Knitter72

Since you are in Blaine, you may want to check out Anoka-Ramsey Community College and/or North Hennepin Community College. I would personally stay away from any for-profit schools.

You can do it! I am a 38 year old SAHM. My kids are 10, 7 and 2, and my hubby is about to leave for an 18 month military deployment. I started spring 2009 with pre-reqs and am now in my first semester of nursing school. I suggest starting part-time (one or two classes at the most) and build up from there. You'll find you actually have an advantage over many of your classmates because you are more mature. Set your priorities and goals and work to make them happen.

I scored in the 99th percentile as well. I have always been good at taking standardized tests (there is an art to it) and math in general. I had also just finished up physiology the week before I took it; I think that helped. Otherwise, I didn't do any studying for it to speak of.

Exactly! I think advance practice nurses (NPs and DNPs) are being confused with entry-level MSNs in this thread. An entry-level MSN is simply an RN; they do not practice any differently than a BSN. Entry-level MSNs must obtain an additional advance practice nursing degree to do so. In my area MSNs make about $1 more per hour starting than a BSN; they also may have a "leg-up" in obtaining that first job in a tight job market.

I wouldn't give up on being a nurse because of a B. I would, however, cultivate several options. I suggest looking into BSN and ADN programs, too. Applying to several programs is a prudent course of action regardless of how good one's grades are.

Yeah, I'd say if you're studying 30 hours that's too much. Have you taken a learning style inventory? My Anatomy instructor started the first day of class with one to aid in our success. He used VARK: http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire I thought it was a waste of time to read the book more than once. What worked best for me was to write the information from memory again and again until I got it right without having to peek. For example, drawing a diagram of a nephron over and over again. I would also explain it to anyone that would listen (my ten year old is now well-versed in A&P).

I'm 38 with 3 kids and just finished my prereqs and am starting an ADN program in August--it can be done! In addition to what everyone else has said I wanted to emphasize the importance of time management--vital when juggling school and family. Don't wait 'til before tests or due dates--study a bit everyday. It is so much less stressful and you'll retain information much better than when cramming. You'll also recognize question areas sooner and have time to ask your instructors well before the day of a test (when there will probably be a long line of students with questions). I seriously blocked out/scheduled 1-2 hours per weekday per class and ended up having weekends free for my family.

I just attended my school's orientation for starting this fall--we were assigned the first 5 chapters of our medical dosages book for math review over the summer. Congrats, and best of luck!

I just wanted to add that St. Kate's ADN program was just flagged by the MN Board of Nursing for low NCLEX passing rates in 2009 (71.8%--ouch!)--just thought you might want to take that into consideration. NCLEX passing rates aren't everything, but when they're that low it raises a red flag in my mind. I visited all the schools I was considering and asked lots of questions (including where their graduates are employed) before deciding what route to pursue.