nursing school admit

[heatherbless]

Hello to all of you: I am looking for some advice in going to nursing school. I have been thinking about this for several years and feel that is is quite my calling. I have found a private BSN school in Virginia-with an awesome campus and facility, and can get in right away with no wait. I have visited the program and have found it to be the best in all that I have researched. But, if I go--it means that I will have to move my family a few hours away....and my dad is currently not doing very well with liver cancer. I feel like my family's problems are keeping my commitment here in NC--but, if I don't go....I may just keep putting it off. I am 36 years old, with one child, 4, and my husband-just retired from the military. We are not doing too bad financially--but, I just feel that with the economy and all, I need a big career change. I have a Master degree in counseling, but the jobs and the money have just not been so great. Any words to the wise?? I think about nursing all of the time and love the medical field. I became an EMT and a CNA just to get my feet wet--thanks for any advice.

[Sarah Kat]

Last year my mother-in-law was diagnosed with colorectal and liver cancers. She died two weeks after her diagnosis, unfortunately she was already stage IV. I cannot tell you what to do with your life, but personally I recommend spending as much time with your father as you can. If possible, maybe look for a nursing program closer to home, even if it is only a hospital program, an ASN program or even an LPN program.

A BSN can wait, your father probably cannot.

Not to be negative, but you will regret not spending the time with him if he should pass.

Personally, I am going into an LPN program in January, then plan to get my ASN through Excelsior through distance learning. Spending time in the CICU last year with my mother-in-law's nurses is what opened me up to a career in nursing.

Good luck with your father. I wish you the best.

[heatherbless]

yes, I see what you mean. I guess though--that I have tried to be closer with my folks and all--but, they just don't want to talk about the cancer or the future or anything. We came here mainly because of that-his cancer, and I feel so sad that I can do no more. I wish he would just tell me once that he loved me--I feel at such a loss with my life here right now--because I have so much to give and they will not accept our closeness....so, I don't know what more I can say or do. I am glad that I can be here-but, I still feel too lost and too empty. My husband has been fixing their house up for the last three months and I am thinking that this is better than doing nothing. But, if someone will not accept your love--you cannot force it on them. We have never been that close with my dad and I am really trying--I wish the answers would come easier. My mom died of cancer at age 50, and I am so very sad. I just give it to God and hope tomorrow will be better. thanks/hty.

[Katnip, RN]

Oh, Heather. I wish I had words that could help you. You can't force someone to accept your love, but you can keep giving it. At least then you'll know you tried.

And remember, sometimes people just can't express love. It doesn't mean it isn't there. They just never learned how to show it.

[heatherbless]

you are right about that. I have an identical twin sister and she said to me --just today--that when our dad is gone--we have the memories, each other and our own kids. I do not fault him for his lack of emotion--I just know that my children will never have that pain/thanks for your kind words/hty.