Pondering a Nursing Degree-Please Help

futurecnm · Jun 11, 2008

I need some advice...please. I am a single mom of 3 boys, 16, 18 and 20. I am a licensed REALTOR and the market has not been good to me lately. I need a new job/career and have always thought about nursing. My 18 yr old son has an artificial heart valve (2 open heart surgeries) and is doing great, you would never know. My 20 yr old son was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, doing great. My kids would love for me to go into nursing....I've spent alot of time in hospitals! However, I will be 48 in August, 2008. I don't know if I can financially afford a RN program, I don't know which one to investigate (Medical Careers Institute?), I need advice on which degree would be the most advantageous for me including time frame and cost and jobs on the other side. I want a career that I can always have, always be able to work, nights or days. Oh, and how hard is it?!!
I appreciate your advice, and any suggestions. I live in Richmond, VA. Thank you very much.

if you have a passion for it and are not afraid to work hard to get the degree, then go for it. You won't ever regret going for it, and you may regret it if you don't. It IS hard, it is the most challenging thing I've ever done and this was a 2nd degree for me. I also learned so much about myself and others that I am glad i did it (just graduated in May and passed NCLEX monday). You can always start out taking a pre-requisite and see if you can get back into the school mode. It took me almost 4 yr including the pre-reqs (2 yr nursing school and 2 yr pre-reqs taken part time). You will most likely need them done before applying to RN school. Check with some schools as far as cost and what is required. I had to take sociology, psychology, communications, anatomy and phys I and II, general biology, and microbiology. Every school is a little different to check with ones in your area. I did the community college route due to the lower cost. It was very competitive to get into but well worth the wait.

OregonGal · Jun 11, 2008

I'm a "older student". This is my second career. Yes you can do it, and you're never "too old". We have several students in our program that are over 50. All shapes and sizes.

I just finished my 1st year of a 2 year RN program at my local community college. The community college is very affordable and has flexible hours for the prereq's. Once you get into a nursing program, then the hours are different than regular classes (at least in my case).

I have 3 teens, 16, 18, 19. I found that it's been very doable. As they are able to get dinner going, and aren't as high maintenance as younger children.

I didn't have any healthcare experience before starting nursing school. I wish I had some, like CNA or something. Just so I would be more comfortable during clinicals, feel more at home. You on the other hand have life experience through situations with your kids. You probably have already researched diabetes, which is a major area of chronic diseases. Your family support is even more encouraging.

Go for it!!! Don't worry about nursing loans, take all you can--you'll make enough $$ to pay back later. It's doable.

Jules A, MSN · Jun 11, 2008

Definitely check out your local community colleges. They are cheap and it doesn't take very long to get a LPN or ADN. Good luck!

teresadkinslpn2rn · Jun 11, 2008

I am 50 years old...or young LOL...and I just graduated in Dec and passed Nclex in March! So go for your dream! You are never to old!

Jo Dirt · Jun 11, 2008

Do you have any objection with becoming an LPN first?

The total cost of my LPN program with uniforms, fees and all the works was something like, $2300.

On top of that you're finished and working in a year, and making a fair wage at that.

When you are established as an LPN, it should make the transition to RN less of a shock and on top of that you can work in your chosen field while you're furthering your career. If you decide you're comfortable being an LPN that will be fine, too. I think where a lot of people fail is trying to accomplish too much too soon. Personally, I think being an LPN should be a prerequisite for getting into RN school.

Pinkster · Jun 11, 2008

I need some advice...please. I am a single mom of 3 boys, 16, 18 and 20. I am a licensed REALTOR and the market has not been good to me lately. I need a new job/career and have always thought about nursing. My 18 yr old son has an artificial heart valve (2 open heart surgeries) and is doing great, you would never know. My 20 yr old son was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, doing great. My kids would love for me to go into nursing....I've spent alot of time in hospitals! However, I will be 48 in August, 2008. I don't know if I can financially afford a RN program, I don't know which one to investigate (Medical Careers Institute?), I need advice on which degree would be the most advantageous for me including time frame and cost and jobs on the other side. I want a career that I can always have, always be able to work, nights or days. Oh, and how hard is it?!!
I appreciate your advice, and any suggestions. I live in Richmond, VA. Thank you very much.

You should look at schools in your area, and talk to a councilor. try searching the net for nursing programs in your area.

here is a community college in Richmond that has some details about their program and cost. (but don't forget about pre-reqs)

http://www.jsr.vccs.edu/curriculum/programs/NursingAAS.htm

Community colleges will be the cheapest but it is whatever works for your shedual. Also some hospitals will give you tuition reinbursment (up to a certain amount) if you will work for them for a certain period of time, usually 2 years. And look into financial aid!

Your never to old to start a new career!!!

Good luck.

StarryNyte713 · Jun 12, 2008

Hi! I'm a second-degree student in Williamsburg who's starting Thomas Nelson CC's nursing program in August. It is five semesters long year-round.

You should get started on your nursing pre-reqs asap while still working at your current job, then cut back to part-time while in nursing school. You could instead get a hospital job as a nursing assistant, etc., to make sure you want to be a nurse.

The community colleges are significantly cheaper than career institutes or universities. Strongly recommend going that route. You might want to check out this Associate's program that has an online component and clinicals in Richmond:

http://www.jtcc.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=200&Itemid=268

:yeah:

closetoshore · Jun 12, 2008

:yeah: thank you so much.....everybody. i never dreamed i would get such a great response and so positive.

i have an interview on monday with mci just to gently pursue the lpn route.

i grealty appreciate all the support and comments.

:redbeathe

mercymimi · Jun 13, 2008

I'm also an ex-realtor, now a CNA, and 6 months from starting a 2-year program. I LOVE my job, because I get more "Thank You's" than I ever got as a realtor. I mean, I get them every night!! (That's what keeps me going for now, cause it sure ain't the pay.)

I'm doing a two-year classroom program, because I don't see myself in management right out of school, and at my age (43), I need to get through in 2 years, not 3 or 4. I have the brains to do a BSN, just not the time. Good luck to you.

PolskiChlop · Jun 13, 2008

I have spent 30 years in manufacturing and I'm thinking about a career change to Nursing; I'm 61 and have a BA in Sociology and an associates in business administration. I have a niece who just became an RN who loves her job; she's got me thinking. However I'm afraid it's too late for me; am I fantasizing? No bs please, I've been around the block a few times.

whodatnurse · Jun 13, 2008

Hi. Fellow Virginian here. I'm starting a one year accelerated BSN program at a state university this fall. If I hadn't gotten in to that I would be applying to the ADN program at my local community college.

I'm impressed with the Virginia Community College System - quality, affordable education. I really think you should check out the one(s) near you. Good luck!