azjen43

Here in Arizona there's a new program that's called concurrent enrollment. I'll be starting this summer. I was required to have all pre and co-requisite done for both the RN and BSN. I'll be doing the RN program during the day and at the same time, taking my BSN courses on line. After 4 semesters, I'll graduate with my ADN, take the NCLEX, then take one more semester of classes on line before graduation with my BSN. It is very rigorous.(BTW, I did already have a bachelor's but it wasn't required to get into the program.) Here's a link: Concurrent Enrollment Program

celtchick68, I had my youngest at 42, also. It's definitely different birthing and taking care of a baby in your 40s than in your 20s, but everything works out doesn't it? I can't imagine going through a c sec and then returning to school so quick. Even though my last pregnancy was a surprise (to say the least!) the timing was great. I took my 12 week maternity leave, then returned to work for a week, then it was summer break, (I was a teacher at the time.) So effectively I had 6 months off. This after a fairly easy (if you can call it that!) natural birth at home. I found that even with lower energy, my age gave me lots more patience and perspective than I had with my older kiddos, and I was able to nurse long term and really enjoy my little one's baby time. So, congrats on the late baby and on finishing your degree. That is so awesome! I can't wait to be where you are!

Hi, everyone! I'm now 50 (Wow it seems crazy to even write that!) and will be starting a concurrent RN/BSN program through my local community college and Northern AZ University in July. I was a middle school biology teacher for 15 years, and then was a health education program coordinator for my local health department before I was laid off a couple of years ago. Since then, I've been a self employed doula and Bradley Method childbirth educator. My husband and I have 5 kiddos between us, the oldest married and on his own, 3 are in college, and our baby is 9. Our house is crazy noisy busy and fun. It will be interesting to see how the nursing school juggling act plays out. We are prepared to make changes as necessary, and I've already been trying to get everyone organized and functioning as independently as possible. (Only our little one lives with us year-round. One of our college kids lives with her partner, and two of them stay with us in the summers, but also spend time with their mom.) I know I can do this, but I am a bit nervous. It will be nice to have an on-line community for support. Being a bit more mature than most nursing students will be a challenge for sure, but one I look forward to. I'm pretty sure I'm going to stop at my bachelor's, even though I work with sevral CNMs who have encouraged me to go that route. I don't want to take on any more debt after this, though. (I started a master's program in education and then went through a rough divorce and dropped out of the program. Still paying that off!) I think I could be totally happy as a L&D nurse, though, or in any of a number of other nursing specialties, so I'm not worried about that. Glad to "meet" you all!

Cool. I decided to take it in July so I could spend some quality time with my kids while they're on summer break, before jumping in. I guess I'll see you at MCC in August then. I got the email with the class syllabus, and I'm excited to get started. Just not looking forward to the commute from the east valley in the middle of the summer. Oh, well, at least it's only once a week! Have you taken classes at MCC before? I did most of my prereqs at Phoenix College and Scottsdale. This will be my first semester at MCC,. It looks like a nice campus, and the nursing building is beautiful. The best part, I think, is that it's only about 20 minutes from my house. (Depending on traffic of course.)

Hi, y'all! I'm excited to be starting the NAU MCC CEP this fall and am wondering if there is anyone else in the east valley who is taking NUR330 starting in July, who might also be interested in a carpool? The campus where the Tuesday class meets is way in the north west valley and it would be great to split gas with another east valley person. I'd also just like to touch base and see if anyone in our cohort is on here. Say hi if you are!

Thanks for all your ideas and suggestions, y'all! I'm learning lots. Keep 'em coming!

I am preparing to start nursing school and am looking for good, practical ideas for being a successful student while also meeting my family's needs. Almost universally I hear, "Be organized." I'm not a naturally organized person and have always done well in school in my own style, but I am really nervous about this undertaking. What are some specific things you have done to get yourself organized for nursing school? What habits have helped you to do well? What kind of schedule do you follow? (I'm especially interested in hearing scheduling ideas from others who have a family.) What other advice can you give to someone who runs kind of ADD-ish?

Hi, everyone! I just joined this forum and will be starting a concurrent RN / BSN program in the fall. (Actually will be taking one class this summer that is required as well) The program is a community college RN program with clinicals and on-line university classes at the same time. I am excited and nervous. I am a mid-life career changer, having been a teacher for 15 years and a public health educator for a couple of years as well. My daughter is just finishing up her first semester of an RN program so I am looking forward to having her to bounce ideas off and study together. Looking forward to this part of the journey, and expecting a wild ride!