What would you do?

[busphob]

Hello: I am writing to get a few opinions about my particular situation. About two years ago I finished my BS degree in Business Management. I worked while going to school in Pathology. I have been here for 22 years. Due to lack of experience in my chosen major - job placement has been tough and the offered salaries even worse.

I have been toying with the idea of pursuing the nursing program because I heard job placement was good after graduation. I checked around at different schools such as Provo Tech College which is approximately 53K and Utah Valley University which requires a 3.99 to 4.0 to get through the pre-reqs. I know there is no way I can achieve that kind of GPA on science courses. I am currently 48 years old. Since my emphasis was business, I would have to start from scratch (with the exception of the GE) to pursue this.

What are your feelings - do you think it would be even worth it at my age to do this? I am really having a hard time deciding. Since I work full time, should I get accepted after the pre-reqs (and that might be atleast 2 years of waiting) - they told me I would have to quit my job to attend classes during the day. If I choose the Provo Tech route I can probably go cheaper if I take the LPN classes elsewhere but I will still be working to pay off the student loan for probably 10 years.

Some opinions would be helpful. I'm still waiting from my hospital to see if they will chip in for the tuition reimbursement on the pre-reqs. I can always benefit from the classes but I know for sure I would never ace chemistry or Biology. :icon_roll

[Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN]

Shoot--don't count yourself out so quickly! Older students are often very focused students and do quite well in classes they never imagined they could do well in. My hubby was a truck driver for 20+ years and decided to become a nurse after seeing a male nurse in action...apparently this guy took outstanding care of his dad when he was in the hospital. Hubby is 49 and seriously a fantastic nurse. He became an RN when he was 43. He runs circles around me in nursing! (I know, if you look at my age and say, "What in the world?" Yes, I married a dude 20 years older than me.)

My advice--if this is what you really want to do, DO IT. You will be 50 in 2 years regardless; do you want to be still wondering what if, or do you want to be sporting some white scrubs?

[caliotter3]

There were people in my class who were in their 50s and I've read here about students in their 60s. Many in my class were in their 40s. Just go ahead with your plans. Your bigger concern would be which program to go toward. Sounds like your choices are limited unless you are open to commuting a distance or relocating. Good luck with your decision.

[akanini, MSN, RN]

You're never too old to learn!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Well, I went back to school at 51, became an LPN at 52, and an RN a month ago, at 55.

That said, I don't really like being a floor nurse much. I was lucky that my systems experience landed me an office job.

[doulasrock]

Have you looked into programs that go from a non-nursing bachelors straight into a Masters in Nursing. Some colleges are offering this great formula for people that already have a 4 years degree.

Vanessa

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Busphob,

You didn't provide any info about your motivation to go into nursing except a reference to your disappointing job search & prospective salaries. Are you under the impression that nursing pays more than your currently make? If so, you probably need to validate that. You may be surprised at how little nurses are paid - despite all the hard work it takes to become one!

Age should be no barrier for you, but many people 'hit the wall' when it comes to the math & science pre-requisites. GPA is an important consideration for nursing school admissions. You'll just have to determine whether the goal is worth all the time and effort you will need to invest.