Edina

I drive 45 mins one way. I've always done a lot of driving so it doesn't bother me at all. I find the drive home is a good time to clear my head and I usually listen to a podcast or sing along to a decent radio station! The drive there is a different story sometimes... maybe I didn't get enough sleep and I'm just dreading the day!

Are you going back to school to become a nurse?

I just recently got my license and am working as an RPN in Ontario. I went with the 2 year option because of my kids and not wanting to be in school full time for 4 years as these past 2 years were hard enough on them. I was also interested in working 2 years earlier. There are bridging options if you want to pursue your BScN but it brings your total years in school to 5 - 5.5. I believe I'll continue on in the next year or two. I entered school at 37, graduated at 38, and was licensed at 39.

Yes, very happy so far! I'm 6 shifts into my orientation at my new job and enjoying it. I'm still nervous but I've got another 10 or so shifts of orientation left before I'm on my own and I am looking forward to it!

Glad to read your update. I've just started on an inpatient rehab unit and am nervous as it's my first job since becoming licensed but excited as well and looking forward to learning.

I know this is a slightly older thread but I wanted to provide some encouragement. In 2015 I started my Practical Nursing program with 2 kids (5 and 7 yrs old) at the age of 36. I graduated with honours - I mention this not to brag, but to say that because I was sacrificing so much of my kids time, I knew what was at stake and worked really hard for it. My kids are so proud of me for my accomplishments and they each picked out a scrub top for me to wear to my new job at my local hospital. i decided against doing the 4 years at that time because I didn't want to be tied up in school for so long while my kids were young, but I did want to get the show on the road! I will consider bridging to RN in the future when the kids can fend for themselves a bit more.

During a LTC clinical placement... Client: How old are you? Me: Almost 38 Client: And you decided to go back to school at your age? Me: Yeup! Client: Oh sweetie, I would've just found myself a rich husband! I had a good laugh over that one!

I just did 3 hours of training on the NHI stroke scale and our policies and procedures regarding what happens when a patient comes in to the ER... for some odd reason this wasn't included... lol

I don't think it's an issue of not being compassionate. The poster raised some very valid questions that would be useful for self-reflection that would allow the OP to find direction within herself.

Great post! I'll be starting my first nursing job on a rehab unit and will definitely use reflection to help me grow and improve.

I would hold her accountable for the cost of repairs/replacement. I am a mother of two in a single income family & things are tight right now. I would pay for repairs/replacement if I were to damage my friends computer even if it was an honest accident. But ask yourself, is this worth losing a friend over? But if she doesn't accept responsibility for damaging your stuff, maybe she's not a friend with having.

RPN/LPN? What province?

I'm 38 with a 9 & 6 yr old. I'll be graduating in a couple months. It's been difficult but doable with a very supportive family. My parents have been very supportive & have provided all the before & after school care for my kids as my husband works out of town. Would it have been easier to have kids after? Yes. Would I have wanted to wait longer to have kids? No. Would I have wanted to do this with a newborn? No way! lol Good luck with your decision.

Don't torture yourself! As others have mentioned you need to find reliable back-up child care options. I'm a Mum of 2 (9&6) and have 3 weeks of classes left before my final consolidation. I've been very lucky in that neither of my kids have had a single sick day in 2 years. I also have my retired parents caring for my kids (before & after school when needed) and if they were to get sick my parents would care for them. I also send the kids off to my father-in-laws place every 4th or 5th weekend so I can have extra study time on occasion. My husband works a crazy schedule out of town & I can't rely on him for child care & he works 2 out of every 3 weekends. Sometimes I don't see him for 5 days straight. It will make your life easier if you can get your support system into place now. Good luck in school!

Wait until you meet your instructor and form your own opinion of them. I've had some instructors that other students have hated, but I have really enjoyed them and I was able to learn something from them. I really suggest you keep an open mind.

I'm currently in my 2nd semester on my way to becoming an RPN/LPN in Canada - it's a 2 year program here. I'm enjoying my classes & clinical placements so far & am doing quite well in my studies. My first diploma 17 years ago was graphic design. I was worried about making the switch as well, but I wanted to help others and was getting tired of the majority of the creative work that really wasn't that creative... I'm still doing the odd freelance design on the side. So far I'm not regretting my decision to go into nursing! Good luck with your decision!

I'm currently in my second semester. I also have a husband & 2 children. They are the only people I spend time with besides my 2 "study buddies." I've had to put my non-nursing friends on hold & I barely get the time to even chat with them on Facebook or through texting. I haven't touched any of my hobbies since I started school in Sept. When I do have some free time I tend to veg out in front of the TV watching Netflix as it requires no brain power. I would have time for my hobby but it is really time consuming & I just don't have the energy for it. I'm really enjoying my classes though & doing well so I consider it a worthwhile sacrifice. Short term pain for long term gain. Good luck with your decision.