Should I Go For It?

Published

HI Everyone,

Any advice greatly appreciated. Single mom here with a Master's degree in Special Education in NYC area. Major cuts in special education and now only working part-time, per diem. Things not looking bright for the future, as far as my career in this area. I am considering going back to school for nursing. I know many say they have difficulty obtaining work after getting the degree, but seems more hopeful than education. I need a stable, good income for the long haul. I am considering an accelerated BSN program. But these programs are all full-time, which means I couldnt work. The programs are a year, so wondering if it would be worth taking out LOTS of loans to get through the year?Or better to do the traditional route? Also- I am almost 40- and not sure if I am too old to be starting a new career(Although I have aunts that are still nursing- and they are in their late 60's). I have also heard that getting into any nursing program now is near impossible. I am not sure if this is an exaggeration, but if not, then I need to move along- as I dont want to waste my time or money taking pre-reqs. Will having a Masters degree in early childhood and special education give me an advantage or hinder me from acceptance into a program? I could do more coursework and get certification in general ed for the upper grades and open my options in education, but my heart isnt in it. I chose special education, because I love the medical aspect of the field- evaluations, creating programs, working w a team of OT's, Pt's and speech. Being a regular classroom teacher is not for me. Besides- getting a job in a public school in NY is nearly impossible. Impossible. I love all the opportunities nursing affords, so many areas, fields. Advice/words of wisdom???? HELP! thanks so much

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

My only advice is to do some research. Look into a few different programs and find out exactly what the requirements are to apply, stats on the most recent admitted class (GPA, test scores, etc.) and try to figure out if you'd be a competitive applicant. Look at online job postings or browse some of the new grad threads here on AN to find out what the job market's like for new RNs in your area. You're the only one who can decide if pursuing nursing is going to be the right move for you, but whatever you choose, good luck! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Agreed, definitely do research. Nursing is getting over saturated with new grads especially in big cities, just beware of that. It may be just as difficult to find a job depending on your area. With that being said, I personally wouldn't want to take out extraordinary loans. Look into the specific area you're trying to gain employment and if at all possible speak with nurses to see what the job market is like!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Forensic Psych.

Things aren't looking all that bright and shiny for a lot of new grad nurses right now, either. I would be very careful about going into debt for another degree.

When the economy crashed, suddenly everyone loved the opportunities and options nursing offered. Now we're all suffering the fallout.

I'm not saying it's not a great field, just choose wisely

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

I don't know how the colleges' tuition rates are for ABSNs in New York, but here (Indiana) the the cost per credit is the same as the traditional route. I am in an accelerated BSN program (18 months) and I started last May at 47yrs old. I will graduate in August a couple weeks shy of 48, so starting at 40 is not too old. There are plenty of threads about students starting school in their 40s and 50s. My advice is if possible, go the ABSN route. It will take less time then traditional programs and start getting your nursing experience sooner.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion