Returning to School

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I am due to start my program in the fall. I am nearly 30, have two children and have worked full time in a high pressure sales environment for the past 7 years. My weekdays have consisted of very little besides working 8 hours a day, commuting between work and daycare, spending time with my family and managing a full time, online course schedule.

I will be leaving my job and to become a full time student. On days where there are no classes, my children will be at school, leaving me with more "free" time than I have ever had. I am really curious to hear from adults who returned to school, and/or "second career" nursing students. Did you feel that you were more prepared for the rigors of nursing school, as you had already been in the habit of handling all of life's responsibilities, jobs, kids, school etc? I am fully aware that nursing school is going to be one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I also am very calm, considering I will have so much time not in class while my kids are at school to study!

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Specializes in Neuro.

I started my nursing pre-reqs fresh out of high school, then changed my mind, got another degree, worked a decade in another field and couldn't stop thinking about nursing so went back. In short, yes, I felt more prepared to enter nursing school now in my early 30's than I did as that clueless 18-19 year old kid I was back in the day. I've matured and have a greater sense of responsibility and willingness to dedicate more to everything I do. Everything I do now has purpose because now not only am I affected, but so are my family.

My life is similar to yours. I'm almost your age (little older), married, have two small kids, a mortgage, lots of life responsibility, worked years in another field and then quit my job weeks into starting nursing school. Two sometimes three days a week I take my kiddos to daycare and I 100% study on those days and do homework. Those days are a lifesaver for me and will be for you too. Welcome to nursing school, wish you the best!

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Thank you for your input, it is helpful to me as I am looking to ease some of my anxiety about the huge changes coming up for my family. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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Specializes in Emergency medicine.

I don't have any advice, just wanted to say good luck! I'm sure your life experience is going to be invaluable both in school and when you start working.

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I am also going back to school, but I am about to turn 43 years old. My only daughter is starting college at the same time as me. I am looking at an ASBN program at Keiser University in order to complete it faster.

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Thank you so much, TuxnadoDO! I am very excited.

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So exciting, MJT_75! Best of luck to you. How special that you get the experience this at the same time as your daughter?!

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Thank you studentnurse5694! I am excited to get moving on my new career and my daughter is excited to begin college as well! I just need to beat her to achieving that bachelors degree, something I should've completed years ago! lol ;)

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