Pep,

I believe you are an RN, correct? I am seriously considering going to nursing school. I am much older though (43) and wonder if this seems practical. My youngest DS is 6 and quite disabled. My wanting to be a nurse is 1. I can better care for my DS as his health gets worse without hiring outside help. 2. I can work a schedule that allows me to be with my family more. 3. I have learned so much compassion and so much about medicine from caring for my DS. 4. It would open up more opportunities to share my faith.

Your opinion would be appreciated.

FF

Most (almost all ?) RN programs are bachelor's degree level program. Means the usual college graduate requirements PLUS good grades in the prerequisite sciences. If you have already graduated college, you can apply for nursing programs once you have completed the prerequisites (chem, bio, anatomy, physiology, and some math too). RNP programs are now pretty much masters level.

This is a big time committment on your part.... which means it is difficult to work anything more than part-time... which makes you broke! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

There is also a tremendous amount of stress involved.... don't kid yourself.

However, that being said, if nursing is your passion ---> GO FOR IT !

On the other hand ... you do not need to be an RN to care for your son.

There are other nursing programs ... like LVN which are normally not college-level and not as didactic and bookish ... but very practical and much quicker to get through.

Web search nursing programs for your area and get an advisor to talk you through the class requirements, as well as the expected time line before you'd be working.

There is a national nurse shortage... which means --- for certain levels of nursing, federal grant money may be available ! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Good luck.

Pep

FF,

If it takes you three years to go through the RN program you will be 46 with an RN degree. If you don't go through the RN program, how old will you be in 3 years?

Cymanca,

I think that is the very question I was asking myself. If I continue on this path I am on I will simply be a very unhappy 46 year old.

Pep, I have nearly finished my AA degree. I would have to get the sciences out of the way. I plan to just get the two year RN for now and decide later about the BS. I know I could care for my son either way, but I could also support my family while doing so. Yes, big committment and my H and I are discussing. This will be the biggest POJA we face right now because it will dramatically affect our income and our lifestyle.

Thanks for your honesty.

FF ... I love my work.

If you have a passion for this ... GO FOR IT.

Pep

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by Cymanca:
<strong> FF,

If it takes you three years to go through the RN program you will be 46 with an RN degree. If you don't go through the RN program, how old will you be in 3 years? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"><img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> LOL, that is a great way to look at it.

Hi FF,

Another fellow RN here. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> I agree that if you feel Nursing is your calling,then by all means make it happen.It is a very fulfilling career for me and I have never regretted the decision.

I will say though that Nursing does not always offer the best hours for family time.If you intend to work at a hospital for example,you can almost be guaranteed every other weekend(for some it means 12 hour shifts <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> ),holiday rotation and odd hours that don't always fit into people's schedules(7-3,3-11,11-7am).Unless you find yourself at a doctor's office or clinic,it can be difficult to find a job to suit your needs.

And,in my experience,hospitals do pay better,especially nowadays but the big city hospitals do the best with salary and commuting into a city can be a turn off.

The Medical field is a dynamic and ever changing one that can be very exciting.If you do choose to go down this path,I wish you the very best of success!

O