Single mom, wanting to be a nurse

cnoto34 · May 30, 2013

Hi Everyone. I finally finished my GED and I am a single mother of two kids, i am 30 and I have been out of school for 10 years. I want to become an RN, but I am doubting if I am too old or just been out of school for too long. do you guys think it's still possible for me to get this done, while working my full time job? I get no child support, and I want this so bad for my kids future. I also want to finally accomplish something for me. I've had a really rough 20s, and hoping my 30s would be much better :) Any tips, insights and advice would be appreciated!
Thank you all!

Your def not to old! I'm 34 and just got into nursing school after spending 6 years of prereq. I too am a single mother and have yet to receive support. I also had a rough patch in my 20's and part of my 30's but things are looking up! I could have stayed down considering my circumstances but I chose to press on. If you are determined, you can do it.:) good luck to you

Bdandy · May 30, 2013

Thank you so much for your kind words! I will be taking an accuplacer testing at my local community college. I am very nervous as math is definitely not my favorite. how are the pre-req classes? are they really difficult for someone who has been out of school? Thanks again and good luck to you too! :)

bridg0809 · May 30, 2013

Never too old! I just graduated and I'm 32 with 2 Children...a 3yo & 11yo. You can definitely do it and you'll be an inspiration to your children. They will get to see you working hard and it will make them want to work hard too :) Ain't gonna lie it took me several years to get here but worth every second! Good luck & go for it!

MommaTy · May 30, 2013

You are never too old. We know 60+ people coming back to school. It is very hard to be a single parent, but if you have help from family and if their father(s) are involved you can do it :) You MUST study for nursing. The pre-reqs are cake. Our nursing program said the hardest part of nursing school is getting in. If you study, study, study you can do it. I'm a mom to 5 kids. I didn't start college until I was 21. I had 3 under 3 children when I started. At 27 I got accepted for the fall ADN program. "You can succeed in nursing school with money, time, and perseverance".

Bdandy · May 30, 2013

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! I am just terrified and the waiting list is daunting!

Bdandy · May 30, 2013

Hi! Thank you for input! Their father is not involve in any way. We were victims of domestic violence and abuse for years and we are finally free, I'd like to do this for my kids. I do have a family member to watch my kids, but unfortunately she doesn't drive. I have a full time job 3rd shift, and I am terrified of going back to school and feeling dumb, but I want this so bad. As I have mentioned the waiting list at my community college for ADN program is up to 4 years and that alone is discouraging because of my age. But thank you so much for giving me hope that I can do it!

Nurse2b2318 · May 30, 2013

I was out of school for about 8 years before I decided to go back. I am also a 29 year old mother and I am starting the ADN program in the fall. If anything I think being a single mother is what drove me to go back to school and give it my all. Now, I have a very supportive boyfriend and things just seemed to fall into place. It took me about 3 years to finish my pre-reqs, so I was able to work full time. Just start taking the required classes at a local Community College even if it is one class at a time and before long you can apply to a program. Good Luck!

Bdandy · May 30, 2013

Thank you all so much! Yes being a single mom is definitely one of my biggest reason why I want this so bad. Earring all of your stories and accomplishments after hard times definitely gave me more hope that with hard work it is possible. Good luck to all of you and again, thank you all for taking the time to reply! :)

michfish · May 30, 2013

I just turned 40 and I start the ADN program at my community college August. I completely understand how intimidating it is being out of school so many years then going back to school. It was 16 years from when I got may BA to when I decided to go back to school to pursue nursing and I was very scared. I wondered if I would be able to keep up with the younger, more traditional college age crowd. I have actually found my age and maturity to be an asset in the classroom.

You can do this! Nursing is something that I have wanted so bad for almost 20 years. I am so excited to start in the fall. I am also doing this for myself and my kids, to make a better life for us. As previous posters have said, start at your local community college, even if it is only 1 class. Some of the prereq classes may even be offered online.

keismrrs · May 31, 2013

First off let me say, this is a great forum for single parents who have dreams and ambitions to become a RN. My story is very similar I am 27, with a 5-yr old son. I have just registered at my community college for my pre-reqs for a nursing degree. Trying to juggle a full-time job, and full-time mother is hard. So I had a lot of doubts that I could go to school, because I'm scared for financial reasons at home. I am living with my mother right now, but she is ready to have home to herself, which I totally get, so I will be moving out within the next 6 months or so. For women that live on there own and have children, what methods do you use to try to stay stress-free? I have a way of always putting the negative before the positive, and I would love to have ideas of techniques you use, that would stop me from being doubtful of myself.

mzrainydayz, BSN, RN · May 31, 2013

Go for it, it's never to late to go to nursing school. I am your age and I am a single mom also. I am in my third semester of the ADN program. My daughter is my motivation.