So Happy I Found All Of You

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Specializes in Med/Surg..

I'm so happy I found this site. After 20+ years of hoping to go to Nursing School - at age 42 I'm finally going for it. I was afraid it was too late, but so glad to see there are lots of people my age just getting started.

I've had this calling forever - I was a Candy Striper all through High School. After a year of College and lack of funds I decided to join the Navy to try and get my RN that way. I went through Naval Hospital Corps School (similar to a medic/lpn). Spent 6 long years in the Navy working in hospitals, clinics, ER's. We were literally worked to death and sadly there was never time to go to Nursing School. As soon as I got out I checked out all our local community colleges and found there was a year long waiting list. I had to get a job in the mean time and found a company to work at (temporarily). The pay, benefits, etc. were fantastic and I ended up staying there for 6 years until they moved out of State.

I just kept putting off getting my RN thinking it was just too late. My brother and his wife are Nurses, 2 other sister in-laws are Nurses, my husband is a Peri-Natal Therapist. Except for my crazy ER Nurse brother who lives for major traumas coming in during his 14th hour on duty (says it's a great adrenaline rush) - the rest of them say they are very burned out with the long hours and crazy schedules. I was a Medical Secretary for a Pediatric Advice Line several years ago. They all told me I knew more about nursing than a lot of the nurses working there and kept telling me I was wasting my time being their secretary. We worked 12 hour shifts and usually after about 10 hours - the same Nurse would stand up - take her headset off and Scream - I'm going to Wal-Mart tomorrow to apply for a job, I can't take this stress anymore!!!! After that she said she felt much better and went back to work - it was pretty funny!!!

I cared for patients for 6 years doing everything imaginable and know what I'm getting myself into. Our oldest is a college freshman and I finally decided (it's my time to go back to school). I've applied for the Fall Semester - they have accepted most of my credits from my previous college, so the only thing standing in my way is an algebra placement test I have to take in 3 weeks (Lord Help Me!!!!) My son is an engineering/math major and is tutoring his Dear Old Mum with her algebra (never thought I'd see the day).

I was told if I don't pass this test - I have to wait another year to re-apply. I was thinking - I'm 42 years old and this is my one and only shot at this. That is until I read many of your posts and found that a lot of you started taking other necessary classes while waiting to get into the Nursing Program. Like most of you - I haven't sat in an algebra class for 20 years :eek: . This has been my calling for a very long time and I'm hoping even if the test doesn't go well, I'll have the nerve to just start taking classes and assume I'll get in next year. I've been the Director of a local Senior Center for the last few years and have fallen in love with all of my elderly clients and know that geriatrics is what I want to specialize in - they are a very special group of people.

Thanks for listening - crossing my fingers I'll pass that test. Susan

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Welcome, Susan! I can read the excitement and exhilaration in your post! Good luck on the test, and if you happen to not pass this time around, there's always next year! It's never too late.

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Welcome, Susan! Sounds like nursing really IS your calling, sure you'll do fine on your test and the ball will get rolling for you with your courses. I'm 44 and nursing has also been a lifelong dream for me, pushed aside by whatever life brought my way, family obligations, etc., but at age 40 and with my kids in high school, I decided to pursue it. I'm hoping to work with the geriatric population when I graduate in May, I agree, they are very special and they give so much back. Again, best of luck to you, and welcome to our group!

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welcome and good luck to you!!

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Welcome to the board Susan!!!! I know that you'll love it here as much as we do. It sounds like you are going to be a very dedicated and compassionate nurse.

Fatima

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Specializes in Acute rehab/geriatrics/cardiac rehab.

Welcome susan - I am 44 and about to graduate from nursing school (a BSN program) in May 2004. You'll like this site. In fact you may find yourself practically addicted to it. It's good for a study break and finding out information from other nursing students and nurses.

I had a previous degree, but was a homemaker for several years. I'm married to a very supportive husband and we have five kids (all teenagers).

Once again welcome.

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Specializes in Acute rehab/geriatrics/cardiac rehab.

On and by the way. I also I'm thinking about working with the geriatric population. I'd like to be a rehab nurse and will do my practicum at a rehab center which has many elderly people.

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

susan, welcome!

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, MICU/SICU.

Hi Susan (Great name) :D

Welcome! It's never too late!

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Love your attitude , good luck to you ...and hun its never to late to have what you want ...go get 'em girl.

cc

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33 year old 7 year former corpsman. Glad to see your "can do" attitude. I was out of the biz for 7 years and I am doing prereqs full time right now. I 'll be in a program in the fall. It can be done and you'll be amazed at how your skills as a former navy "doc" come back.

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