Nursing School or Not?

bellarosa · May 13, 2005

This is a frustrating time for you. I was in similar shoes 2 years ago. I was worried about prereqs for nursing school, so I took Chemistry first. I gave it my all and came out with an A. I just graduated from an accelerated BSN program. I really think it was the best decision I ever made.

No one can tell you if it is for you or not. But, it sounds like you would make an excellent nurse. Nursing is also a good job compared to waitressing. You already have a degree so you know what it takes to study and succeed.

Have you talked with your family about this? They would be excellent resources for your questions. Have you thought about what kind of nursing you are interested in? You may want to follow a nurse for a day to keep you motivated. Reading posts on this forum can be motivating too.

Good luck!

GrnHonu99, RN · May 13, 2005

it's never too late!:) if you want it, go for it!! Good luck... :)

LilRedRN1973 · May 13, 2005

First off, it's NEVER too late. I am in a class that's graduating in a few weeks and we have many students who are over 40....a few are in their 50's and we have one who is 61. So don't say it's too late. I waitressed from age 18 until 29, when I began nursing school. I made okay money (actually, I made about the same as some RN's make in the south from what I read here...but it was NOT very rewarding work) and liked my job. But I got married to a man who had custody of his two young children and knew I would need to help provide a better life than what waitressing could offer...especially as I got older. So I applied, was 4th on the alternate list all summer and about a week before school started, found out I was in!

It's been 2 LONG years and I will be pinned on May 24.....I look back and can't believe I made it through, but I did. As for you being worried about classes such as physics and such....I did not have to take any kind of classes like that. I did have to take one chemistry class but only because my high school chemistry had been taken in 1987. My school wouldn't accept any classes over 10 years old, so I had to take it again. I found a very supportive instructor (chemistry is my WEAKEST subject by far) and muddled my way through. I would not worry about the science aspect. Make it through Anatomy and Physiology...and Microbiology. But at least those are far more interesting than a physics or chem class (to me anyways!).

I say, go for it....especially if you enjoy taking care of people. I love "being needed" and feeling like I've made a difference in at least one person's life at the end of the day. I did not get that feeling with waitressing.....LOL! This is a perfect career for me and I'm glad I chose to go this route. Prior to this, I had been taking classes here and there to obtain a teaching degree. I think this is more my "thing" than teaching, but maybe someday, I will give back and become a nursing instructor!

Good luck in your decision....and remember, it's never too late! I will say that I envied the students who were in their early 20's with no children and/or husband. It's been a struggle trying to keep a household together, raise a 5 year old and an 8 year old (my stepkids live with my husband and I full time), keep my hubbie in school full time while he worked his 12 hour night shifts, stay in nursing school (gotta keep the grades up!) and work my night shifts at the hospital. But now that I look back, I'm VERY proud I did it!!! School's been out for about a week and my house is JUST NOW looking like it did before school started....ROFL!!!!!

Nursing school is an adventure. I wouldn't trade it for the world. You stay with the same people for 2 (or 4) years and become close with some of them. You experience an awful lot with that same group of people and it's going to be very weird and a bit sad to leave them behind. But I'm looking forward to starting on my new journey June 6th (orientation for my new job) and will actually be working with of my classmates (the only boys in our class).

Melanie = )

ICU....here I COME!!!!!!!

Princess74 · May 13, 2005

If nursing is something that you really want to do then do not let anything stop you. Its not to late for you. I'll be 31 when my LPN program starts this fall. Theres a waiting list here 5 miles long for the RN program so I am doing my PN now and I will take the bridge classes later. No biggie, I'll just get more experience being an LPN before I become an Rn.

There are many people much older then us just starting their nursing classes. No one is ever to old to go back to school.

NurseCherlove · May 13, 2005

Hi,

I can definitely relate to your struggle as I was 29 years old when I finally made the decision with what exactly I was to do with my life. I am an RN as of last August, and quite honestly, am not sure if I did in fact make the right decision. I guess like you, I also felt like my time was running out. Also like you, I have another degree (Psychology), one with severe career limitations. Honestly, nursing in the real world is not what I thought it would be. I'm not sure if if was because I chose the wrong hospital to work for or what, but my experience has been more negative than positive. Now, don't get me wrong, there are definitely intrinsic rewards, knowing that you are helping people. However, the stress in the work environment can be relentless!!! I finally left that hospital, but before I did, I had gotten a peptic ulcer and had lost so much weight (which I already could not afford to lose). I really started hating nursing. I am not giving up just yet on it (I worked too hard for that degree!). I think I just need to find the right workplace. Unfortunately, I hear that most acute settings are pretty stress-laden. So, my advice to you is that if you do not handle constant stress very well, you may want to reconsider. But then again, you don't always have to work in a hospital either. But to get ahead in this field, you really shoud work in a hospital for a few years. Just don't get hasty like I did. There's a nursing shortage for a reason.

Hello,
This is my first time using such a site and i am glad that i took the time to register because i need some feedback. I graduated from College 2 years ago this June with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications. Since then i have waitressed, and have been a nanny for the most part as my jobs to pass time and make ends meet. Here i am just turning 25 years old and still debating what it is i am "supposed" to be doing.
I have always thought about Nursing School but never took the time to look into it during undergrad. My father is a doc, mom and 2 sisters are nurses so i guess it runs in our blood. I care so much about people-always wanting to help the sick, donating money towards different charities for Cancer patients, etc. and people have always told me i would make a good nurse because of my caring and nurturing nature.
What's my problem you ask? I don;t know if it is for me. I have become so frustrated with trying to apply to schools and waiting lists etc i feel like i am running out of time. I also am not too great in classes like physics and Chemistry-just never has been my strong subject if you will. So ontop of being frustrated i am intimidated by such classes as those. I have looked into the career and like the fact that : you are obviously working with all sorts of people, good pay and benefits, constantly a new challenge, always walking around and not just sitting at a desk all day...etc. Not to mention i cannot see myself anywhere else right now, there isn;t a true spark. And at least i would be ina career that you feel good about helping out other people in need.
I am going on a tangent. I guess i just really need help with deciding.....how do you know if Nursing is for you and is it ever too late? I am getting so frustrated with the wait lists etc i feel like time is running out. The majority of ME is saying go for it but then i have a part of self-doubt that's playing a big role.
Please, somebody read my story and help me out. Thank You!
LP

Parks123 · May 13, 2005

Thank You for most of your replies to my last post about whether or not Nursing is for me. I do have a question though, have u heard which program, either the ACCELERATED BSN (12 months) or SECOND DEGREE BSN (2 years) is better to go through? I have heard a lot of horror stories about the 12 months programs. Please get back to me. Thank YOu! :)