Any other "second career" students out there?

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Are there any other second career students out there? Or older students? I am attending nursing school after an 18 year career in I/T Learning and Development and I'd like to hear about the experiences and challenges of others in the same situation. How about getting into a nursing program - wait lists and such for those of us with little time to waste and balancing finances and families?

Great to see all the other 2nd degree students out there!

I am 32 and currently taking pre-reqs for nursing school. I actually have a degree in Sports Medicine, and have had many of the pre-reqs previously. The problem is that all my classes are more than 10 years old. At all the universities I have researched, this means that they are no longer eligible. It is a good refresher, but I wish I could get to nursing school faster!

I am in the same boat Stephanie,. I have an MS but it has nothing to do with nursing and I graduated 11 years ago so the pre reqs do not apply. Will you have to take everything over again? I am finding out as well that GPA matters also. The field is so competitive! Do you have to take a placement test?

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I am in the same boat Stephanie,. I have an MS but it has nothing to do with nursing and I graduated 11 years ago so the pre reqs do not apply. Will you have to take everything over again? I am finding out as well that GPA matters also. The field is so competitive! Do you have to take a placement test?

I am not sure about the placement test. I have to take all my science classes again. I know it is necessary becuase I don't remember all of my anatomy and physiology! I am not sure about the placement test. I just started looking at everything. Will you do an Accelerated BSN? Where are you thinking of applying?

I wish you the best of luck! I know it won't be easy.

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I just finished 6 years in the military as an electronics technician and the decision is in the hands of the RN program selection board at this point. Should find out by the beginning of Nov. for the Jan06 start date.

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Specializes in ICU,Oncology,School,.

Hi...I am 39 & will finish up my pre-reqs this summer for fall admission, hopefully, to a local BSN program. I am currently taking physiology & will take Micro & algebra this spring & then either finite math or pre-calc this summer. Any suggestion as to which one is easier???

After my first degree, I worked as a social worker for Child Protective Services for several years, then we started our family & I became a stay at home mom. Now the youngest will turn four in March & I am wading through pre-reqs (I also had to repeat several as they were 10+ years old).

I am excited to actually start clinicals in the fall but very nervous at the prospect of taking the two math classes. I haven't had math in 20 years!

I think it is fabulous that so many people have found the will & determination to go back to school & make a change in their lives. I am very pleased to "meet" all of you & wish you the very best of luck!

Heather

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Hi! I am 45 years old and have been a Lab Tech for the past 24 years. Decided on a career change when the company I worked for down sized and the good old seniority system downsized me right out the door! What a bitter sweet blessing!

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I am 31 with a B.S. degree in a non-nursing field going back for second B.S. in nursing. Looking to start the Accelerated BSN program Spring of 2007 after taking the prerequisites.

Tommy

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I'm 41 years old and in my 4th quarter of pre-reqs. There are lots of older students in my A&P I class this quarter. I've been a stay at home mom for the last few years. Before that I did all kinds of jobs from waitressing and bartending to running a small business.

This is my first time in college and I love it. Thank God for my husband putting me through school and being so supportive.

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Specializes in ICU.

I am 37 and leaving corporate marketing and starting an LVN program in January. I don't hate marketing, but it won't ever be a career that I love. It's funny - the idea of going back to school to get my MBA has absolutely no appeal to me, but the idea of going back to school for a nursing degree is exciting! I'm single, and there's only so long I can go without a full time income, but I can keep taking classes toward an ADN while I'm working as an LVN. Looking forward to it!

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I'm right there with you guys. Stay-at-home mom of two little ones with a BS in Psychology and several years of HR Management before children. I am taking one pre-req a semester and hope to apply to nursing school when my youngest starts school. I want to do something that matters when I return to work, not just push paper! Good luck to everyone.

Same here..31, BA psych SAHM of 2, been home for about 7 yrs, tho' I work very part-time(weekends, abt 6 hrs/week) I work in a lab, and its VERY boring. Been thinking of nursing for awhile, and although I sometimes get discouraged about money/job conditions, I am excited! Hope to start clinicals when my 2 1/2 y o enters school...taking pre-reqs in the meanwhile. Nice to meet y'all. Good luck to everyone

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Hi,

I too am going back to school after getting a BSBA degree in accounting. I knew long ago that I didn't/wouldn't enjoy accounting as a career. I am finally on the road to getting an ADN degree. I applied for the Spring 06 semester and am currently waiting to hear back from them. I have finished all but one course outside of nursing.

I have a full time job and two children. It hasn't been as rough as had thought it would be. I'm sure once I'm in the program I will have changed my mind. Right now I'm just anxious to know if I have been accepted. I'm so excited!!!:rotfl:

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I am so happy to hear of other "older" students! Sometimes sitting in class at college I feel so out of place because everyone is so young! I'm 41 & just starting my pre-reqs. It seems such a long road yet to take, but i'll just take it one step at a time. I'm an executive secretary at a hospital right now & the hospital's tuition reimbursement is wonderful. They pay for all my classes PLUS books so I couldn't pass it up. I've been thinking about becoming a nurse for awhile now. Good Luck to everyone out there starting a second career like me! Not sure what will happen when I get into the actual nursing program part of it because I think I'll always have to work, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

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I'm 46 and in my first year of nursing school, after being an accountant for 25 years. Very happy I decided to do this.

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