penguinforlife

to either become a oncology registered nurse or business management. i have been in the healthcare industry since i was 15 years old. i love taking care of others (administrative, assisting a physician, mixing chemo, urgent care, etc.). i also love doing management on the business side of healthcare (case management, insurance, etc.). i am a jack of all trades and master of none. i have worked my way up in every company i have worked for, but in today's world "grandfathering" you in a position doesn't exist anymore. you now need to have a formal education with a degree to back it up....which i completely understand. i am ready to get my formal education but found myself puzzled on what i want to be. i am 31 years old, currently enrolled in a florida community college full-time and doing the basic perquisites because i am undecided and need of some career advise. i have spoken with the college counselor, i walked away saying to myself i am still unsure because i got a basic answer without alternative avenues. i understand you have to start with the basic classes then move up but i am looking for some suggestions. i guess what i am asking is to take a test on what is the best career choices for me (if there is one). i want to make the best of my opportunities and take full advantage of being able to go school full-time without having to balance a career at the same time. don't get me wrong...my partner and i have four children and i am balancing home-life as well (as most of you). can you give the "undecided" something to think about? :typing

I know the feeling. I haven't been in school in tweleve years. I am starting school on August 25th. I can't wait to start and get involved.

ladypat and Equestrienne: Thanks guys for your stories. Its great to know there are others like us managing home/goals in life. This is taking if off subject but I was watching Wife Swap and there was mom who only takes care of her family and another mom who only works while dad takes care of the family. At the end of the show the moral was that even though we are parents and/or partners doesn't mean we don't want our life goals. Speaking for myself..I lost my goal while taking care of my family and now I can manage both...everyone is happy including me. Hats off to all moms and dads who are managing home and going for their goals. Good luck! PS: I'm so glad you responded to my thread because it feels good to vent to others who understand your fustrations. Thank you!:typing

Ms. Dennah, Thank you for advising ebay..It slips my mind about that place. Good luck on your bid. :typing

GGT1, Thank you! I am going to schedule a meeting with them on Monday as July 31st is creeping on me. The hard part for me is knowing I have to fork up the cash and then get reembursed from Financial Aid three to six weeks later. The reason why I am applying for the aid is because I don't have the money. Its sad this is the process...My heart goes out to ones who doesn't have the means nor knowledge of this gruling process. I'm learning the process now and not banking on financial aid to come through before classes start..which is very unfortunate.

Okay...so I will be in the average range because I am 31. :). My chin is up and soon I will be posting my thoughts regarding starting school in your 30's. Thank you ladies for your advise. Its great to know your not the only one experiencing the same thoughts.:typing

Thank you for your encouraging words. I'm starting with one pre-req and three prepratory classes. Unfortunately I have to do prep classes but fortunately I will be fine tunning my skills in the process. I do agree with the fact that we have more experience and motivation behind us. I have to admit that when I graduated high school many years ago I didn't have desire to go to college, so I started my family. No that the kids are older I want a degree and what life has to offer.

I am new to the college world. I have to admit I am a bit nerveous attending class with the "young whipper snappers". I know I am not that old myself but going back to school to reach my goals in tweleve years, its overwhelming but I am excited. My goal is to make the best of it and make friends/study partners. I am a mom of four, worked in medical field for 16 years (last job being a chemotherapy pharmacy tech.) and I am going to school fulltime starting this fall. My plan is to make the most of being able to go to school full-time and go for my AA in business while doing pre-reqs for my main goal, RN in oncology. Any advise for a new student?

I am starting school for the first time in twelve years. I am newly divorced and mom of three. I have quit my job, move to a new town with partner, and I am starting college this fall full-time. I am at the end of the process I believe but I am on pins and needles waiting to know what and if any financial aid will be awarded to me. Thank goodness I just recieved a scholarship but its not enough to cover my total tuition or books. I have kept a log book on every time I have contacted the financial aid office, advisors, and foundation dept. No one gives you an exac answer regarding your financial aid. But they do say "you need to contact the financial office". That is fine, but when you always get voicemail and no return calls and/or send an email without a response it gets very aggrevating. My deadline for payment in full is July 31 and here it is July 25th and still no answers. Can anyone explain the process or their own story?:typing

Wow! I am so grateful to this site because folks like you help educate and give us GREAT advise. I looked up the above sites to try them out. I wasn't able to find my books on any of them and its because of the coorifices I am taking, but I did add them to my favorites for future references. Thank you for advise, it really helps.

Hi! I am also starting my pre-reqs this fall. I noticed you said your are going for your AA then go for your BSN. I'm new to the college world... but are you going for a AS in nursing instead of AA? The reason why I ask is that there is a long process to get into the RN program, so as I work on my pre-reqs for nursing I will also work on my AA degree in business. Can you help me to understand?

The main reason for not carrying the cell phone is that it is a distraction to your work/patient care. We all know to well of the co-workers that take advantage of using their cell phone for non-emergencies and they have caused it to be a clause in our hand books that its "No No". Me on the other hand...I carry my cell phone with all sounds off and use it for a link to my kids/family as most of us do. But when I use it I step away from patient areas.

Hey girl! Sorry your going through this. Chin up..one day you will be given an opportunity to take you out of this situation. Have you looked around for another position at the hospital?

Wow! It great to know I'm not the only one starting my career and college after starting my family. I get to enroll in my classes on July 21st. I am so stoked.