JenInSchool

As an "older lady", certainly your reality may be much different than mine. I'm guessing that most people, older or younger, would find that nursing school is much different than living the profession! I'm sure this applies to most professions! College is certainly different than the real world... Just because a younger person goes to nursing school doesn't mean that they are going to be a good nurse either... does it? What makes you think that just because someone younger than me is a nurse, means that they are going to be a better nurse? And have you considered that there are many opinions out there? My next door neighbor, who has been a cardiac intensive care nurse for many years was thrilled when I told her I might go back to school for nursing finally! She actually told me that it is so hard to find good nurses, because so many of them are so young right out of school - who lack the exact common sense and critical thinking skills that you are talking about!... (or as my neighbor puts it "they don't know their a$$ from their elbow!" Of course, this doesn't apply to all young nurses, but my point is that I'm there are many ages out there that probably apply to what you are trying to say. I know plenty of "younger" people who physically cannot do what I can do either. Trust me, being in my 30's doesn't make me old and decrepit quite yet... I still have a few good years left in this "older" body of mine. What makes you think that I have no passion for nursing? Is it simply because I'm doing it later than you did? What makes you think that I'm then less passionate about something? We "older ladies" are not going back to school to slight you and the profession of nursing as you've so eloquently stated. Trust me, when you've got to put the time and money into school (any school or profession), take time away from your spouse, children, home, church, life, etc... ) because you want to go back to school, it most certainly is a passion. When I'm willing to take the very hard earned money that my husband works to make, to put myself back through school, it most certainly is a passion. I can almost understand what you are trying to say - at least some of the points you are trying to make... but the way you've presented yourself is less than desirable here. There are so many ways to get a point (or opinion) across to people, in so that they might be willing to hear and understand. If you have something you are passionate about, that you want people to listen to... it's so much easier to do it in a manner that will make people want to hear you. Thanks to everyone for all of your input! I'm searching out 3 different schools in my area now, and am really getting excited about moving forward in something I've wanted for a long time! Love these forums, what a great resource!

Thank you all so much for your replies! It is so great to hear from other moms! It is such an encouragement! I love to hear your stories! Keep them coming! Yes, I do have an AA in business management, as well as a BA in general management and human resources. I am hoping that some of my credits will transfer... Meeting with a counselor next week. I also have a couple of schools I'm looking at. One offers an RN program, the other a BAS program. I will be weighing all of my options here. Lots to figure out still! :)

Hi everyone! I of course am new here, and so happy to find this forum! I am a 36 yo, SAHM... who has been a wife and mother for the past 10 years. Now that my two youngest (twins) will be in school full time next year, I am considering going back to school for a nursing degree... something I have wanted to do for years! I am so scared of going back to school to begin a career! Is anyone else here my age, have a spouse, kids, home to care for? I feel like I am already spread pretty thin, but this is something I really want to do. Is it doable? Is anyone else in my position or similar, doing it now? Can it even be done??? Thanks for any suggestions or encouragement! Honesty is much appreciated!