TripperJ

I agree. I hope that it's obvious that to attempt to re - enter the field under the circumstances I outlined in my original post will certainly take much more work, time, and family financial sacrifice than if I were to simply take a job in the field I was previously employed. If I were purely interested in a paycheck then I would take the easier and more financially lucrative route. I would love to obtain my nursing license and find a position that allowed me to work with a nurse mentor for an extended period of time. Working as a nuse tech for a period of time would be ideal. Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you to all that have been commenting. I appreciate the words of encouragement as well as the suggestions. Regarding the last post, yes I can take the NCLEX. Your correct that some states do have a time limit from the time of graduation. I live in Michigan and they are one of the states, but I am able to obtain a license in Ohio or Indiana and then practice in Michigan through reciprocity. I have spoken to each states board of nursing. Thanks again and please keep the feedback coming!

hi twelve years ago, at the age of 33, i graduated with a bsn and worked as a nurse extern while taking the nclex. unfortunately, i was not successful in passing and continued in the hospital as an aide while studying. i took the nclex 3 times but still did not pass. during that time i tried several of the study guides as well as the kaplan review. i was about to get married and a job offer came up , therefore, i took a job in the finance business as a manager for one of the big 3 automotive companies. i had every intention of continuing my studies for the nclex. my career flourished and my wife and i started a family. after a successful career, our office closed, and i lost my job (as many have). although i was successful, i didn't enjoy my job. it was not personally fulfilling and didn't offer the opportunity to positively impact people. i originally chose the nursing field because i wanted to have a sense of value and self worth that helping people and their families brought. i have a passion to work with people and a desire to do something that would change their lives in a positive way. the time i spent in both my clinical rotations as well as working in the field after graduation allowed me to experience that. i really want to get back to the field but obviously have some things to accomplish. i have recently completed courses in medical terminology as well as anatomy and physiology. i have purchased the virtual - ati nclex - rn review package to prepare me for the nclex. while studying i am trying to get a job in a hospital as an aide so that i can be back in the environment and interact with the nursing staff in patient care. i hope that with diligent study and review using this system that i will be prepared to successfully pass the nclex, after which, i intend on taking a nurse refresher course offered through msu. i would appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts about my plan and would like to hear from anyone who has returned to the field after such a long absence. what barriers did you experience or should i anticipate? am i crazy? thank you all for your time.