Finally!!!!

[junipertree5]

I finally received my acceptance letter for the nursing program!!!! Im a single mom to two awesome boys and this has been a long two and a half years working my behind off to get here....Im so thankful right now. I can't wait to start in April!!!!

 

[Bob P]

Congratulations!

 

[junipertree5]

Thank You BTW, if there are any nursing students out there or any nurses at all who could offer any advice or such, please feel free to share. Im going to need all the help I can get....

 

[dogodisney]

Congratulations!

 

[chrisw127]

Congrats to you! What a great example to set for your sons.

Good luck.

 

[griswalds]

This might be harder for you since you have children already but while I was in nursing school I worked as a tech in the emergency dept. I actually learned more there than in school but the big benefit was once I graduated I had a job waiting on me. I walked into a day shift position as a graduate nurse. Get your foot in the door early. Plus I think working as a tech helps your confidence and comfort level in dealing with patients (it did me anywhay). My $.02.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Congrats!!!

 

[MACfamily4]

Congratulations!!

 

[junipertree5]

This might be harder for you since you have children already but while I was in nursing school I worked as a tech in the emergency dept. I actually learned more there than in school but the big benefit was once I graduated I had a job waiting on me. I walked into a day shift position as a graduate nurse. Get your foot in the door early. Plus I think working as a tech helps your confidence and comfort level in dealing with patients (it did me anywhay). My $.02.

Thats really good advice. Thanks! Im going to need alot of exposure to patients because this is a total career switch for me. Im a refugee from the auto industry in Detroit.....And to all those that offer their congrats, even though you don't know me from sam hill...lol....A GREAT BIG THANK YOU and much

 

[griswalds]

I feel your pain, I was 30 when I graduated nursing school so I know about career switch. It's a great job to have and raise a family at the same time. Good luck.

 

[junipertree5]

I feel your pain, I was 30 when I graduated nursing school so I know about career switch. It's a great job to have and raise a family at the same time. Good luck.

Thanks for that! Ill be 34 when I graduate and i was wondering, how was it for you being on a second career with so many people in their early twenties competeing for the same jobs? Do you think your age was an advantage or disadvantage? How early in your education did you try to gain some experience in the field, job-wise? Just wondering b/c most of the people Ive talked to lately are either alot younger then me and without families of their own, or they have been nursing for quite some time and have never done anything else.

 

[everylastbreath]

CONGRATS!!!! My daughter is just finishing her last semester, it's a very hard program, but soooooo worth it when your done. One piece of advice- Make sure you develope a VERY STRONG support system around you, especially with kids, this program is tough.

One thing I tell my daughter all the time- If it was easy everyone would do it, so remember that!!!

 

[StephMK]

CONGRATS!!!

I'm 39 & went back to school FT last fall to career change into education. Get a good crockpot, ease up on your housework standards if you have them and just remind yourself that you will get through it. I finished my first semester -18 hrs and into my second.

If you're interested, there is a little group on ivillage called moms in school. Good place to ask questions & I know there is at least 1 other mom in nursing there. I know nursing is really tough but if you're determined, you can do it.

Good luck & enjoy!! I love school and am so happy I finally decided to do this! Let me know if you want to chat about school!

 

[griswalds]

:

Thanks for that! Ill be 34 when I graduate and i was wondering, how was it for you being on a second career with so many people in their early twenties competeing for the same jobs? Do you think your age was an advantage or disadvantage? How early in your education did you try to gain some experience in the field, job-wise? Just wondering b/c most of the people Ive talked to lately are either alot younger then me and without families of their own, or they have been nursing for quite some time and have never done anything else.

You'll be surprised when you get to your first class, the median age of my class was 27. You definetely won't be the oldest, a lot of people are going back to school. I started working right away. I tried to do one 12 hr shift and an 8 hr shift every week so I was getting 20 hours/week. I didn't have kids then so a 12 hour shift was do-able, that may be harder for you. The good thing about working in a hospital is they are always open for business, so I might work a 3pm-11pm during the week and 7am-7pm on Sunday. Anything to get my hours and still work around clinicals. Honestly, if you can go to school, raise a family and work part-time, employers will know that you have organization skills. I think life experience counts for a lot in the job market also. I'm not a manager, I don't do any hiring or firing but as a co-worker I can tell who has a good work ethic and that is one thing that is lacking in the younger generation. So don't worry that this is your second career, it will probably work in your favor.

 

[CastleCreations]

Thanks for that! Ill be 34 when I graduate and i was wondering, how was it for you being on a second career with so many people in their early twenties competeing for the same jobs? Do you think your age was an advantage or disadvantage? How early in your education did you try to gain some experience in the field, job-wise? Just wondering b/c most of the people Ive talked to lately are either alot younger then me and without families of their own, or they have been nursing for quite some time and have never done anything else.

