Nurses! Please! I Need Your Advice!

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I am 40 years old, and I always felt I have had a calling to become a nurse. I have thought about it all the time for the past 20 years. When I was 20 years old i was a CNA.

There has always been something to interfere with going to school for it. Money, kids, (although I wouldn't call them a interference) now I am in a place in my life that I could go back to college and pursue my dream.

The thing is. I have a comfortable job. My husband and I own a business. I do have to work 40 hours a week, but if I have to take off, i can.

I have weekends off, and i work a day shift.

Will nursing be worth letting go of all the perks? I would even be taking a little bit of a pay cut.

I occasionally get migraines, and sometimes get a attack of colitis.

I try to talk myself out of nursing. What do you guys think? Honestly?

I have went as far as taking all my pre reqs. I'm just scared.

Thanks for your time!

Kelly

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

Go for it !! never give up on dreams.... keep us posted on your schooling !!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Give it a shot! The worst that will happen is that you may not like it. But, you'll never know unless you try.

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i too was in your shoes. i had a very successful career, got the kids through school, had all that i could want, but still couldn't get rid of that feeling that i should be doing something more, giving something back. it's been a slow process, and i'm only just beginning, but i love being a nurse!!! i'll never make as much money and it's tough starting at the bottom at my age (43), but worth it all! this is my first post, i've only just joined but i felt compelled to respond. never give up on your dreams! i believe nursing is a calling. good luck.

:nurse:

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Hey Kelly, I was 42 when I started Nursing school, My children were pretty much grown, the joungest being 15 when I started pre-reqs. I had a good paying job in accounting, but I was sick of doing it, I saved as much money as I could (single mom, but still driving the same old car) while taking my pre-reqs at night. When I got accepted into NS, I quit and am now a full time student in my 2nd semester and I love it. I have never regreted my decision. If its truely something you have always wanted to do, then you owe it to yourself to go for it!!! Remember, you can do anything if you put your mind, heart and soul into it!!:redbeathe Good Luck, and keep us posted:)

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Here's some of the best advice I ever received from a friend 40 years my senior...."Don't be a woulda, shoulda, coulda!"

I'm 44 and will be graduating in Spring with my LPN. Same circumstances as you....except for panic attacks vs. colitis. Worth every sacrifice big or small....I refuse to be a woulda coulda shoulda. Best of luck to you in your new future. You can do it!

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When I started nursing school, I was the mother of a 4 year old and had a husband who was not very understanding. I made it through LPN, ADN, BSN, and MSN. GO BABY GO!

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Specializes in med-surg.

u go for it girl!!!

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.

If it's your dream, go for it. For what it's worth, I had a clinical instructor who had to cancel a clinical day because of migraines. She's been a nurse for over 20 years.

I went back at the age of 32.

I am 40 years old, and I always felt I have had a calling to become a nurse. I have thought about it all the time for the past 20 years. When I was 20 years old i was a CNA.

There has always been something to interfere with going to school for it. Money, kids, (although I wouldn't call them a interference) now I am in a place in my life that I could go back to college and pursue my dream.

The thing is. I have a comfortable job. My husband and I own a business. I do have to work 40 hours a week, but if I have to take off, i can.

I have weekends off, and i work a day shift.

Will nursing be worth letting go of all the perks? I would even be taking a little bit of a pay cut.

I occasionally get migraines, and sometimes get a attack of colitis.

I try to talk myself out of nursing. What do you guys think? Honestly?

I have went as far as taking all my pre reqs. I'm just scared.

Thanks for your time!

Kelly

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

Mother of 4, husband who is not very supporting, dog that needs walked, house that needs cleaned, living pay check to pay check, didnt think I was smart enough...the list of why I couldnt/shouldnt go back to school was endless, but I took it one class/1 semester at a time and the rewards far out weigh the challenge it was.

I regretted not going into nursing when I was 20, I regretted not going in when I was 30. I did not want to regret not doing it at 40. So I did and I cant imagine doing anything else!!

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Thank you all so much for your encouragement and sharing your stories I really needed to hear them. I didn't get one single negative response.

And thanks for taking the time to respond. I already love this website.

You guys are GREAT!

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