tired and discouraged pre- nursing

digoe74 · Mar 28, 2011

No don't give up if nursing is really your dream! I am currently taking my prereqs too and I am not much younger than you (I'm 36). The fact that you mention your age in your post leads me to believe that you *think* you will be too old by the time you are done with nursing school. That is not the case! At my school most of the ppl in the nursing program are over 30 and some are in their forties too. As far as your schedule, is it possible that you are trying to take too many classes while working full time? Maybe you are just spreading yourself too thin? With regard to work, is it possible to cut back your hours a little? If not I have one other idea for you. Have you ever considered taking a CNA class? From what I understand they are about 4-6 weeks long, you could work as a CNA, still have an income, your schedule would likely be fore flexible as I know that many places that hire CNA's that are in nursing school will work with you regarding your schedule, AND you would be in the medical field and possibly make some valuable connections... JMO I wish you much luck! :)

sekishin · Mar 28, 2011

40, HA!!!!

I am 41 and just finishing pre-reqs (nights, weekends, and online classes) while working full-time also, but this is nothing:

Seventeen (17) years ago my father-in-law went back to school for nursing (was a pipe-fitter before) at the age of 50 and he is still nursing, a correctional nurse, and still going. What a guy and a role model for nurses of all ages.

Keep going until you can't go anymore. I am old enough to know there are no "dream" jobs, just jobs and each one is what you make of it. Maybe GSU isn't for you, try a two year technical college. Just keep going. What are the other choices - to stop school. Weigh what you would do if you did stop - whatever that is, is it going to be better or easier.

Just focus on what you can control today.

Good luck in whatever you choose

nyanbensmommy1 · Mar 29, 2011

wow i really needed to find this post. very encouraging words and I know it's helping me.

Big thanks!!!!!

kristiesin · Mar 29, 2011

Ha! I love these.. and let me add my own.

I am 41 also and in school full time. It can be done.. and I would second the idea that going to a two year school or a technical school may be a better option for you.

I decided to completely "start over" last year and take everything fresh.

You have several "stepping options" too... like one poster mentioned.. go and get your CNA, then take some pre-reqs for LPN, get your LPN then bridge to RN..

You can also try doing less classes at a time, or working less, just depends on your schedule.

You CAN do it.. and you are NEVER too old to pursue what you really want to do.

Where I go to school (at a community college) there are people of all ages, and all backgrounds in pre-nursing classes.

Take advantage of every resource the college has to offer as well. We have a learning center that offers free math and writing tutoring.. can you find something like this at your school?

Good luck and keep going!!!!

kristiesin · Mar 29, 2011

40, HA!!!!
I am 41 and just finishing pre-reqs (nights, weekends, and online classes) while working full-time also, but this is nothing:
Seventeen (17) years ago my father-in-law went back to school for nursing (was a pipe-fitter before) at the age of 50 and he is still nursing, a correctional nurse, and still going. What a guy and a role model for nurses of all ages.
Keep going until you can't go anymore. I am old enough to know there are no "dream" jobs, just jobs and each one is what you make of it. Maybe GSU isn't for you, try a two year technical college. Just keep going. What are the other choices - to stop school. Weigh what you would do if you did stop - whatever that is, is it going to be better or easier.
Just focus on what you can control today.
Good luck in whatever you choose

WHAT an inspiration!!!!!! That is amazing and is so cool to think that he is still nursing.

45whenimdone · Mar 30, 2011

Add me to the list. I'm 41. will be 45 when I'm done... BSN. (hopefully or ADN) either or... I'm not stopping there. I'll be working while pursuing my Nurse Practitioner concentration in Gerontology.

this semester has been a difficult one for me... 1 class is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY hard, another great, and one that is sooooo boring that I fall asleep reading the book.... good thing is I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. At the end of this year I will have at least my AA. by this time next year I will be starting either the BSN or ADN program. Push through it.... I've "given up" at least fifty times during the most difficult times with my pre-reqs (just out of boredom) with the sciences though, i was excited and yearned to learn! If I wasn't pursuing my AA as well, I would be entering a ADN THIS fall... but my hopes of getting into a BSN are first and foremost.

Anyway. I think I blabbed about nothing. I'm tired. got up at 5a to study... yawn... Good luck to you and remember, you're going to be 45 or 50, or 51, etc... anyway... might as well be doing something you'll enjoy! ciao!

kristiesin · Mar 30, 2011

You know.. that is EXACTLY the reason that keeps me going.. Next year I will be 42 whether or not I am pursuing my dream.

I figure I might as well at least be moving toward my goal instead of thinking about doing it!

We ahem..mature students have a great deal to offer this profession! We can do it, and I know we will!

We just have to keep at it.

I love my classes this quarter, so that will help a great deal.

Phlebotomy is turning into a very cool class. Had our first lab yesterday, and I am excited to get the needles out now!

jboogie617 · Mar 30, 2011

How many classes are you taking? Are you at least getting a C in the class? Maybe you have too much on you plate right now? if i was doing poorly in one class and was sure i would not be able to bring up the grade, i would drop and and take it again in the fall. maybe you can take chem again along with just one more class so you are not so overwhelmed because i know how hard chem is. pre reqs are a pain in the a$$ but it has to be done and you will be done eventually =0)

newRNstudent02 · Mar 30, 2011

Get tutoring for the chem class. I'm sorry to say, that it gets so much harder down the road. Be prepared to spend more time studying. Maybe, cut back to part-time working? If nursing is something you really want to do then you're going to have to put in a whole lot more effort to get your gpa up!

staceym · Mar 31, 2011

I agree with the above post. First, I am rather young in comparison but still, kudos to you for striving to your goal. Second, I have also heard it get's so much harder and making school a priority right now will pay off for getting into the program and setting yourself up to study well. I have a friend in nursing school right now and she said it's incredibly time consuming, stressful, etc. but she also said it's incredibly rewarding and her classmates are a very diverse and mixed bunch (all ages, sexes, etc.) Anyways, you can do it! Just make it your #1 priority.

Classylady85 · Mar 31, 2011

Hello, I was soo.. glad to see this post because I am not 40 but 45 years old pursuing nursing. I am currently enrolled at GSU but I didn't apply with their nursing program because I had one of the instructors to tell me they are strictly GPA basis. There was one girl in my HHS class who got in the program and she told me that her GPA was a 3.80. I agree with everyone else try a two year school or get your CNA but don't give up. :nurse: I would try Gordon College, GPC, or North Georgia but just know that whatever God has for you is yours and don't let anyone discourage you. I know several people that are 50 years old and are now a RN. I am going to apply with GPC and Gordon College for Spring 2012, because I have completed all of my prerequisites so hang in there and don't get discouraged nor GIVE UP!!! :up: