South Suburban College ADN Program...Decisions,,Decisions!

Cathylady · Feb 10, 2010

I always wanted to be a nurse, went into teaching instead. I love my job but after 24 years of teaching, I still regret not becoming a nurse. If you're inclined and are starting to feel the call to be a nurse, I say go for it so you won't have any regrets.

capella44 · Feb 10, 2010

i am in a similar position...i have been in a stable full time job that pays a decent salary (around starting pay for an rn), but realized this just isn't where my heart is. i have to face the same decision you do, as i also live in the chicago area and there are not really any adn programs that meet outside of my work hours. right now i am taking one prereq at a time on the weekends at waubonsee, but when they are completed i will probably have to quit my job and find a part time one that pays much less while i am in school.

but i think if you are like me, taking that risk will be worth it if it means you can have a career that you find fulfilling. work is such a big part of our lives...you should do something that makes you happy, not something that just gets you by. for me, i need a job that continues to challenge me to grow as a person but also leaves me feeling like i have made a difference. when i have doubts of my decision, i think about what my current job will be like in 10 years, and what my job could be like in 10 years if i was a nurse. then i know i have made the right decision.

if nursing is your dream, don't be afraid to go after it! every dream takes some sacrifice to achieve, and you will find a way to make it all work out. stay positive and good luck! :)

Cathylady · Feb 11, 2010

Capella44, I am 56 years old and thinking about retiring. I remember having my first teaching job, it was a dream job teaching at the high school that I graduated from four years prior. I was teaching sophomore biology. I went to my former guidance counselor who was still at the high school where I was now teaching and I asked him what he thought my chances were getting into an ADN program with my BS. He said to me, "You won't make it, it's too competitive." and I believed him. Hence, I never applied and regretted it all my life. I love my teaching job but that doesn't stop me from thinking, "what if." But as fate would have it, my daughter is on a full scholarship at Virginia Commonwealth University in the BSN program and loving it. She wants to be a NP. I guess I will have to settle for watching her fulfill her dream to be a nurse.

You are young enough to go for it, me...I'm looking forward to retiring and volunteering at our local hospital. That I will NOT be talked out of. :-)

latinadream · Feb 11, 2010

Cathylady thanks so much for your encouragement! Nursing is really my dream. I believe if you put your mind into something you can achieve it. good luck to your daughter!

Kuffy · May 7, 2010

latinadream, so what decision did you make, I am attending SSC too, did you take the entrance exam for the fall?, how did you do? though they dont have evening classes they do have afternoon classes and they do have evening clinicals starting at 3:30 pm.. I have my eye on them, with the two little ones in the house I needed the night time clinicals too so hubby can watch them and save on a ton of day care cost.