Older Mom With Adult Kids Want To Try Nursing Again

[undecidedmom]

Hello all,

I hope to get some good feedback here. Please be respectful we are all adults here.

Here is my dilema. I am 42 years old. My kids are finally old enough to take care of themselves. I am no longer married and struggle everyday financially. While nursing will not make me rich, I believe it would help me feel better about myself if I became a nurse. It was my attempt when my kids were babies to be a RN. When I was married my husband put me down for wanted to further my education. He wasn't supportive and that contributed to my failure.

Back in 2000, I took core courses for the RN program at Chattahoochee Technical College. I loved the school and passed everything except math. There I spent two years there trying to pass math, with the help of a tutor. You talk about feeing like a big idiot! My grade was better after the tutors help, but it still wasn't enough to get into the program. One of my kids is going to school to be in the medical field as a veterinarian. Although I am a proud mom, I wonder if I should go back or just continue to let the grass grow under my feet. Applying for deadend jobs has gotten the best of me.

Now a 2 year program is offered unlike before. I wondered if I knew what to study before applying for enrollment woud it help me. Guys I can't pass the basics. I am stupid in math. It is just one of those things that I wonder if I could make it this time. I can focus more, because kids are older. God knows I don't have the pressure to date and allow men to distract me anymore.

I need friends to help me decide. Especially people who attend Chattahoochee. Men or women it doesn't matter. I need support. I read about the exams and everything you guys experience. I am heart broken about how my ife has turned out. Bascially I want to do better with whatever life I have left. Honestly I have done well considering my struggles. I've own a business and supported my family. Since the economy took a downturn my business did as well. My business is hanging by a thread and it involves hiring men to do the hard work and heavy lifting of equipment. They have not been dependable and has left me handicapp. Therefore, I rather do something where I only depend on my capabilities. Plus it would be nice if my ex husband found out I was a nurse.

If you've read this far thanks...look forward to read replies

[mangopeach]

As far as math, start at the basics. Take a remedial class. Best thing I ever did. I'm in my first semester of nursing school now. But I started with remedial math. I had to go back to ground zero and then build on that. I always hated math and thought I would never get it. I did. You just need the right foundation first.

Also, there is so much help available online these days. I am in my 30's and doing way better this second go round in school than I did fresh out of high school. You can do this, good luck!

[nxtchapter]

Hello undecided Mom!

I have just enrolled in Chattahoochee Tech for Winter Session and I am in the same position as you and felt the need to respond to your post. I will be 41 this year and I have been "waiting" for the right opportunity to "try" nursing as my second career. I am married and have 5 kids (blended family) and currently work full time in the banking industry. Well, we all know how well banks are doing these days and I have decided to bite the bullet and give online classes a try for the pre-reqs. I can tell you that I am taking 2 classes online-Math1111 and Psy1101. It is very challenging to find the time to do homework and study.....but, I'm trying. I really, really want this for MYSELF! You would think that as a banker with a degree in Economics & Finance that Math would be no problem. Well....don't I feel stupid! I have had to basically teach myself the material and it has been very difficult. After all, it has been over 18 years since I have had math classes! I am beginning to wonder if Online was the way to go for Math. I made the decision to take it online because I felt that I would be the "old lady" in class with a bunch of young students. I think the suggestion of taking basic/remedial math is not a bad idea. I'm not sure if I can make an "A" in the online class and may find myself repeating the course. Anyway, I wish you all the best and wanted you to know that it is motivating to me to know that there is someone else out there going through the same thing!

[Rhody34]

Congratulations on your choice! I think its a great idea! If it makes you happy, why not? I'm in my second semester of a 4 semester program, and there are many students who have raised their kids and are now completing school. In my class of 40- theres actually I'd say at least 10 in their 40s, and 2 are in their 50s! And- they are great students too! I totally agree with the other poster- if math was tough for you, take a basic math course. I took a math right before my dosage class and it really was the best thing I could have done. Really prepared me, and now I do very well with the math! Good luck! You can do it!!

[INLPN93]

I am 41, have 2 teens and am back at school for my RN.

I say go for it, if its what you want want. :)

I don't do well in math either. I took a basic math and pre-algebra class and re-learned the basics. It helped alot, I got a B in the class and am more confident in math skills. Which helps with Pharmacology math. I recommend starting there, it certainly won't hurt things.

Good Luck! And never let age stop you! :)