eisens

First of all, thank you to everyone who responded with "words of wisdom." I really appreciate it and realize that I have to take a cold hard look at myself in the mirror. I have physical stamina (hey, I have a 10 year old!), but will I in another 3 years? 5 years? My eyesight is bad and always has been, but as I age I need to take my glasses off to read things. :imbar Hearing is great (hey, I have a 10 year old!). I have been reading and lurking for quite awhile, but hadn't read about older nurses -- so thanks for this advice. I'll definitely do that right now. I was thinking about Florida Hospital's program because they admit classes 3 times a year and I was thinking I might have a better shot at a job if I attend there. Remington ($36,500 for one year) requires pre-reqs that I wouldn't have time to complete for their January class. Herzing? Keiser? SCC? Sigh. I think I'll go back into lurk mode for awhile. Thanks.

Kelli, I interviewed at SCC for the BA / BSN bridge program. I have a BFA which means I have 0 pre-reqs done. Where can I find all the pre-reqs I need (list wise), figure out the best order to take them in and the best PLACE locally to take them. I live in Longwood. If I sign up to take the pre-reqs at SCC that is no guarantee I'll get into the bridge program, right? But I got the impression in my interview that there are fewer people applying for the BA to BSN bridge and thus the competition may be less than the regular track ASN or BSN at SCC. Thoughts? Help -- PLEASE! (PS I stink at math).

I'm nearly 56 years old, have a 10 year old son and am a single mom. I used to be in hi tech but got laid off in 2001. Since then employment has been sporadic and I need to move a career that has a decent future where they'll emply me even if I'm 60. I live in Orlando, and right now RN jobs are scarce, but we're building a new VA hospital, Nemours Children Hospital, etc. By the time I would get out of school I'd have chance at employment (I think). My original plan was to go to RN school out of high school, I was accepted by 3 schools (this was in the 1970s), but I didn't go. I'd love to get back into nursing but have to way the cost of school versus the cost of time (at my age). My long term desire would be to be a nurse anesthetist . I'm apparently elligible for a Pell grant up to $6000. But I still have to feed and clothe my son and me! I know this is long, but bear with me. I have a BFA, but none of the pre-reqs. As I see it here are my options -- but I can't figure out which makes the most sense for me. 1 -- Go for an accelerated BSN at Remington College. $36,500 (tyvm), but in and out probably in 18 months with a BSN so I can then go on for my MSN in a chosen field. After about 3 years I should have an advanced degree; 2 -- Go for an LPN with the Pell Grant, get a job with benefits after a year. Do the online RN (another year to an ASN), go for the BSN (another 2 years?) and then MSN. This looks like 4-5 yeas to me and although the costs for school would be cheaper I still have the cost to live. Of course hopefully after the LPN I could get a job and at least live while continuing school. . . 3 -- Go for a BA to BSN program at SCC. 6 months (at least) for pre-reqs. 2.5 years at SCC to get first the ASN and then the BSN. Total 3 years for the BSN and then another 1-2 for the MSN. Timeframe seems similar to choice #2, but with no income potential (the LPN I can get a job and do most course work online). I did interview at SCC and was very impressed with what I saw, plus they seem to be willing to help me figure out the financial aid. . . As a child I read Sue Barton nursing books and always dreamed of being a nurse. Now, given my age and the "roadblocks" (financial, time and single motherhood) I simply don't know which way to turn, or who can help me (advice wise). I've lurked here for a long time and know there is a wealth of knowledge here. What would you do if you were me? PS -- for the prereqs what is the best route here in Orlando? SCC? If I go the LPN route which is the best way to go? I'm thinking Orlando Tech for the LPN IF I can get in -- I understand there is a waiting list!