Anyone gone back to school?

[mudnuri]

I'm considering going back to school, at a local Tech college to get a nursing degree, (RN). I have always in the back of my mind wanted to be a nurse. DD's are now both in school full time, and think that now is the time to do so. However there so much to decide and to set.

I have been thinking of taking all of the core classes, and the required college classes beginning in the summer, through the fall. Then in the spring, I can begin taking the actual Nursing courses. They have an accelerated program, where you can get your RN in 3 years instead of 4. One of the ways to do this is by taking the other classes first.

The problem would be childcare. DH's store is open late on Wed-Fri, so only Monday and Tuesday he would be here when the bus got here. I know from looking at the last 2 years of schedules (I've kept the book lol) that I would be home everyday except Thurs and Fri when they get here.

The second problem would be losing my pay check, though it's only part time, it pays for anything not part of a house budget. It also pays for DD's clothes, and stuff like that. Losing 21K a year will be rough...

The third problem is, do I have the skills to be able to study when my family is here, can I block them out, will I be able to function as a student again? It was only 10 years ago that I graduated from HS, however is it too long?

Financial aide is the last part....I wonder if I'd even be eligible for any of it? I wonder if we could float admissions without tapping into savings and investments...

Oh so much to think about.

Anyone who has done this, please give me any advice you have. I greatly appreciate it!

Brandy

 

[Pin Wizard]

Hi, Brandy! Yes, it is possible if you put your mind to it and are disciplined. I'm out of high school over 20 years and back in school! At times you'll have to lock yourself in another room to get your work done and not let them in. LOL! But if you can study at some point during the day when kids are still in school, it does wonders. It certainly wouldn't be surprising to have to schedule your classes around your kids' schedules.

21K for a part-time job? OMG! I need that job! And don't worry...the study skills will come back to you. Any financial aid, you'll have to see the Financial Aid office at the school you attend. They'll be able to help you figure out what you qualify for. There's even help for "non-traditional students." That's us...LOL! Not just out of high school. Also, you might want to check hospitals in your area. DS was hospitalized back in April at a hospital about 45 minutes from where I live. I mentioned to his doc that I was back in school. She asked if I wanted to become a pediatric nurse at the hospital! If so, the hospital would pay 100% of my tuition!! But, of course, I would have to sign a contract with them and stay a certain amount of time. But still!!!!

Good luck! I know it's a tough decision and many sacrifices are made to do it, but it's worth it in the long run.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I need to get rolling but I am planning on doing it. I will have a 2nd grader and a 8th grader, next year.

I want to do something in computers. I would like to do WEBsecurity but I believe that involves programming and I don't know if my brain works that way.

GO FOR IT! This sitting on the fence is making me CRAZY.

 

[GeorgeG]

I was almost 30 when I went to college on the G.I. Bill back in the 70s. I think it was easier than if I had gone right out of high school since my attitude towards learning was much better. Go for it.

 

[battricia]

I'd say go for it if you're willing to let go of some things (monitarily speaking), but you've got to remember it's for the best. As for financial aid, if you're talking about grants (you don't pay back) if you're making 21k/year and your husband owns a business, it's not likely you'll get any. My parents made less than 100k/year combined, and I was making about 4k @ a part time job, and I didn't receive any grants, my whole college education was paid for in loans, that I'm now paying back. If you're talking about loans then you will easily get them. Good luck with your decision!


tricia.

 

[mudnuri]

well, that part time job isn't really part time, what I should have said is I'm salaried at 21K...I work about 50 hours a week in the winter, and close to 70 in the summer..

I was just checking out another local state college, Vermont Technical College, which also has a nursing program. They have a satalite campus about 1/2 hour from here which does nursing. The LPN program is only 9500 a year for instate, and is a 10 1/2 month program, 1 fall, 1 spring, and then that summer. They then have an ADN program after that, which if accepted into, would be 1 fall, and 1 summer. That of course, is a bit more money wise. I was looking at New Hampshire Tech, which is where I'd have to pay out of state rates etc.. those are a killer. Looking at the costs etc... it looks to be about 13,000 for eveything, and that includes gas, and uniforms needed etc.. thats NOT BAD!....

It also would not require me to take any core classes, as this is a complete course. It's 5 classes each first 2 semesters then 2 the 2nd. 1 of which being full clinical.

I put a call into one of the nursing admissions folks, and am waiting to hear back. What I need to find out now is the hours of the classes. I know they probably can't guarantee what they tell me will hold true this fall, however I can guage how much I'm going to need daycare for DD's after school etc..

I've still got some scrubs in the basement from when I was an LNA after highschool for a few years...thats less $$ I'll need to spend.

