25 years as Flight Attendant/want to change to Nursing

To all the nurses who give sound advice, please share with me your insights!

I am a 50 year old Flight Attendant who has 25 years w/maj airline, and want very much to change careers. I already have a B.S. 4 yr degree from 1980. Alas, Texas does not want much of the prior degree. I started at a comm. college with hopes of getting an ADN and then bridge to BSN. I have taken a few classes while trying to fly a full time schedual. Unfortunately my momentum was slowed when this spring I had an ACL knee surgery. I am recoved now and trying to get back to flying. I am married to a supportive husband and also have 2 kids, 15 and one in college out of state. Tuition will be a major issue. I am open to advice! Thanks inadvance for your words of advice.

[rnhope2b]

Still hoping for some insights

[ellakate]

Hello, ladyflyer58. I have often thought that flight attendants are like nurses in the air. You already know how to learn and adapt to a dynamic environment. One question: Do you think it necessary to go for a BSN? You already have a BA. Take time off from the full-time job and complete your ADN. That may not be possible, but it is just a thought. Be good to that knee!

[rnhope2b]

Thanks for the response. Actually I am thinking of retiring. So much has changed since 911. I am thinking of changing to a different CC. The BSN would have to be a bridge and that would be fine since I want to be in nursing for the future. I am now wondering if I should just get a LVN/LPN then bridge to RN and get experience. Any way in the door is my objective. I saw someone else suggest CNA. A lot of time and $ for that alone, and it would not be my objective. Is there anyone else that found the path?

[ellakate]

I am now wondering if I should just get a LVN/LPN then bridge to RN and get experience. Any way in the door is my objective. I saw someone else suggest CNA. A lot of time and $ for that alone, and it would not be my objective. Is there anyone else that found the path?

Just from observation, a number of my LVN friends are very happy that they don't 'have to do the paper work that the RNs do in home health.' For a family woman, I think that considering the LVN/LPN first is a great idea.

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

I think starting at the LPN level would be a good idea. I also think that being a CNA would be very hard physically for most people in ther 50s- and with knee problems to boot.

Being a CNA kicked my butt when I was only in my 20s. I'm in my mid 40s now, and I know I could not work as a CNA.

[rnhope2b]

Wow great quote from our girl Flo! I have experienced the exact situation many times over in my job! I will reconsider the LPN and forget the CNA. My original vision was to get to Nurse Practitioner. Perhaps I could think longer term and consider teaching RNs since there is such a shortage of schools and programs. Any other ideas?

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

Do you know any nurses whom you can ask about working conditions and availability of jobs where you live?

Can you shadow a nurse?

Have you checked your local want ads, and health care facility web sites? Do you know what the going pay rates are?

(About the Flo quote- thanks- she's said many wise things :)

[rnhope2b]

I'm in Texas near DFW. Rates are competitive here average on national level and higher in the specialties. I have several friends that are nurses and they all have been telling me for years that my job at an F/A is better. I know what the down side can be like just from my friends sharing with me. I flew international for 13 years and domestic for 12. I have flown some tough times. There is just no where to go in this industry. I am still feeling driven to do this.

[Coriander, BSN, RN]

I thought I had responded to this but guess I didn't... sorry lol.

You have wonderful experience as a flight attendant. You were trained to handle stressful situations which I think would cross over beautifully. Do what you dream! :)

[rnhope2b]

Thank you for your kind support! I really appreciate finding this site!

[CrufflerJJ, RN]

With your prior degree, you might also consider an accelerated ADN or BSN program - they're designed for people with prior Bachelors degrees. That approach would get you your RN faster (typically, 12-18 months) than a traditional ADN/BSN route. One down-side is that you would probably not be able to work (except maybe part time) during the accelerated program - they are pretty "loaded" with info, and the pace is definitely accelerated.

Good luck!