have another one before I turn 34. I am 32 right now. I am so scared that I cant do it and balance everything. I need at least 8 hrs of sleep and dont know how I can balance working 40 hrs, spending time with hubby and baby, etc. I will be watching this post for suggestions.

Would anyone recommend just quitting work and going to school f/t and using loans to pay bills, etc for the few years until I get a nursing job?

I think it would depend on how you stand financially without your job. I too would like to have another child (yes, I'm nuts for wanting 4!) and have planned on working p/t while obtaining my pre-reqs and then getting a student loan to pay for the bills until I get a nursing job. Most of the money I'll earn during the p/t working (and hopeful pregnancy!) will be put into savings to help out during that time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion