this idea of a second degree in nursing after 22 years as an elementary school teacher has me terrified. i honestly did not think i had a chance of getting into the program at a local community college, but here i am. to prepare for this challenge, i have spent the last 6 months working 7p-7a at a hospital full time as a secretary. this has taught me so much. i am really glad i did it, but now i am worried about working 3 night shifts while attempting nursing school. can this be done? my school requires proof of medical insurance, and since i am single, i have to have the income to survive it all. if i try to go to part-time, my insurance rates triple, and i won't be able to pay bills. my support system is extremely limited, the night shifts have proven to be a challenge, and the fear combined with stress of this transition have made this summer very lonely and difficult.
i am really feeling discouraged at this point, and i am afraid i made a huge mistake leaving teaching when i did. i still had 5 more years until retirement, so i left my retirement money in the teacher retirement system in order to be able to fully retire at age 58.since i am getting no younger, i knew i had to get a move on toward a second career since retirement pension will just not be enough.i do have some savings, but it isn't enough to cover everything this will take. at the time i left my job in order to complete my prereqs a year and a half ago, my finances were in good shape, and then the economy tanked! i hate to back out of this since i have come so far. there has got to be a way to make this all work!
is there anyone out there who can tell me if someone who is alone at my age can make it through nursing school while working three 12 hour night shifts a week? if not, any suggestions in the areas of insurance or possible financial resources would be most welcomed. thanks!
I am 51 and started NS in Jan and will graduate as an LPN in Jan 2010. I worked nights 3 shifts a week as a CNA and I have a family and multiple health problems including scleroderma, CAD with 3 stents, fibromyalgia and arthritis. I am exceeding program standards according to my instructors and loving it all. Oh and I too was an elementary teacher for 25 years, got divorced, had a house burn down and since being laid off for three years and substituting decided to try something new. I always wanted to be a nurse, but was told by my less-than-supportive mother I'd never pass math. Well, she was wrong. I'm a straight "A" student in every subject. IT CAN BE DONE, but yes, it is very very very hard. If you want it go for it.
I am 52 and starting nursing school in August also. I wish you the best I don't have any answers for you. Have you talked with the local hospital about working with you on your hours while you attend school. I am presently unemployed because of the economy. I have been a graphic artist all my working career so this will be a big change for me. I talked with my local hospital and was informed that they will hire me as a nurse tech after my first semester of school I won't have any benefits but they will work with me on my hours while I attend school. Do wish I could give you some easy answers. I have found that this site has some very informed veteran nurses that I am sure will be able to lead you in the right direction.
YES, you CAN do it!! I too am a school teacher and am about to begin a master's program and earn my MSN. It will be lots of hard work but it will be worth it.
Also, if you decide to teach at a public college after you get your degree, you may still be able to contribute to your retirement. At least thats the way it is here in Texas.
I am 50 years old and single. I was a speech pathologist and a special education teacher for 23 years. Today, I just received my RN license in the mail! Monday I begin a new grad program in the SICU. It can be done! It is hard. I got health insurance through my school. I didn't work though. I sold my house. I am fortunate enough to be able to live with my parents. I wish you luck! You can do it!
I'm 42, have a Bachelor's degree already, and have worked for my county as a probation officer for 15 years. I need a change and have spent last year taking the science courses I need. Next month I start an associates degree program, but all I have left are the nursing courses. I will be working full time (still as a PO) and going to school evenings and weekends. I am divorced, making car and home payments and taking care of my small farm and elderly parents who live next door. I KNOW you can do this. I find if I don't dwell on the negative things I can keep pushing forward towards my goal. You will have all of us for support, and we may need your support at times! Finally, don't be afraid to take some school loans. In my opinion, don't touch the retirement money, and no retirement loans. Also, consider after graduation, getting a job working for the county or state, then you can continue to add into the same retirement program. Best wishes! You can email me if you need to.
NamasteNurse, BSN, RN
680 Posts
I am 51 and started NS in Jan and will graduate as an LPN in Jan 2010. I worked nights 3 shifts a week as a CNA and I have a family and multiple health problems including scleroderma, CAD with 3 stents, fibromyalgia and arthritis. I am exceeding program standards according to my instructors and loving it all. Oh and I too was an elementary teacher for 25 years, got divorced, had a house burn down and since being laid off for three years and substituting decided to try something new. I always wanted to be a nurse, but was told by my less-than-supportive mother I'd never pass math. Well, she was wrong. I'm a straight "A" student in every subject. IT CAN BE DONE, but yes, it is very very very hard. If you want it go for it.