REALLY REALLY REALLY confused as to what to do.

[XDCaitlyn]

Hi, Ive been working in Cardiology for almost 3 years now and Ive known for a while that what I really want to do is eventually get my NP. But I know I have to start with my RN and such, but heres my problem, I BOMBED high school. I ended up with a 2.3 GPA... I would just continue going to a local community college but heres the rub; Im engaged, 21, still living with my parents but ACTIVELY trying to get out. I'm going insane in this house. I was also laid off previously and had to postpone school.

Ive currently been at a job that I dont really enjoy, but recently Ive been offered an AMAZING job as a Travel Monitor Tech with a staffing company which means, not only do I get to move out, but I also get to travel with my fiance before we have kids, and Ill be making a ton to where we can actually save and be able to settle down somewhere. But I REALLY dont want to be in cardio my whole life... I want to work in L&D. I was looking at getting my associates in Allied Health from South University Online so I can get it while I travel, but after reading a lot of the reviews, people said they're more hassle than they're worth. and frankly, I dont want to get a degree that I cant guarantee I can work with. But I really need my AS degree so I can transfer to BryanLGH in Lincoln Nebraska:heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat.

What would you guys do? Should I wait until I settle down and go to my local community college? Should I go to South? What about Excelsior?

I think its also a bit depressing because I'm seeing my friends who didn't screw up graduating with Bachelor degrees from our UC's out here.

I'm so sorry if Ive rambled on for a while, but I'm so stressed, depressed, and confused. I just dont know where to start...

-Caitlyn

[trae55]

Well, if you know what you want to do, RN, don't wait. You may never get another chance again, especially since you want to move out and get married. It is much harder to go back to school when you have rent/mortgage, utilities, and all the other expenses that comes with living on your own. I kept my job when I was your age because I made good money and put school off. I really regret it because I got stuck doing something I did not want to do forever.

Honestly, I have to laugh a little that you are envious of your friends that didn't screw up. You're only 21! You are at a critical point in your life still where you can turn things around and have the life you want. I'm 32 and going to nursing school and have friends from high school that are now doctors, professional atheletes, in broadcasting, and even an olympian. That's depressing!

[RNMeg]

I did well in high school, but I completely destroyed my college GPA the first time around. Once I got my act together and decided to realize my childhood dream of being a nurse, I had similar concerns and was in a similar situation (financial dependence on my parents, engaged, etc). I went to my local community college, finished my prereqs, and transferred to a BSN program. I'm only 26 now, and I'll be graduating in May. It's do-able, and if it's what you want, you should go for it now rather than later. However, it is a question of priorities - would you rather travel with your husband and be independent of your parents? That's an equally valid choice. Best of luck :redbeathe

[XDCaitlyn]

Thank you so much for the advice you guys! It feels good to hear from other nurses that I haven't screwed up as much as I thought.

Do you guys know anything about Excelsior College? I want to leave myself open to moving. Living in Los Angeles is impossibly expensive on a Tech and Bank Tellers Salaries... Never mind eating and all haha.

And for sure eventually I want to enter the BSN program at BryanLGH. Ive wanted to live there for a while and really love it there. Its too bad no one there is hiring for what I do at the moment...

And I know its a bit silly to be jealous of my friends, Its just frustrating...