djdietz

Hello, I thought I would put his in the Men's Forum too to get your feedback from a male, father, husband type of perspective too. I have long thought about being a nurse, but have set it aside as life was busy with kids (now grown - 1 in Nursing School) work was plentiful and fulfilling, etc.... Now, my industry is very slow, financial it would be a bit more doable, etc... Everyone that I have asked either within the industry, or others that have made midlife changes has said they think I would make a great nurse, and to go for it. We have a highly regarded Associates Degree Nursing program right in out small town with somewhat flexible class times, and the Financial Aid looks like it would be the best while my kids are still in school too. The stars might be aligning What my biggest worry at this point is I would need to keep working part time at least to make it work financially. I am not sure how much time I would need to allot to work vs. schooling, and if I could fit it all in. My job is pretty flexible as far as 'when' I work, so that would be a huge help with scheduling. I would need to do all the pre-requisites, as I have had no relevant courses under my belt. The courses here are somewhat gear toward 'adult students' in a way that it is usually 9-11 credits per semester. The way most semester (I figure it would take me 3-4 to do pre-reqs, and 4 for the nursing classes/clinicals) are laid out they are 9-12 classroom/lab hours for pre-reqs and about 4-6 classroom hours and 11-12 clinical hours for the nursing classes, until the last semester with bumps up to 15-16 clinical hours. So, what I am wondering is this; with that type of load, how much, on average, would you all say it took to do your studies outside of the classroom/clinicals? I have 'heard' that 2-3 hours per credit hour is 'average'. I honestly don't know how clinicals work and if/how much outside studies are associated with that part. Is 20-30 hours of extra studies an accurate 'estimate'? I feel I would need to work at least 20 hours per week to make things work. If it could be more, all the better. I an no stranger to working 60+ hours per week in my current job when needed, so lots of hours dont really bother me. I would say I am most likely a little better than average learner - better at concepts than memorizing facts. Thanks for any advice you can provide, djd

Hello, I have long thought about being a nurse, but have set it aside as life was busy with kids (now grown - 1 in Nursing School) work was plentiful and fulfilling, etc.... Now, my industry is very slow, financially it would be a bit more doable, etc... Everyone that I have asked either within the industry, or others that have made midlife changes has said they think I would make a great nurse, and to go for it. We have a highly regarded Associates Degree Nursing program right in out small town with somewhat flexible class times, and the Financial Aid looks like it would be the best while my kids are still in school too. The stars might be aligning What my biggest worry at this point is I would need to keep working part time at least to make it work financially. I am not sure how much time I would need to allot to work vs. schooling, and if I could fit it all in. My job is pretty flexible as far as 'when' I work, so that would be a huge help with scheduling. I would need to do all the pre-requisites, as I have had no relevant courses under my belt. The courses here are somewhat gear toward 'adult students' in a way that it is usually 9-11 credits per semester. The way most semester (I figure it would take me 3-4 to do pre-reqs, and 4 for the nursing classes/clinicals) are laid out they are 9-12 classroom/lab hours for pre-reqs and about 4-6 classroom hours and 11-12 clinical hours for the nursing classes, until the last semester with bumps up to 15-16 clinical hours. So, what I am wondering is this; with that type of load, how much, on average, would you all say it took to do your studies outside of the classroom/clinicals? I have 'heard' that 2-3 hours per credit hour is 'average'. I honestly don't know how clinicals work and if/how much outside studies are associated with that part. Is 20-30 hours of extra studies an accurate 'estimate'? I feel I would need to work at least 20 hours per week to make things work. If it could be more, all the better. I an no stranger to working 60+ hours per week in my current job when needed, so lots of hours dont really bother me. I would say I am most likely a little better than average learner - better at concepts than memorizing facts. Thanks for any advice you can provide, djd

Hello, I am asking about this on the general discussion board in order to get the feedback from those of you that have been out working in the field a while, in contrast to the people still in Nursing School. I have long thought about being a nurse, but have set it aside as life was busy with kids (now grown - 1 in Nursing School) work was plentiful and fulfilling, etc.... Now, my industry is very slow, financial it would be a bit more doable, etc... Everyone that I have asked either within the industry, or others that have made midlife changes has said they think I would make a great nurse, and to go for it. We have a highly regarded Associates Degree Nursing program right in out small town with somewhat flexible class times, and the Financial Aid looks like it would be the best while my kids are still in school too. The stars might be aligning What my biggest worry at this point is I would need to keep working part time at least to make it work financially. I am not sure how much time I would need to allot to work vs. schooling, and if I could fit it all in. My job is pretty flexible as far as 'when' I work, so that would be a huge help with scheduling. I would need to do all the pre-requisites, as I have had no relevant courses under my belt. The courses here are somewhat gear toward 'adult students' in a way that it is usually 9-11 credits per semester. The way most semester (I figure it would take me 3-4 to do pre-reqs, and 4 for the nursing classes/clinicals) are laid out they are 9-12 classroom/lab hours for pre-reqs and about 4-6 classroom hours and 11-12 clinical hours for the nursing classes, until the last semester with bumps up to 15-16 clinical hours. So, what I am wondering is this; with that type of load, how much, on average, would you all say it took to do your studies outside of the classroom/clinicals? I have 'heard' that 2-3 hours per credit hour is 'average'. I honestly don't know how clinicals work and if/how much outside studies are associated with that part. Is 20-30 hours of extra studies an accurate 'estimate'? I feel I would need to work at least 20 hours per week to make things work. If it could be more, all the better. I an no stranger to working 60+ hours per week in my current job when needed, so lots of hours dont really bother me. I would say I am most likely a little better than average learner - better at concepts than memorizing facts. Thanks for any advice you can provide, djd