Don't worry about your age. I'm 33 and have only been a nurse for 2 years. I wasn't by all means the oldest in my class. Age is not a disadvantage when applying for a job. If they know you're a little older and have a family, they might be more inclined to hire you knowing you might be a little more serious than a 20 year old with no responsibility.
If you ever need advice, please feel free to contact me. It's an adventure for sure, and when I stopped wishing it would go faster, I really enjoyed it. It will be one of the most incredible times of your life.

 

[dmbfan]

Thank You BTW, if there are any nursing students out there or any nurses at all who could offer any advice or such, please feel free to share. Im going to need all the help I can get....

Congrats. I am a nursing student right now. Will graduate next June and I love it. Please feel free to PM with any questions you may have...

 

[dmbfan]

Thanks for that! Ill be 34 when I graduate and i was wondering, how was it for you being on a second career with so many people in their early twenties competeing for the same jobs? Do you think your age was an advantage or disadvantage? How early in your education did you try to gain some experience in the field, job-wise? Just wondering b/c most of the people Ive talked to lately are either alot younger then me and without families of their own, or they have been nursing for quite some time and have never done anything else.

Just saw this post... I am 33, will be turning 35 when I graduate ( July is my b-day) and I will tell you, most of the ladies in my class are 28-42 years old, with one girl being 20.

....

 

[junipertree5]

CONGRATS!!!

I'm 39 & went back to school FT last fall to career change into education. Get a good crockpot, ease up on your housework standards if you have them and just remind yourself that you will get through it. I finished my first semester -18 hrs and into my second.

If you're interested, there is a little group on ivillage called moms in school. Good place to ask questions & I know there is at least 1 other mom in nursing there. I know nursing is really tough but if you're determined, you can do it.

Good luck & enjoy!! I love school and am so happy I finally decided to do this! Let me know if you want to chat about school!

A very heartfelt THANKS!! StephMK ?
Great advice about the crockpot. Since Im a single mom, Ive decided to live with a very trusted family friend ( shes a christian counsler and a joy to have in our lives, my boys adore her) This will be a big change for us all, but like you said, it is certainly worth it in the end!!

 

[junipertree5]

:

You'll be surprised when you get to your first class, the median age of my class was 27. You definetely won't be the oldest, a lot of people are going back to school. I started working right away. I tried to do one 12 hr shift and an 8 hr shift every week so I was getting 20 hours/week. I didn't have kids then so a 12 hour shift was do-able, that may be harder for you. The good thing about working in a hospital is they are always open for business, so I might work a 3pm-11pm during the week and 7am-7pm on Sunday. Anything to get my hours and still work around clinicals. Honestly, if you can go to school, raise a family and work part-time, employers will know that you have organization skills. I think life experience counts for a lot in the job market also. I'm not a manager, I don't do any hiring or firing but as a co-worker I can tell who has a good work ethic and that is one thing that is lacking in the younger generation. So don't worry that this is your second career, it will probably work in your favor.

Wow, I guess I just feel like I should have been doing this about ten years ago, but Im so happy and grateful that I get to do it now, I do look young for my age so, maybe that will help too, thanks so much for the positive reinforcement!!

Don't worry about your age. I'm 33 and have only been a nurse for 2 years. I wasn't by all means the oldest in my class. Age is not a disadvantage when applying for a job. If they know you're a little older and have a family, they might be more inclined to hire you knowing you might be a little more serious than a 20 year old with no responsibility.
If you ever need advice, please feel free to contact me. It's an adventure for sure, and when I stopped wishing it would go faster, I really enjoyed it. It will be one of the most incredible times of your life.

I will have many questions come April, but its good to know that I have allies in the nursing field already!! Thanks

 

[junipertree5]

Congrats. I am a nursing student right now. Will graduate next June and I love it. Please feel free to PM with any questions you may have...

Just saw this post... I am 33, will be turning 35 when I graduate ( July is my b-day) and I will tell you, most of the ladies in my class are 28-42 years old, with one girl being 20.

....

Yeah, I guess I might be pleasantly suprised about the median age group in the program. It seems I was assuming that since alot of my classmates were so young in all my pre-reqs that I just thought that that would carry over into the program. But now that I think about it, most of the younger crowd did seem a little more laid back about their grades than I was. I would freak to get a B on a test, but they all seemed to be like, meh, no big deal!! I have no idea if some of the girls my age made it in with me, since it has been about 4 months since the test and application process.

OT, I had a chance to read your trip report about your family staying at GKTW, and your family is beautiful, your son is very handsome, and you all are very brave! I don't know what type of illness your son has/had, but I myself have had to watch my mother battle breast cancer, and I treat and care for a 4 year old who has severe asthma, and I want to say God bless you all for your wonderful spirit!! And Best Wishes to you on your new career!!