Hi- I'm late in the game at 34 yrs old. My kids are finally in school all day and I want to finish my dream of becoming a nurse. What is the best way for me to do this at my age?
Should I start as an lvn and get experience then go into nursing school and then possibly A masters?
(Or am I too old for a masters now :-/ )
should I go directly into a BSN program?
should I start in an ADN program then BSN if I want a masters?
my previous college classes are all 13-16 yrs old so Will I have to retake everything?
Thanks! If this falls through or I am too old, my dream of being a nurse will have to be forgotten and I guess I'll try to get an office job (like a paralegal). *Sigh*
time please slow down!!
im in Houston, TX!!! (So if you are here in Houston and know of good schools please share them with me) I've heard prairie view wasn't a good choice for some.
When I was in nursing school my study partner was in her forties, divorced with three teens, and worked two sixteen hour shifts on the weekends. We all graduated with our BSN. She didn't complain about it and just did what had to be done. She was a great example. To the OP, you're not too old, just "git r done."
Specializes in POST PARTUM/NURSERY/L&D/WOMENS SERVICES.
You are never too old to go back to school!
If your dream is to become a nurse by all means...become a nurse!...Even if that means you don't graduate until you are 50!
That said...in my humble opinion...Do not waste your time getting your LVN, unless you want to work in a nursing home...because that is the only place you will be able to work...not to mention many LVN programs, like the ones offered by galen...are overpriced...
Most hospitals require a BSN to be hired...so that is the most efficient way to go...
Many people make the mistake of obtaining the bare minimum then say they will go back to school later....problem is later never comes...
You will have to retake your sciences...they are only good for five years...
I went back to school and started from scratch when I was 31 and had 6 kids. I graduated in when I was 36 with my BSN...it was a long and eventful journey, but worth every minute...I initially thought I was too old, I would be 36 when I graduated...then I realized I was going to be 36 anyway...whether I went to school or not!!! So at 36 when most nurses are well into their careers, I was starting....Im 46 now and will graduate with my MSN in less than a year...
Go to the local university you want to attend, sit down with the nursing registrar and go over the prerequisites required. Then go to the community college, and have the advisor help you set up a schedule to follow for your prerequisites...so you have a clear cut breakdown of what classes you need and what electives they will take. Then register, start going, and never look back!!!
I started my new career in nursing in my early 30's, after a BA and a career I hated (long story)... I thought the same thing you are saying, thinking I'll start off as an LPN and if nursing ends up being a good fit for me, I'll pursue my education/credentials further. Well, I wish I had just pursued an ADN from the get-go b/c they take basically the same amount of time to complete, and cost around the same amount of money... So basically I have to spend even more $, and time and what not to get there, and I wish I had just done it to begin with. I basically set myself up for more steps than necessary to accomplish my goal. If you seriously think nursing is for you, pursue the ADN, then BSN/masters if you choose but skip the LPN step, I wish I had!
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.
34 is not too old. We all had our individual paths to nursing. You need to talk with local school counselors to guide you. What do you envision yourself doing as a nurse?
Your credits most likely will not transfer and you will DEFINITELY be studying math.
Good luck, let us know what the counselors advised.
As for the "I am sooo old" comment..... with retirement eligibility in mind, OP has another 30+ years to work. So, IMO, there will definitely be more than sufficient return on a career investment at this point.
In Houston, BSN is pretty much the requirement for any hospital jobs, but there are ADN opportunities everywhere else. LVNs are mainly employed in LTC, LTAC, Home Care & clinic settings. Due to the ongoing competition, area nursing school enrollments remain very competitive.
My advice? Investigate programs to determine what pre-requisites are required & which ones need to be repeated. Math & science courses usually 'expire' at 5 years. Take those classes at a CC - we're lucky to have a lot of really good ones in this area. Make stellar grades in all those classes. This will put you in much better shape when you're ready to apply.
I'm wishing you the absolute best of luck on your educational pathway.
You've already gotten some good advice but I just wanted to add some additional encouragement :) I just turned 34 last week and will be starting at a local community college for my ADN in September. My kids are 3 and 6. I already have a BA in another field, and I intended to go directly to a BSN program but I found that any programs that were flexible enough for my family life and need to continue working were too expensive for my taste! Anyway I will be going to a community college with a great reputation and will still be able to work part time. Then when I graduate I can get the BSN online while I work as an RN. I would love to get my Master's and someday become a CNM but I quickly learned that I'm going to need to take it one step at a time as an older student, career changer and parent. Good luck to you!
You are not too old. Nursing offers a lot of bridge programs (many online) that help you achieve your degree faster. I'm 32 years old, just completed all my prerequisite courses and am waiting to start the RN program in the fall. If you don't have a lot of money at your disposal, I'd recommend going for your ADN first at a community college that offers federal loans. If federal loans are not an option and you have to work to pay bills, make sure ALL of your non-NUR classes are completed first so you're not overwhelmed once you're in the program. Many big hospitals are willing to hire associate nurses as long as you agree to complete your BSN within 5 years. Getting your foot in the door as a CNA while in the nursing program will give you a greater chance of getting hired after you graduate. Some facilities also offer tuition reimbursement for employed nursing students.
It can be really difficult going to school while working and raising children. If you can go straight for the BSN, I'd personally do that. I did an ADN program and am working full time as a new nurse while doing a RN-BSN program. I wouldn't go this route again. It was less expensive but it is taking a total of 5 years and it's hard to juggle so many demands.
I started school at the ripe old age of 33. One year of pre-reqs, two years of school, and now I've just completed my first year as a nurse. It can be done.
If this is what you want, then you go for it. Otherwise, when you decide you really do want it, you'll just be a little older. Now or later, but I would start now if I were you.
Also, getting an ADN was the best choice for me. Be forewarned that if you already have a degree, there is only a certain amount of money you can get for a second degree, and it's not much. We were able to pay most of the cost for the ADN out of pocket and on one income. It was a smart choice. Most hospitals in my area pay for the BSN. I'll have to cover book fees, but I won't have the loans that some have. Something to think about.
nurseinthezoo
89 Posts
When I was in nursing school my study partner was in her forties, divorced with three teens, and worked two sixteen hour shifts on the weekends. We all graduated with our BSN. She didn't complain about it and just did what had to be done. She was a great example. To the OP, you're not too old, just "git r done."