[V. Aide]

Hi everyone my name is Veronica and I pretty much don't know where to begin. A friend told me to sign in here and that there is normally alot of help here.. Basically I'm 24 married with 2 kids.. I'm working full time, but I'm very interested in going back to school to go in for nursing. However I haven't been to school since I graduated high school in 98'and have to idea where to begin to start my nursing career. I've pretty much have always know that I wanted to become a nurse, mainly in the ob.or ped. section, but i just don't know where to begin.. Is it best to just take general courses at my local college or is it best to go to an all nursing school? Any help will be great.. Another question what are people's view towards online courses?? Thank-you for all the feedback that I may get!!

[NURSECONNIE3]

I WAS 33 WITH ONE CHILD AND THE SOLE SUPPORT (OTHER THAN MY FAMILY'S HELP) I WENT BACK AND GOT MY LPN BECAUSE AT THAT TIME IT WAS 10 MONTHS. IT IS HARD TO REMEMBER EVEN HOW TO TAKE NOTES BUT YOU LEARN. IT'S HARD TO BALANCE HOME AND KIDS SCHOOL AND STUDY TIME BUT YOU PLUG AWAY AND IT WILL BE WORTH IT. HANG IN. IF YOUR KIDS ARE OLD ENOUGH HAVE THEM HELP YOU STUDY. THAT HELPS FAMILY TIME AND SCHOOL AND IT MAKES THEM FEEL IMPORTANT

[texastornado]

Well I am 43 and I have always wanted to be a nurse. I have been a cna for about 14 yrs. Everytime I decide to go to school I would chicken out...I thought I was too old or I had to much going on with raising a family. Well now I am alone...no relationships no children to raise and It's time for me. I am not really worried about the classes but the NET scares me to death. I am going Monday to buy the study guide from the college. Please pray for me and keep me in your thoughts. My name is Sally. Thank you all so much.

[V. Aide]

Thank-you everyone... I started looking more into things and have decided that at this time, I'm going to go for becoming an LPN, it's what will work better for me at this time and will at least get me in the door.. Later on hopefully i can go back and go for becoming an RN, I spoke to my local community college and set up a time to speak with one of the counselors and one of the nursing advisors so that should help me out alot! I will keep everyone posted and thanks so much for all the remarks, it keeps my hopes up and gives me something to look forward to, Sally I'm in the same boat as you so I will keep you in my prayers and good luck to you too!!!

[Jerryh53]

A lot of time has passed since I last posted here, but his post seemed to catch my eye. The last time I posted, I was abiut 53 and working on my pre-reqs. At 54, I went and took the NET and made application for a 2 year ADN program. And unlike Sally, I wasn't to concerned about the NET. With the exception of the math, the NET is basicaly life's experience's in a clinical format. Just make sure your math is good. But I recieved my acceptance letter in the latter part of June, and in Aug. I will be the olderst person in the class and one of 3 males. When you start getting scared about any part of it, just always remember why you wanted to be a nurse. And I know that will guve you the strengh you need to overcome. I know I will be using this forum for a good 2 years now.

Good Luck and keep the faith

Jerry

[DianaLynne]

Hello All, This is my first time visiting this site...mainly because I didn't know that it existed. It wasn't too long ago that I was in a similar place as all of you. I am a 35 year old single parent of 3 children (11,12 &17). In 2002 I was working for a great company as an administrative assistant. They were getting ready to go through a reorganization which resulted in several hundred people being laid off...needless to say I was one of them. My boss gave our workgroup some great advice..and that was to have a plan B...that way if something should happen we wouldn't be wallowing, we would be taking action. It was then that I decided I wanted to go to nursing school..and I haven't looked back since.

I began by taking my prerequisite courses towards an ADN and was accepted into the program last fall. I begin my Senior year in a few weeks. In my class the median age is 31. We all come from varied backgrounds and a different journey has brought us there...however, our goal is the same...to be a nurse.

If it were me I would start plugging away at the prerequisites and begin applying into an ADN program. I guess I don't see much sense in going the LPN route when you can probably get an ADN in just as much time. Whatever path you choose has to be right for YOU. It's a lot of hard work and dedication, but I believe the payoff in the end will be more than worth it.

My kids have been great through out the process and I can't stress the importance of having a great support system in place. Good Luck with whichever path you choose. I'm sure I'll be seeing all of you on here again!!

~diana