Hello, I am considering a career switch into Nursing. I have a great local Associates Program I could attend while still working part time and be done by about the age of 50. What I am wondering is if in the WI market, and most likely a small progressive rural hospital setting, is there any bias against (or for :) ) male nurses who are 'older' when they are starting? On the positive side, I am better than average as far as fitness goes, very positive attitude, get along great with almost everyone, etc... I have also ran a business in our town/county that is very well known with a great reputation for caring, service, etc..., but due to the economy we are not sure how long that can last. Meaning that whomever would be doing the hiring would likely be familiar if not with me personally, at least with the business, and in a good way. I also prefer to work with women at least as much as men. I am also the kind that is always looking to advance my skills/knowledge, and I think that would show in an interview too. So what are the thoughts/experiences with this? Thanks, djd

I am in a very similar position. I am currently in an industry that is really suffering, and not sure how long things will even stay at the level they are now. I almost went into nursing out of high school, but was essentially 'too lazy' at that time. Now, 25+ years latter at the age of 45, am considering a career change. Part of what has inspired me also has been helping my daughter, who is 18, look into schools, careers, etc..... she chose out local ADN program here, and opened my eyes to the possibilities that are there. There are several things that made me consider nursing as a logical choice. 1) I live in a semi-rural area, and do not really want to travel 1 hour plus each way to classes for other careers that I would be interested in since I would also need to work at least part time to make ends meet as I go. 2) We happen to have a great Tech School ADN program right here in our small town, with almost no waiting list once I get the pre-requisites out of the way. 3) I LOVE working with people of a wide variety, 'helping' others, etc.... 3) It seems like a fairly quick education time frame, and a reasonable price (about 15K for all pre-requisits and nursing classes over 3 years) 4)Lots of diverse job opportunities and chances for advancement. 5) I love the idea of so many flexible schedules that seem to be out there - I think I would love the 3-12s that seems to be a common shift schedule in our area. 6) It seems like a fairly 'safe' - as in not exportable or decreasing in need - career Interstingly, as I have mentioned this possible career change to people I know, they have unanimously thought it would be a GREAT career for me to be in 'with my personality'. Maybe that is a sign??? From current RN's I have talked to around here, there is NO bias against men or 'career changers'. djd

Hello, I am not quite 50+ yet, but am 45 and thinking about a possible change of careers. I almost went into nursing right out of high school in the mid 80s, put in all honesty was too lazy at the time. Part of what prompted me thinking more about this right now is that my youngest daughter is going to be starting in our local Tech School RN program this fall right out of high-school. As I ahve helped her figure out what she needs to do, pre-req's etc.... and talked to a TON of health care workers, many of whom are nurses, it became very apparent to me that this long time back-burner ambition of mine was well with-in reach to me. One other interesting thing I have noticed among my customers where I am now is how many people are working 'part time' as they ease into retirement - like maybe a 25 hour week at 65 or so. I am still at the point of exploring it, but VERY seriously. There are many 'what ifs' or 'but what about A,B, or C issues to figure out still. 1) I think I could be done by 50 (it is a 3 1/2 year program that they are working on shortening it to 3 years) but I would probably stretch it out just a bit for a lighter course load while still working 1/2 time +. MY job is very flexible, a small family design/build firm where others could pick up the slack of me not being there as much, and is literally 4 blocks away from the college. I was hoping to retire at 60, but with the last stock market drop that somewhat screwed up that idea . 2)The logistics of working odd shifts would be new to me, but by the time I got that far, I hope the kids are on their own, and I actually like 'non typical' schedules. But it would still be new to me to this degree. Our area has LOTS of 12 hour * 3 day nursing jobs, which I think I would love too. I currently usually work 6 days per week, any where from 4 -12+ hours. 3) The academics - people are always telling me I am smart, but that is usually within my field of work or other interests that I am passionate about. This part scares me a bit, but we have a great college counselor here that is encouraging me to take their 'aptitude test' (COMPASS Test in out area) that is similar to the ACT for high schoolers, that would give a good feel for my abilities. She says she can almost always tell academically if a person can handle the material from these test results. Mine is going to by in August hopefully. I am pretty familiar with the amount of homework that will be required from my oldest daughter being a Junior at a very rigorous college (She is double majoring and a minor , mine will look easy comparatively). 4) Working with mostly women is actually fairly appealing to me. I have ALWAYS got along on average better with females, from HS on up to today. My current job I deal with 75%+ women. On church or community committees, I gravitate to the ones with more women, If I am at a party, I will talk to the women as much or more than the men, etc...... The only people I dont get along with a men who are macho, domineering, chauvinist, etc, or women who try to manipulate others because they are hot looking, rich, etc..... 5) The finances is the biggest thing that I am trying to figure out right now. The courses here seem dirt cheap, about 15K - 18K depending on prerequisites needed. Having 2 kids in college at the same time makes it somewhat harder too though, although the Financial Aid would be better for all of us due to 3 in school at once, and what would be lower income for me due to not working as much. We could do a home equity loan, but I am hoping to figure it out by just doing the Stafords, some State Grants, Pell Grants, and income being earned along the way. In out area, I would also be able to make about 2 times what I currently am making, which is also very appealing. Nursing is by far the best paying profession that is taught at our local CC, and I can't seem to envision it working going to the closest 4 year for a different degree, since that would be a 1 1/2 hour drive each way. Are any of you worried about the physical requirements as we/you get older? I am in reasonably good shape, although I am working on loosing 25# or so. I bike over 1000 miles a year, do Tai Chi, etc.... You just never know what life might throw at you though. Take Care, djd