Newborn Nanny, Should I Return to School for Nursing at 48??

[sprtngrl47]

Hi everyone!

I'm currently a newborn nanny specialist, and have my own business. My love and passion is working with babies! I help parents after they've had a baby, and help with all aspects of baby care: fussiness, swaddling, feeding/sleep issues, etc. I also cook for the families I work for. I absolutely love what I do, but financially it's been tough. I currently make $20/hour, but pay double taxes, since I have my own business - I'm the employer AND employee. Being self-employed is rough!

I've been thinking about going back to school, and of course am looking at becoming a Postpartum Nurse. Being so passionate about babies and helping new moms, it seems like the next step. The problem is, I will be 48 next month!! Not only that, but math and science were never my "thing" in school. I have a marketing degree, so I don't qualify for FAFSA. I would be doing this all on loans.

I have met with a counselor at the local community college, and she suggested I do something else, like maybe Respiratory Therapy. She said I could possibly work with babies in the NICU. She also suggested becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant. I don't see how working in that field would lead me to working with babies, so I'm not so sure of that career, either.

I would love some advice here!! School will begin in September if I choose to go, so I need to make a decision soon. Thanks!! :-)

[sprtngrl47]

I realize I won't be spending a ton of time with the babies as I currently do. I also volunteer each week in the special care nursery at the local hospital, so I realize the time holding and feeding babies is very limited. That's what I'm there for as a volunteer, so the nurses can take care of much needed paperwork and other things. I love what I do, and can't imagine doing anything else. But financially, it's really been tough. I got divorced 3 years ago, and really need much better financial stability. I will definitely look into the Lactation work, but I have a friend who is an RN and a lactation consultant, and I think most of them who are hired into the hospitals are RN's. Thanks for the input and advice! :-)

[supermom44]

Hi! I was 48 when I started taking my pre reqs, now I'm 52 and will be graduating with a BSN in April 2016, just 10 short months away. )

I know how difficult it is to go back to school at this age, however, I don't regret it at all! When I started this journey I kept thinking, "but I''m going to be 53 when I graduate!!!!", and some wise soul on this site, said "you're going to be 53 whether you go back to school or not" ...and I figured I'd rather be 53 with a BSN and all of the opportunity that comes with being a new nurse with lots of life experience, than to always regret not following my dream.

I have four children (all grown) and they and my husband were my biggest cheerleaders! There were many days that I wanted to throw in the the towel, but I persevered and I'm a better person for it. (Thank God!) I took my pre-reqs at a community college, it was very affordable and applied to the University Nursing program and was accepted, a big surprise to me!

I'm saved and used that money for tution and books, and so far I only owe $5K in student loans. Everyone's financial situation is different, but at my age I don't want a lot of student loans, so I've paid as I go, save and pay...It was my goal to do this with as little student loans as possible and still maintain my savings account and retirement account.

I would ask yourself...What will life look like if I don't pursue nursing? What type of opportunities will I have? Will PTA give you the what you need? financially? job satisfaction?

You are blessed to already know what specialty you want to pursue and that's half the battle. Pray and follow your heart... God bless you on your decision. )

[TexRN, BSN, RN]

Have you considered becoming an IBCLC? What about a post partum doula? Birth photographer? CPM?