I've called a family meeting tonight (minus kids..LOL )..so basically I told DH we need to discuss this tonight. I need to have 100% support from all 3 of them, which I'm sure I'll get from DH easily, DD's might be a bit of work, I wont be able to run to all of their activities if they are immediatly after school etc...

Now, to come up with a way to find 13000....back to the school's site, I gotta see what the payment options are. My mom said she'd pay my admissions fee for my birthday, thats $200.00 alone!!!..geez...I dread when DD's gotta go.

If I can get this taken care of and get enrolled etc.. I can get rid of the job I hate, which I really should do soon, since they're going to need to find someone qualified before April...good luck at the rate of pay I have given the hours I work!...

Heck, I'll be happy as a cashier somewhere if it means I can go get a degree that I've wanted to do since high school!!!

Thanks for the input!

Brandy

 

[battricia]

Originally posted by mudnuri
Heck, I'll be happy as a cashier somewhere if it means I can go get a degree that I've wanted to do since high school!!!

That is a great attitude to have, I took a whole lot of crappy jobs (including grocery store casheir and telemarketing!) to get myself through college because I didn't want to have to work these jobs for the rest of my life!

tricia.

 

[Cindy B]

I went back to school at 32! Now, a year later, I have some work to do, but I am closer to half way done.

And yes, you do need to be disciplined. It works out ok for the family, and I do my best to schedule things that takes the least amount of time away from the family (ie later night classes after the kids are in bed)

I also work as well. So I do work, school, family, and all the other stuff that comes along.

And out of three classes, I have had 2 A's! And yes, I pay for it all myself in cash, no loans, grants or scholarships.

I want your part time 21K job as well!

 

[JDY]

I went back to school at 26. Less than two years laters I had two BA's one in English and one in Speech. I then finished my Master's in education at 30 and will finish my Educational Specialist degree this June (before I turn 34).

It's worth it!

You'll do well because as an adult you realize the importance.
You won't miss the money for too long.
Apply for financial aid at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. The worst they can say is no.


Good Luck

 

[DISJAZZ]

I think, from reading your posts, that you won't have any problem with school. You'll be amazed at how your study skills have improved. There are an amazing number of options for education via your computer now.
But, you might go to a hospital and volunteer for awhile. My DW is an RN and she is the most loving and compassionate person that I know, but she doesn't want to be a nurse anymore. You might try a little of nursing first before jumping into the training.
You'll do fine at whatever you put your heart and mind to.
Yes, I went back to school after 20 years. Good luck!

 

[FreshTressa]

Yes, I just went back last week and LOVE IT!!!! I will have to keep you posted about how it is going!

 

[crz4mm2]

I went back after being out of high school 11 years. My baby was almost a year old when I started. I began the LPN program first cause I didn't think I could do it
Graduated that program, went right into the second year of the ADN program. Graduated that one too Worked for several years as an OB nurse, then went back to school again to be a nurse midwife.
You CAN do it. Desire is the major motivator. There is some financial aid available (pretty easy to get loans too!). It wasn't easy, but it was well worth it. When I was feeling especially overworked and ready to quit, I just reminded myself that I would still be delivering pizzas for pizza hut if I didn't continue.
Look around at all the programs available to you. Community Colleges are the cheapest and often have very good programs. My BSN, MSN and Midwifery Degree were completed via distance learning programs. That enabled me to work at the same time I completed most of those programs.
Best of luck to you! If I can help, please let me know.
Cathy

 

[mudnuri]

disjazz- I spent 6 years working as an Ward Aide, and then an LNA at a long term care facility...the only thing I dont want to do is work at one of them...no nursing homes for me.

I am checking the 3 local major hospital websites now for openings. My lna license is still current...I may be able to get into a hospital , the one I want is DHMC, and then go on to school in the fall, with the tuition reimbursment program...wudn't that be nice!

DH and I talked a bit, and he said we'd do what we needed to do, if this is something I want to do...the benefits in the end, definetly outweigh the negatives..

Off to do some more research...keep the comments and questions coming

Brandy

 

[orrnluvswdw]

Brandy:

I was 31 when I decided to go back to school to get my RN degree. At that time I was working as a veterinarian assistant. It's a joke in my family that I went from working on 4 legged creatures to working on two legged creatures It was so totally worth it!!

