Pre-Nursing (Maybe???)

If this is really what you want to do, and have thought it through completely, and still want to become a nurse, then do it! Don't let fear stop you from acheiving your goals. It will be a whole different world, which will take time getting used to, so be prepared for that, but in the end, it'll be worth it. :) As for the math/science courses, you are in the accounting field, so you shouldn't have any problems. As for science, it depends on you. A&P and Micro are more challenging, but are doable, and I found that Chemistry was actually easier than A&P & Micro! I'm also changing careers, and sometimes I'm afraid of the big change, but that doesn't stop me from pursuing nursing. Don't give up!

I forgot to mention, about where to start, look online to see what nursing programs are offered in your area. What schools are there, and decide on what program would work best for you. There are ADN, diploma, and BSN. The BSN takes longer, since there are more prerequisite classes involved, but you receive a batchelor's degree. The ADN and diploma are similar, and you don't need as many prereqs, as you do for BSN. It's up to you. Once you've decided on where to take your prereqisites, then you can think about where you want to go to nursing school. The nursing programs are usually 2 yrs., full-time study (NOT including prerequisites), so you have to plan on how you're going to do that. Some nursing schools offer evening programs, but some do not. It all depends on where you live. Hope this helps. Once again, good luck!

The only way you'll know for sure is to do it, plain & simple! Right now I'm wrapping up my first Chem class since high school (a whopping 12 years ago) and currently have an A on it (knock on wood for the Final). Like you I'm also pretty bad at Math but got through it with a B. We all have our weaknesses and don't be afraid to grab a tutor to help you with the challenging stuff. Pre-nursing is no cakewalk, but it's do-able if you put in the time & energy!

Here is my situation. I have been in an accounting job for over 12 yrs. I have always wanted to become a nurse. About six months ago I decided to go for it, the problem is I am afraid that I can't make it. I am not the greatest at Algebra, although I got decent grades in science in High School I have had no College Science. I think I am afraid to come out of my comfort zone. As soon as I decide to go for it something always makes me hesitate. Plus I have no idea where to start. As soon as I think I am going to go for an ADN someone says Big mistake you need a BSN. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

First off stop listening to people, secondly now, listen to me

I felt the same way you did! I thought the task was too overwhelming and wouldn't be able to get through. I also had to take 2 classes of math to get into the "real" math. I took them one at a time as my first classes and really put all my effort into them. I did great and it gave me the confidence to move ahead. Next, I also never took any sciences in high school. I had taken Biology in College 20+ years before, I got a C but that was only because the instructor saw I put in a wee amount of effort. I took a pre anatomy course next, again gave me confidence. I then jumped in feet first for AP I and Chemistry. Wow can you believe with a little (ok a lot) of effort I got A's in both of them! I just kept setting small goas for myself, little by little I accomplished them, and then each time it gave me confidence to go further. This is exactly what you need to do, if you bite off too much slow down back away and go slower! If your doing well and feel good take on more. Just do whatever it takes to make your dream come true, but don't try and look at the whole picture all at once you will be overwhelmed!! You have to crawl before you can walk.

As far as BSN vs ADN you will get a lot of opinions on that, of course I would rather go straight for my BSN, however I am 39 now started this when I was 35, I needed to go the quickest way possible, I am doing CC because there is a school near me and it took people on pre req GPA, I knew I could get in first try if I worked hard enough. Other colleges near me have waits, or extra classes for the BSN, I might still get my BSN, but an RN is an RN either way and that is my goal for now! who knows what the future will bring, but like I said small bites!

Good luck and don't forget don't listen to other "people" just me

I forgot to mention, about where to start, look online to see what nursing programs are offered in your area. What schools are there, and decide on what program would work best for you. There are ADN, diploma, and BSN. The BSN takes longer, since there are more prerequisite classes involved, but you receive a batchelor's degree. The ADN and diploma are similar, and you don't need as many prereqs, as you do for BSN. It's up to you. Once you've decided on where to take your prereqisites, then you can think about where you want to go to nursing school. The nursing programs are usually 2 yrs., full-time study (NOT including prerequisites), so you have to plan on how you're going to do that. Some nursing schools offer evening programs, but some do not. It all depends on where you live. Hope this helps. Once again, good luck!

oh yes jumping off your post, one more thing for the OP to think about, if you are already accountant I am thinking you probably have a degree already, there are also schools that offer programs called accelerated BSN, for people whom have a degree already, it is one more option for the OP to consdier.

catzy5: I was just chipping in my 2 cents, trying to help the OP out. We are all entitled to post our comments and opinions, and it's up to the OP to listen to whoever he/she wants.

catzy5: I was just chipping in my 2 cents, trying to help the OP out. We are all entitled to post our comments and opinions, and it's up to the OP to listen to whoever he/she wants.

I am sorry I don't understand what your saying? I was just adding another thought to what you already commented on, I wasn't disagreeing with you. ??

Thanks, I think I will just take it slowly and see what happens. I do believe if I am determined enough I can make it. Just keep me in your thoughts I am going to need all the help I can get.

Wish me Luck

Dreamer, you can do it. I am in nursing school and I just turned 40. Nursing school was something I always wanted to do, but was afraid of going back to school. I didn't know where to start and I was really scared about prerequisites and I just said to myself well I am working full time so I should just stay where I am. I ended up staying in the job for 21 years! When I was 35 I decided to go for it. I went to see the counselors. I checked the schools in my area to see what prereqs were needed. Luckily they all were pretty much the same. Now since I had been out of high school so long, I ended up starting from scratch: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and then Statistics. I started with Biology, Health Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Anatomy and then Physiology. There were some very hard times(working full time and knocking out prereqs at night and being a full time mom as well), but I managed to get A's. If I can do it, you can too! I just finished my first semester of Nursing school and I loved it. Yes, nursing school is hard work, but you learn to be a good student knocking out those prerequisites. Do exactly as you said and just take it slowly and you will be surprised when you have all those prereqs knocked out. Best of luck to you. Regards, Jean