Hi, I'm the new guy. I'm going to talk to admissions at a "accelerated school" (Spencerian University in Kentucky). I can get my RN in 2 years, but it's pricey. My wife is just about done with the CVT program there, and seems to like it alot. Here's my deal.
I was working at a mental health hospital while I was waiting for fulltime @ UPS. I grew to love it. Well fastforward 3 years. FINALLY, after 12 years, I got fulltime @ UPS. $18/ hour...FREE FAMILY MEDICAL INSURANCE. And....I HATE IT! I "chuck" boxes for 4 hours (alog side high school kids), then I sweep floors for 4 more. I feel like such a waste. This was SUPPOSED to be the goal. What I waited for. I was wrong.
For the last 3 yrs I sat and debated about going into nursing. I was just too scared. I'm 30 now. My wife and i have discussed it for the past 4 months. I can't keep the job @ UPS because I work for Midnite to 8am. I'll have to be @ class @ 8...and have clinicals one day week @ 7 or 8am. I'm definately am not doing it for the $$$. I just know it's now or never. The head of the nursing program explained it like this...."UPS is a great JOB, but nursing is a great CAREER." What advice can you give a guy? Thank u.
After staying home and raising kids and then working in IT for 6 years, I quit working to go to school full-time for nursing...I am 51 years old and in the middle of my second semester of an ASN program....do some planning and start down this path if it's what you want....you are not too old to make the change and it sounds like you'll be happier for it -- and it will be healthy for your marriage.
Please use caution when choosing a school...I don't know anything about the school you are considering, but it would be a shame to make a change like this, get heavily in debt, and then find out you should've gone another direction....if you've got a cc that's close by, they're an excellent option....at your "young age", you shouldn't feel compelled to do this quickly if you have options that will make the transition easier such as part-time prereqs while you continue to work and save money for this goal...doesn't UPS offer part-time positions? Or at least can you arrange a seasonal/summer position to help out when the semester's not in session?
As far as funding for your education goes, you can check out websites such as http://www.discovernursing.com and be sure to check with the financial aid office where you are considering applying....you will also want to complete a FAFSA - http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ - as soon as possible for the year you are applying for school....that's what your financial aid office will use to determine any eligibility for funds...the sooner you get it in, the better from what I understand....
I'm 39 and left my job, of 16 years, with excellent pay, benefits, and 6 weeks of vacation a year. The majority of the environment and co-workers were extremely toxic for me in the last 3+ years. It negatively affected me emotionally (depression), physically (ulcers) and spiritually. I'm was/am scared - but, the potential reward of the career and "personal" benefits far outweigh the risk. We only get one ride, as far as we know, on this roller-coaster called life - It is important to make it worthwhile for ourselves and those we love.
WDWpixieRN, RN
2,237 Posts
After staying home and raising kids and then working in IT for 6 years, I quit working to go to school full-time for nursing...I am 51 years old and in the middle of my second semester of an ASN program....do some planning and start down this path if it's what you want....you are not too old to make the change and it sounds like you'll be happier for it -- and it will be healthy for your marriage.
Please use caution when choosing a school...I don't know anything about the school you are considering, but it would be a shame to make a change like this, get heavily in debt, and then find out you should've gone another direction....if you've got a cc that's close by, they're an excellent option....at your "young age", you shouldn't feel compelled to do this quickly if you have options that will make the transition easier such as part-time prereqs while you continue to work and save money for this goal...doesn't UPS offer part-time positions? Or at least can you arrange a seasonal/summer position to help out when the semester's not in session?
As far as funding for your education goes, you can check out websites such as http://www.discovernursing.com and be sure to check with the financial aid office where you are considering applying....you will also want to complete a FAFSA - http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ - as soon as possible for the year you are applying for school....that's what your financial aid office will use to determine any eligibility for funds...the sooner you get it in, the better from what I understand....
Best wishes!!