I am starting community college this summer to get my nursing prerequisites and general requirments done this year, I will apply to the ADN program and if I don't get accepted upon first try I'll transfer to a university to go straight for my bachelors. Anyhow. My mother has been wanting to pursue the nursing program for atleast 10 years...maybe more. She has tried and tried to go back to school but has been brought down by having to raise 3 younger kids and work fulltime in a degrading job that she absoluetly hates. I love my mom so much and I want to encourage her to start this summer attending college classes for her prerequisites with me. She has completed Ethics and Math as far as I know so she will actually be ahead of me Which is good because she can get stressed easily and doesn't retain information as much now that she is older. I will have full financial aid paid for, but my mom doesn't know if she's still eligible because she had to drop an Astronomy class and I guess failed it or something and she had a horrible intructor...it's complicated but I'm sure she'll find a way to get financial aid.
What is the best way to encourage my mom though? She can be impatient and the road to becoming a nurse is not easy or short I know. Considering the situation I can't see my mom going straigh for her bachlors...she's 39...she might be able to get it online after she gets her ADN though....considering this economy...will it be super hard for her to find a new grad job after nursing school? This worries me:crying2:
I just graduated from an ADN program in Jan 2011, and passed the NCLEX last week. I turned 59 in December 2010. I have an RN job lined up because I have been working in a hospital while going to school. Personally, I found myself to be much more focused, disciplined and determined to go through nursing school successfully than when I was younger. It was tough, but extremely satisfying.
If your mother hates her present job, maybe she can find work in a hospital until she completes her studies.
I just graduated from an ADN program in Jan 2011, and passed the NCLEX last week. I turned 59 in December 2010. I have an RN job lined up because I have been working in a hospital while going to school. Personally, I found myself to be much more focused, disciplined and determined to go through nursing school successfully than when I was younger. It was tough, but extremely satisfying.
If your mother hates her present job, maybe she can find work in a hospital until she completes her studies.
I was 38 when I was accepted into a nursing program and I DECLINED the offer. Why? Not because I didn't want to be a nurse. It was just bad timing. My children were still in middle and high school and my husband works long shifts as a firefighter. I applied again and was accepted two years later and graduated at the age of 42. It was a better decision for me and for my family.
Nursing school takes a huge commitment and a great deal of sacrifice - for your mom and your whole family. Maybe you mom isn't quite ready to make the leap. I would still encourage her, show her all the posts from students who did it that were older than she is now.
Also, consider the job market that you are in. Many new grads cannot find jobs (like me) and struggle to make ends meet Just because you can afford the tuition, doesn't mean you can afford to go without a paycheck. So in the end, she may have kids to feed and no job which is a great deal harder on a mom than to have a crappy job that is, at the least, an income.
My advice is to support her, encourage her but don't pressure her!
I was on the 10 yr program and then after 2 kids I had to say I was on the 15yr program. I graduated at 40 and love nursing! Encourage your mom and let her read a few of these posts. I can tell you going into nursing was and is the best decision I have ever made for myself and my family. Good luck to both you and her.
At almost 59, I could be your grandmother! LOL But seriously, I have found older people (over say 30-35) make better nursing students because of their life experience. NOT TO SAY THAT YOUNG PEOPLE MAKE LOUSY NURSING STUDENTS!! Please, no harm intended. I just like working with adults who have done a few things besides go to high school. Good luck to both of you! I also liked the idea of your mom starting with on-line courses to boost her confidence. Good idea!
Lol oh I understand that! Younger people, for the most part, really don't know what they want in life or what to expect most of the time. This is why I want to get out there and pursue it!!!! I want to experience the challenge for myself and honestly I can't see myself in any other profession but nursing. Everything about it is just me (: Thanks for your input!
I just graduated from an ADN program in Jan 2011, and passed the NCLEX last week. I turned 59 in December 2010. I have an RN job lined up because I have been working in a hospital while going to school. Personally, I found myself to be much more focused, disciplined and determined to go through nursing school successfully than when I was younger. It was tough, but extremely satisfying.
If your mother hates her present job, maybe she can find work in a hospital until she completes her studies.
She's thinking of challenging the CNA exam, since she can't take a training course. Are there any other hospital positions besides CNA that she could get? And congrats on your job!
She's thinking of challenging the CNA exam, since she can't take a training course. Are there any other hospital positions besides CNA that she could get? And congrats on your job!
What about taking a med term course and becoming a Unit Secretary?
I have my fingers crossed to be admitted to an ADN program Fall
2011 - I turned 50 on Feb 7th. and have a 4.0 average.
Being a "nontraditional Student" has it's own set of challenges, but then so
does being in a Job You hate - if she needs more cheering, have her e-mail me!
This will be my 3rd Career - and the last. Nursing has as many options as one
has dreams. She doesn't have to work in a hospital, there are many options that are more flexible. My son is 10, and my biggest supporter. I still want to be
there when he goes to school, and gets home. (after RN school).
By the way, what a wonderfull daughter you are, pushing her to be more, being a cheerleader for your Mom, like she has been for you.
You are never to old to reach for your dreams - only too scared.
Your mom is young! But it sounds like she's had to juggle a lot of responsibilities in her life and has seen plans derailed because of life circumstances -- happens to us all as we get older -- and she may be feeling like she needs to be cautious about taking the leap. Wants to make sure all of her ducks are in a row. Nothing wrong with that.
Nursing school is a huge commitment, physically, emotionally, and timewise. Her academic and professional trajectory, even if the two of you start together, will not be the same as yours, because she's going to be dealing with other types of challenges.
School will be hard for both of you but it will be hard in different ways and for different reasons.
I think you should encourage her and maybe point her in the direction of jobs and resources, but allow her to determine how she wants to do this on her own terms. That way, if you get started first, you'll be able to use your own experiences to be supportive of her once she makes her decision. You might find that she looks to you as an example.
There are lots of admin jobs or even unit clerk. I came from finance, found a job as an administrative secretary in the hospital. There are also many types of service jobs. I think the fact that I told them at all interviews that I had decided to become a nurse (but would be there at least 2 years in that job) helped me get the job - i.e. interest in healthcare.
Which is good because she can get stressed easily and doesn't retain information as much now that she is older. I will have full financial aid paid for, but my mom doesn't know if she's still eligible because she had to drop an Astronomy class and I guess failed it or something and she had a horrible intructor...it's complicated but I'm sure she'll find a way to get financial aid.
Just because you can afford the tuition, doesn't mean you can afford to go without a paycheck. So in the end, she may have kids to feed and no job which is a great deal harder on a mom than to have a crappy job that is, at the least, an income..thumb.jpg.421493329dd1f136a4222fe8e9399213.jpg){kind=small}
OldNurseEducator
290 Posts
I love your posts!
