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Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Nurse?
Megan Malugani / Monster Contributing Writer
Although people considering careers in nursing come from all walks of life, many potential nurses share a surprisingly common set of questions and concerns, such as “Can I get into nursing school?” and “Am I crazy to become a nurse at my age?” Two nurses and a nursing professor address wannabe nurses’ frequently asked questions.
How difficult is it to get into nursing school?
TrufflesLPN
2 months ago
2 comments
I am 49 and I am a certified MA and Phlebotomist. I would love to get my LPN License, but I am scared since I am terrible at math. It has been my problem all my life. Should I do this, I will be 50 in July. Please advice
Rbarratt
3 months ago
2 comments
I am turning 43 in a few months and am at crossroad in my career. I was laid off from my job last January 2008 and have been giving serious thought to going back to school for nursing. I had the opportumity to take care of my godmother for 10 years and loved every minute of it. She was 89 when she passed. I am currently doing a lot of research in the nursing field. I know it is a hard job to do, but I am sure the rewards outweigh the negatives.
live2nurse
3 months ago
2 comments
I just made 40, and have about 6 semesters before applying to nursing school. All the testimonies are so encouraging to me. I decided to take the route of being a Registered MA, and it's given me 16 years of confidence to pursue my dream of becoming an RN. It's great knowing there are so many others out there in my age bracket who KNOW that maturity in life experiences will definately put us at an advantage. I look forward to hearing how WE all make a great difference in our community. Good Luck and God Bless!
swimnutt1523
3 months ago
132 comments
I am a CNA, I am not yet a nurse and It would b rude to those who are RN or LPN's to introduce my self as a nurse, but all as I know is I love my job and wouldn't not ever trade it for anything I am a work in progress I'd love to be a nurse and am going to go to college to get my RN as soon as there is an opening in the nursing program. I work extremely hard at what I do, and am determined to be a trauma nurse, I have been a caregiver for seven or so years and enjoy every minute of it !!!! I give kudos to all the nurses out there
dbrodie205
4 months ago
2 comments
Alio,
I am 49 and have been a MA for two years. I am now attending a great on-line university, it is called Kaplan University. I am attending school to get my BS in Health Science working towards being a Physician's Assistant. They offer many degrees in the Health Field. I have attended two other on-line university and I have found Kaplan to be the best. I hope this helps you in reaching your goal to go back to school without having to rearrange your life. Kaplan's phone number 1-866-522-7747 if you are still searching. Also you may e-mail me if you have any questions. dbrodie205@msn.com
Wishing you the best,
Debra Brodiie
lmiller
4 months ago
2 comments
I am 40 and am in my last year of nursing school. I questioned my being too old when I started, but you are never too old if it is your true passion. I also have small children and I had my son 5 days before we started this last semester, but I knew that finishing this last semester would be worth going back so soon. If its what you want go for it and don't look back!!
lstevenson
4 months ago
2 comments
Hi, I just finish the PCT course and 6 months prior to that I finish the CNA course, I will be 49 years old this summer and I am looking forward to becoming a full fledge RN. Even though I am not as quite young as the youngus are my heart and passion is to help those. During my course I find that PCT is almost similar to being a LPN in my training I was taught how to start an IV line,Phblem. and reading EKG. AS my quest for knowledge increased the urging and desire grew. I read alot of you all comments and I am truly bless to able to learn from each and every one experience have a bless day
bridget66
4 months ago
8 comments
Hi-I'm 42 and about half way through my prereqs. I have 3 young children 11 years old and younger. My husband travels for his job during the week and is only home on weekends. I live far away from family but I have lots of great friends that help me with the kids when I need them to. This is not an easy path that we have all chosen but I am so excited to do this and I can't wait to be a nurse! I've wanted to be a nurse for a long time but never had the chance (or guts) to do it until now. My friend and lab partner is 54 and she is going right along with me! We sit in the front rows in every class and we are getting great grades! I don't think we should ever tell anyone they are too old...if they want to do this then I say great! I think if we care about people and have compassion for them then it's all good.
MissingNursing
4 months ago
18 comments
Amen! I left a busy career in Medical Clinic Administration and graduated from nursing school at age 46! I was top of my class as well! Most of the patients in my area are more mature and as a "mature" nurse I can find things to talk about to open these patients up and talk about their family, when they are appearing sad, or when I see an old photo of the patient in uniform, I can share "war stories" about my son in Iraq. Old veterans love to swap stories! I have gotten many letters that were sent thru the Nursing staff office thanking me for being "Extra Special" just because I found a common bond with a patient or family and took the time to spend time, when the patient acquited this to being a "better nurse". I call it being a Caring Nurse! isn't this why we all joined this profession in the first place?
MasseyA
4 months ago
4 comments
I sometimes feel that I am too meek and quiet when it comes to clinical rotations. Many of the instructors have asked me if this is really the profession that I would like to pursue and I feel like they are trying to tell me that I don't belong here. I want to be a nurse. I really want this, but I feel like every door is being slammed in my face.
Jenny65
4 months ago
48 comments
To do my best in everthing.
sheyan30
5 months ago
6 comments
Sometimes I feel that I am too old to remember when it comes to the knowledge that is provided for me in the books. My goal in the nursing field is to work in the psyc unit and it could be in the nursing home or in a hospital. I am not certain as to where I want to have my job but I really liked the fact that this article addresses the fact about being too old to do this work. Sometimes the older ones tend to be a great nurse in a different way than a younger one. The aspects of thier goals are much different then the younger ones because they feel they need to prove themselves and by doing that they have gone beyond the requirements and shown a better sense of ethics.
damcrews
6 months ago
6 comments
Alio and anyone else that wants to become a nurse:there are schools out there. I promise. As stated before, I became an LPN in 1984. I worked like an RN in our hospital in L&D, except for the pay. I researched several avenues and tried several of them: Rue/Moore?New York Regents before I finally found (Deaconess College of Nursing) now called Chamberlain Collefe of Nursing. It is is an online program. I worked 12 hour nights and took classes on-line. You can work any shift because it so flexible.
I became an RN in 2007 @ 49. So....how bad do you want it?????? Good luck and if I can help, please e-mail @damcrews@gmail.com
damcrews
6 months ago
6 comments
I became an LPN in 1984 and I heard that then. I do not think they will disappear. LPN's are the backbone of any organization. I do encourage you to continue with your education after you finish obtaining your LPN. Work as an LPN while you eventually do this. It will help you understand and excile in the RN program. Good luck in whatever you do!!!!!!!!!!!!
rock83coo
6 months ago
8 comments
wow, there's all this talk about LPN's disappearing within a few years how true is that? I start LPN classes next month and of course the advisors won't tell me that. Does anyone have any advice?