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That is an excellent point SummitAP but I also think that takes us off on to an entirely different conversation. All nurses must be qualified ie: have an education and pass the state licensing tests; HOWEVER not all "qualified" nurses are "good" nurses. Does this mean that an RN with a "C" average is not as good of a nurse an one who had an "A" average? Obviously not but in both cases the motivation to become a nurse is not a factor in the actual practice of nursing. I may be wrong but I suspect that a high percentage of men and women who enter nursing programs with a weak motivation (or desire) end up dropping out long before gaining their RN license. Good luck to you in your program and I hope we cross paths again. It's nice to have a discussion with someone where we can both express our opinions whether we agree with one another or not.

All due respect you, I, or no one else has the right to determine what some ones motivation MAY impact. That said, once a person receives a license to practice they have the duty, in fact they are bound by their license, to provide the best and safest patient care possible. If someone is in a job and they are unable to perform at (or above) the standards required they will not be successful and they will not have the paycheck you are saying is their sole motivation. Further, the topic is regarding nursing school, not actual nursing practice. That in and of itself is an entirely different subject. Back to the original topic at hand, unless you're on the admissions board of an accredited school, your thoughts of what a persons motivations are is irrelevant; in-fact, I would argue that if you're already making prejudices as to what an applicants motivations are and how they will impact them as a licensed, state registered nurse, that you are the one who is more likely to have a direct negative impact with your professionalism in the workforce. My point is and remains, it doesn't matter what drives a person. At the current time, only the best of the best are getting in to, graduating from (nursing school) and finding employment after licensure; therefore statistically speaking those BEST QUALIFIED candidates will be the ones finding employment in a vocation that is currently impacted. Once the field thins out and we are faced with another shortage it will be a different story though.

Mrs.TT, Personally, I believe the new nursing school boom has a lot to do with the economy. I also believe that there are many other reasons for so many people exploring the career. As for the those who expressed concerns as to why people want to be a nurse.......... WHO CARES and what business is it of yours, mine, or anyone else? It's all a matter of perspective though. While some may think it's a bad thing that "everyone" is going in to nursing, I say it's the best thing for anyone needing the services of a nurse. (patients and doctors alike) Competition breeds excellence. Take a look at this forum, the student forums, advanced degree program forums and so on. One of the biggest complaints is that "I'm afraid my 3.4 GPA won't be good enough." So ask yourself this question; who would you rather be in charge of YOUR care: someone who was in a program that would take just about anyone (due to lack of interest) or someone who graduated from a program that was totally impacted therefore providing a scenario where only the best of the best got in, moved on, and graduated? Is it going to take longer because there are so many people interested? Are we going to have to work harder to be successful? Might it take longer to find a job when we're done? Yes it will, but I for one don't want to be part of a profession that allows the meek to survive. Good luck to all of us. If we put in the time and effort we will be successful.

MedicJohn, Thank you for posting this. Like many others on this thread, I am older than you and I guarantee that I am in a worse starting position than you. That said we all have to start somewhere, sometime. Take a look around, there will always be someone who "has more", is happier, taller, stronger, smarter, and so on. For the same token, there will always be someone who has less, is more depressed, shorter, fatter, etc. Take some time to wallow in self pity, but remember that feeling of despair and desperation. If you can do that, you will be able to draw upon it later as a reminder of how things "once were" The only thing you have control over are your own actions. Your destiny is in your hands. Only you know what will provide you the happiness you seek be it money, power, fame, or a family with the house & white picket fence and even at 36, that is likely to change! Set goals, work hard, and enjoy the things that make you happy. Life is an evolving process, don't place your feet in a bucket of concrete and watch it pass you by. One more thing, I wrote this reply to myself as much as I am saying it to you. Good luck and best wishes for the success you're seeking.

I am not the first and I won't be the last to bring up this topic, however fresh answers would certainly be appreciated. I am 38 with no prior college coursework, that is to say, I have none of the pre-req's in the bank. Nursing school options are many, however the cost effective schools come with a 2-5 year waiting list and that is AFTER all the pre-req's are completed. Private schools offer (almost) immediate entrance however they come with a price tag of $40k-$120k depending on the program. ASN/BSN. What are my long term goals? I would like to "retire" as a traveling nurse. I do not know what area I want to be in, however pediatrics (NICU/PICU) are on the top of my list. (Admittedly, I do not know about traveling programs & if that is an option, but that remains secondary at this point) My daughter is 8 and this gives me 10 years for school & local practice prior to my target date of hitting the road. I do not have a lot of money and I do not like the thought of my daughter and me living in poverty for the next few years just so I can realize my career goals. That said, we are living in poverty now, so I suppose status quo for a few more years won't hurt. What program/degree is right for me? The long and short of that one is that I have NO IDEA WHAT-SO-EVER. The problem with talking to several (school) admissions "counselors" is that they have filled my head with more confusion than fact(s). Am I ultimately wasting my time? (I have a prior narcotics conviction 18+ years ago & expunged): I have had many conversations with deans, HR managers, and even the State Board. I am confident that my past indiscretions will not preclude me from being licensed, however that is not a foregone conclusion and therefore a risk that I am wasting time and money on an education that I will not be able to put in practice. So, what are your stories? Do you have experience or insight that would be an asset for me? (or others) Did you complete a program only to realize later that there would have been a better, more cost effective, quicker, &/or less stressful way to reach your goals? Thanks & I look forward to your thoughts, stories, and opinions.