It was very difficult getting up the nerve to go back to school - the other "kids" all seemed soooo young. However, I found that in the Nursing Program, most of us were "non-traditional" students. My class was a nice tight group & we all stuck together & got through the program. I did what your talking about. I took all the core classes (all A's & one B), then got accepted into the program. All I had left to do was take the clinicals

I'm now a surgical registered nurse. I work 3 twelve hour shifts (all together) - this way I always have a six day stretch off (more time to venture "down to the World". {I don't do weekends} I've helped plan for many of my colleagues trips to WDW. A couple of them even "gifted" me with a short trip down there On some of my days off I'll help some of local surgeons with there big cases - extra money!! Our hospital has a program for paying for some of the tuition for those going for a RN degree. Our department (OR nurses are in high demand) has a plan that will pay for the TOTAL last year (even giving some $$$ for expenses) in the RN degree! Check at your local hospital to see if they offer anything like that.

Nursing is a very demanding profession, but SOOOOO rewarding!! I really LOVE what I do & take great pride in it There's nothing like getting up to your elbows in an abdomen

My very best to you Brandy - GO FOR IT

 

[KarenB]

I started college at the young age of 38!!! Believe me, taking the first step like you are now is by far the hardest part.....the classes are the fun part!!

My children were in 3rd and 4th grade when I first started classes. They were/are my biggest supporters. I went full time, but took off the first 2 years in the summer. It took me 4 1/2 years to graduate this past May with a degree in elementary education and in August I was hired to teach 4th grade. It was worth every penny and minute of my time.


I went to classes during the week and worked as a waitress on the weekends. Yes, it was tough at times, but very rewarding in the end. I didn't get much in the way of aid except student loans for the first two years. I finally sat down with someone in the financial aid office and flat out told them I needed help to continue. The next day they found grants for me that allowed me to graduate. Sometimes I think you just have to ask!

Each sememster got easier as to how to study and manage my time.

Let us know what you decide!! !
Karen

 

[mudnuri]

well, one benefit is I wont have 2-4 meetings at night each week!..that alone will be a big help...

DH and I have talked a bit more, and I think the plan is to go for the lpn - 10 1/2 months...finished in fall of '05. Find a job at a local hosptital, HOPEFULLY DHMC...then go back after awhile for the ADN....possibly working a bailor hours for awhile to do so?

Checking another hospitals site now...

Brandy

 

[Saffron]

Brandy -- how about a local community college? That's where I got my nursing degree. I did the core courses as time, energy and money allowed, then all I had left was the clinical portion which I finished in four straight semesters. Tuition is based on the amount of credits you take, but I believe the cost of an entire year, fall and spring semesters, full time, shouldn't cost more than $1,600 - $1,800 dollars, maybe a little more, maybe a little less. I earned my Associates in Science in Nursing, a two year program, in 9 years. LOL! But I was single, a home owner, worked full time, blah, blah. You can earn the degree at your own pace. It's just my opinion, but I would go for what you really and truly want, I wouldn't take baby steps along the way unless you absolutely have to. Like Nike says, "Just Do It!" Try to find the way that will take you all the way on the get go!

I'm working on my BA now in Elementary Education. I went back to school at the ripe old age of *gulp* 40 to earn my second Associates -an AA in Elementary Education. I did that in two years, then transferred to a private school (on scholarships I earned from the Honors Club at the community college}. I just have to finish that darned last year which I'm dragging my feet on. I don't know what's wrong with me. LOL!

I'm a huge advocate of community colleges. You get out of them what you put into them. The atmosphere is relaxed, the student body is diverse, the education is like any education you can get at a state or private school, they have extensive career and adult programs and you can't beat the price! And after you get your AS in Nursing, if you decide to go on for a BS or your Masters, you will be sixty credits ahead of the game!

I wish you luck with whatever decision you make. I think it's very, very exciting! Have fun and enjoy it while you can! Time flies!

 

[mudnuri]

I had originally looked at CCV, the vermont community college, however the timing of the core classes wasn't that great with DD's schedule. It would take me 1 full year to get those done, then I'd have to apply for a differnet college for the rest of the clinical- 2 years MINIMUM...

I checked NH Tech, I'd have to pay out of state rates- HOLY!

So we came from there to Vermont Technical College. They have a campus where most "traditional" students go, and have a nursing program there as well. From what Ive been finding, the satelite campus I'm thinking of- is mainly older people such as me. According to a friend of mine who went through it 3 years ago- NOBODY was fresh out of high school.

This nursing program does not require "core" classes. I dont have to take anything other than the required courses for this degree program. No english for me!..LOL

The total for the LMN is just under 10K, the total should I go back for ADN is just under 7K...

The more I'm looking at hospital sites the less I really want to get locked in with them prior to having my LPN. I think the way to go is to get the LPN, pay for it, with scholarships, savings etc.. then find the hospital I want (which I know already)...if I do enjoy working there, then go for ADN through tuition reimbursment.

My next challenge is to figure out what to do with DD's over the summer of 2005, since I will have classes...

but thats a ways off!

Brandy