34 yr old starting out...help

Nature_walker, ASN, BSN, RN · May 8, 2016

I don't believe you are too old! I went back to start my pre-reqs at 34, got into a nursing program at 35, and now two years later, I'm graduating in 2 weeks with my ADN. It is a lot of hard work, but it is doable! Good luck on your journey!

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · May 8, 2016

Should I start as an lvn and get experience then go into nursing school and then possibly A masters?

You'd have to go to nursing school before starting as an LVN because an LVN is a nurse.

As far as the rest of it goes, most nursing programs have a good amount of information online. I would start by browsing that information and considering how easy/difficult/time-consuming it would be to get yourself to a point where you're able to competitively apply.

34 is not too old, IMO.

dishes, BSN, RN · May 8, 2016

Just so you know, you will need go to nursing school in order to become a LVN.

RNperdiem, RN · May 8, 2016

A dream of becoming a nurse is a good start. Now you need a plan. How much do you know about nursing, like what nurses do all day? Can you shadow some nurses, following them for a day and get to see what nursing is about?

Look up the job prospects for LVNs in your area. Check some HR websites of hospitals. Do they specify BSN preferred?

Before you invest any money in nursing, make sure it is what you really want to do based on your observations and some research.

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · May 8, 2016

How is your financial situation? Will you need to work as you go? If yes, I would recommend starting as an LPN and work as one while going to RN school. I would recommend ADN as it is cheaper (usually) and then have your employer pay for your BSN, if possible.

katylady22 · May 8, 2016

Yes, I meant start lvn school first and then after working apply for school to become an RN. There's a 12 month lvn program near me in Houston.

i was also wondering if RNs are required to have their bachelors now? I really don't want to have to study up in math after 16 years and repeat all the basics :-/

i had great grades (As) in A&P 1&2 plus biology 1&2 and have taken most all of my basics.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · May 9, 2016

You will have to probably repeat most of the basics for an ASN. Usually algebra or stats is required.

loriangel14, RN · May 9, 2016

BSN is really wanted by most employers now. I would go that route if possible.

katylady22 · May 9, 2016

You will have to probably repeat most of the basics for an ASN. Usually algebra or stats is required.

I hope not but I honestly have forgotten a lot of it and to get into nursing school I will need to pass the entry test and I'm sure I'll need to know all the info in those basic classes *sigh*

maybe some of it will come back to me and make it easier on my old self, lol!!

katylady22 · May 9, 2016

BSN is really wanted by most employers now. I would go that route if possible.

I've noticed that trend and Houston Methodist doesn't hire ADN only BSN I've also noticed that there are tons of medical assistant job postings and Several RN job posting but no LVN jobs in our big hospitals!?! Medical imaging is also usually PRN this has got to make it be difficult for new grads.

NurseRies, BSN, RN · May 9, 2016

In my opinion, starting with LPN, then to ADN, then to BSN is way too complicated . If you can make it work, just do the BSN if it works for your family and your life. You could always work part time as a CNA or other work during BSN school, I did it for many years, although no kids, but some in my class did. Just don't spend too much on tuition. Once you pass NCLEX, no employer cares where you went to school. Look at pass rates and school ratings.