First, I would like to say that this is by far the most informative site I have seen.
To make an extremely long story short, I recently lost my job of 23 yrs (aviation) - just prior to the layoff, I decided I needed to take action on changing careers - I enrolled in my local community college (first time in college at 43!!) and began the process of fufilling the prereq's for their Nursing School (Assoc.'s RN).
Well, needless to say, the career change is now a necessity and needs to happen much faster than originally anticipated. The unfortunate part of losing the job, is I've also lost the funding.
I have decided to step up the efforts, and enrolled full time (begin Monday! Yikes!) - while I ride the unemployment train in an effort to maintain my living, I have begun the process of applying for student loans, grants, scholarships, etc. There's so much out there, I have no idea if I've applied for everything that's available to me. OK, my questions are this if someone has the time, and would be so kind as to help guide me...
Are there any study guides/books to help with the PAX exam?
(At my school it's given twice a yr with a Chemistry prereq - timing should work out, as I'm taking the Chemistry in Spring Qtr, and next PAX test is June...) It's critical I pass the exam the first time, as after passing there's still an approx. year waiting list...
Does anyone have advise for courses, etc. (other than the required) that would be helpful? I would ultimately like to end up in the ICU, and in my dreams, MAYBE go on to be a CRNA...(I realize if I actually take that path, I'll be 65 before I finish!)
Any and all advise is MUCH appreicated, I'm old to just be starting school, new at everything, and VERY anxious and scared to death!
I am going to Sinclair, as well. You can get a copy of an old (and abbreviated) PAX from the LRC. It was interesting, but not as much help as the study guides.
About 200 people took the PAX when I did, 38 "passed." It is doable. I studied my butt off for it and did really well. Others have said it wasn't that hard, but I thought it was challenging. After all, it's been over 20 years since I had even touched upon some of the science topics. I thought the science was the hardest section. Do brush up on algebra, geometry etc.
Thank you so much for your advise and encouragement - no, I have no previous college experience, which is what is giving me the most anxiety...I've got it in my head that the only thing that will distinguish me from the 200 18 yr olds that I will be graduating with is my grades...that's what is stressing me the most - I put a lot of pressure on myself anyway, and the "pressure point of the month" for me now is getting good grades...
I also appreciate the funding options, I have completed the FAFSA, which I'm finding out is the Mother of all forms - the trouble is, they are using the previous years income - because my company really screwed us with serverance pay, vacation, etc. my 2003 income is going to look like I'm a millionaire - I'm hoping that someone somewhere will see that taxes took most of that, the figure isn't anywhere near my "normal" income, and most important - I'm making NOTHING now!!
I also went to the beginning stages of WIA (Workforce Investment Act) - it basically pays for school for 2 yrs without interupting any unemployment you may be getting - as long as it's an approved program, (which nursing and the school I'm going to is) they'll pay...I ended up with the counselor from hell who basically made me sit there giving me no information and degraded and demoralized me...I realize that this is part of the "game" because the State's (I'm in Ohio) don't want people to know about the program, and the ones that do, they do everything they can to discourage you...WIA is a Federal program, administered by the individual states - if the states don't offer it openly, they lose all Federal money...but like I said, the more people they can talk out of it, the more of that Federal money goes to the State ... she said she was denying my application before I could put my purse down because I wasn't IN Nursing School - so the plan is after I hopefully pass the PAX test (pre admission to nursing), I will get a letter from my school stating that I am now eligible and accepted into the Nursing Program - take it back to the WIA nazi's, shove it in their faces, and sit there until they approve me for an already approved funding program....as someone said on this board before, if you're single, (male or female) you get little to no help with anything...I can't get health insurance for under $400 a month and a $3000 deductable, and it doesn't pay for office visits, prescriptions, dental, or eye...that I just can't afford - so I'll be uninsured for the duration of school...the govt grants I'll probably be denied for also - I've kind of resigned myself to the fact that life isn't fair if you've worked all your life and suddenly lose your income - so I'm probably going to have to get more than a few loans and try to get through it the best I can....
If you haven't tried the WIA, do it - be warned that it's a long degrading process, but is going to be worth it in the end...I hope!!
I appreicate the comment that I'm not too old....it just doesn't feel that way at the moment when all I'm seeing is "kids" that are almost young enough to be my grandchildren!! I'm hanging on to the thought that age is experience, so hopefully they can teach an old dog A LOT of new tricks!!
I am still open to the best route to the ICU...and any/all opinions on working in the ICU....
Thanks Again!!!!:)
Sorry you were laid off, my husband and I both were last year, at the same time.
I agree with the comments that I need to shadow/volunteer in the areas that I think will interest me...I will do so if I ever feel confident enough to get my nose out of the books!!
I'm hopeful that I'll get that one great professor and/or counselor that everyone who's graduated seems to have had that will make everything easier and clearer for me....I'm BRAND new at everything - so it's a bit overwhelming at the moment - I'm finally over the all consuming feeling of complete stupidity when asking every other person where things are, how to you fill this out, how does this work....
I think (hope) after next week (first week of school) that I'll feel better about something! Anything!! ha ha
Thanks again everyone.....I'm always open to any and all comments regarding funding, classes, tests, study guides, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.....
Oldnewbie, I didn't apply for financial aid in 2003 until actually quite late (applied like late July/early August). I did the FAFSA and submitted it and had no problems at all. I think that I might have confused your or exaggerated but I do know that by late August/early Sept. I had the money in the bank and it has helped me tremendously. I could do with more financial aid but right now I think the amount I will have to repay is enough. Yep I agree with you on house thing as well. My money situation is really tight but Monday I start job as instructional assistant to second graders at 29 hours week at $7.58 per hour. It is not a lot of money but it's a job that has guaranteed hours and it keeps me in my house. I am a secretary by profession and have tried to apply for temp jobs but to no avail. I would rather have the 5 months of work at $7.58 per hour right now than say one month of temping at $11 per hour. When you do the FAFSA have all the documentation ready prior to filling out the form. YOu need things like prior year taxes, driver's license etc. Good luck and definitely apply for finanical aid.
Hello There - I'm right there with you..I guess I'm old - 42 but really don't feel it! I feel empowered by learning now. I'm cruising along getting good grades and everything always expecting to "get-into" the nursing progam - only to be dismayed at the other applicants applying - the EMT's, the CNA's, the phlebotomists, etc. nursing schools are hot right now and its highly competitive - don't give up!!!!! and remember when your'e 60 you might still say "gee I wish I would have finished my college degree" good luck!
LisaRN2B
366 Posts
I am going to Sinclair, as well. You can get a copy of an old (and abbreviated) PAX from the LRC. It was interesting, but not as much help as the study guides.
About 200 people took the PAX when I did, 38 "passed." It is doable. I studied my butt off for it and did really well. Others have said it wasn't that hard, but I thought it was challenging. After all, it's been over 20 years since I had even touched upon some of the science topics. I thought the science was the hardest section. Do brush up on algebra, geometry etc.
PM me if you would like.