41 years old about to enter Nursing School

[jenobeba]

Hi everyone,

In late August I will be taking my last class (Pharmacology) needed before entering nursing school. It has taken me forever to get here. I always wanted to be in the medical field but was to lazy and didn't really believe in myself as much. I went as far as to say I was not college material. I took a short cut and decided to be a Medical Assistant. I worked in that for a few years and left it for a job in the corporate world that paid more money. Being a single mother of two little boys I just wanted to afford them a better life. That career move did not last (thankfully). I was fired after two years. You cant imagine the sheer terror of not having a job and having to maintain a home and my sanity. I decided to give college a try. I told myself this is the only life I will get so I need to do what I really want, and so I enrolled in community college in 2010 and up till now been taking all the prerequisites for nursing. I see others that have gotten their Bachelors and I don't even have my Associates yet, but that wont get me down. I don't care how long it takes me as long as I become a nurse and get to fulfill my dream. Has anyone else experienced life in the process of becoming your dream? I would really appreciate if you would share.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Hats off to you for pursuing your goal of becoming a nurse. I always say as long as you are strong mentally and physically, you can pursue nursing at any age.

Nursing is is my second career. I had a previous college degree so I won't the Accelerated BSN path. I don't have any children but I had to do some sacrificing to support myself while I attended school. I went to school with plenty of students who were also mothers and they can tell you how hard it was but with family support it was doable.

I hope you have family support during the times you need to study, do homework, and attend clinical. Nursing school will not be a lovely stroll in the park. my nursing journey was challenging at times but I'm currently reaping the benefits of my hard work and so will you. Good luck on your journey.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Look at it from this perspective.... 'normal' retirement age is now 66 - and will gradually increase. So, at minimum, you have ~ 25 years to go. With that in mind, the return on your career investment makes so much sense! Heck, I know nurses who are still working well into their 70's; one is an 81 year old relief house supervisor - still going strong.

You can do this. You're going to be a dynamite nurse.

[WellThatsOod]

Hi there! I too have always wanted to be in the medical field. It started out wanted to be a surgeon (that never happened.) I became a bit of a screw up senior year and stopped caring for a bit. When I was 20 I went to massage therapy school. I'm 30 now and have 3 kids. I've been working off and on this whole time but it's a hard business to get ahead in.

I started taking my pre-reqs for nursing school in 2013 after I had my youngest son. I am turning in my application in August and will hopefully be starting in January. I have one more class (A&P 2) for my ADN and am also taking the rest of my Gen Ed classes for my BSN.

My plan is to bridge to BSN after I pass the NCLEX-RN. We may be movig in the next 3 or 4 years. I have been considering becoming a NP, but I'll have to see where we are and how we stand we when get closer to that time in life.

Congrats to you on your journey and welcome. There are some wonderful people here.

[navarrofutureRN]

I'm 49 just graduated in May 2015

[G019, BSN, RN]

First off good for you to continue to pursue your goals. It takes a lot for us to admit what we were doing wrong, that you were not motivated in the beginning. The beauty of it all is that you woke up, began to take charge of your life for you and your family. Good luck to you!

[ShontaFutureBSN]

Welcome and congrats! I am a single mother who started college in 2004 and didn't obtain my AS degree until 2014. During that ten year gap, I took a few semesters off for various reasons. I also become a medical assistant through a one year program during that time. I worked briefly as a MA and loved it, however the job that I have now is a lot more flexible and suits the life of a college student. I have built a rapport where I am able to take time off in the event that I need to study. I even work half days during the week in order for me to pick my daughter up from school. I have been through many ups and downs in my life from being in a homeless shelter with my daughter, having my car repossessed and in turn having to quit a job that I loved because of lack of transportation to not being able continue school because I owed them tuition money. However, the one important factor in it all is that I never gave up! I have been accepted into two nursing programs for the fall and suddenly it all feels worth it! I start my BSN program in just a month and a half, and it still feels surreal. We all go through obstacles in life but it is all about resilience!!! You will make it through if you want it bad enough!!! I'm rooting for you though!!! XOXOXOXOX

Shonta - Future BSN

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

I'm 46 and just graduated from nursing school in May. You can do it :)

[GA Peach]

Congrats!!!! I'm 40 with 3 kids and currently working as an MA while taking the pre-reqs for nursing. I've put off my nursing career for several years. Sometimes I doubt myself and question if I can do it. Reading your post has encouraged me to keep going and not give up!

Don't give up you can do it!

[nvnikkid]

I am 42 and praying that I will be starting the LVN program in Spring 2016. Stay focused, encourage yourself and you will reach your goal.

[GA Peach]

Thank you

[fyrephish, ADN, RN]

My mother just finished her RN in May of this year at age 62. You can do it! It's never too late.