nursing school dilemma

[Lindagerr]

You don't sound sure this is what you want. For any mid or later life career changer I would say before you go through the time and trouble of a degree try out the field. Even if you have to volunteer, make sure you will like it. You don't want to be back in 5 years looking for a third career change.

I was not sure I would want to be a teacher, that is not even the degree I will earn. After a year and a half of Substitute teaching I know the pros and the cons of the job and I know I love the good and I can put up with the bad.

When I was young(1st grade through my 30's) I knew I wanted to be a nurse. I did a good amount of volunteer work and I know I would have been a good nurse, but for various reasons it never happened. Now I know I do not want to be a nurse, both nursing and I have changed at least I knew that before I spent the time and money on nursing school.

[cookderosa]

You don't sound sure this is what you want. For any mid or later life career changer I would say before you go through the time and trouble of a degree try out the field. Even if you have to volunteer, make sure you will like it. You don't want to be back in 5 years looking for a third career change.

I was not sure I would want to be a teacher, that is not even the degree I will earn. After a year and a half of Substitute teaching I know the pros and the cons of the job and I know I love the good and I can put up with the bad.

When I was young(1st grade through my 30's) I knew I wanted to be a nurse. I did a good amount of volunteer work and I know I would have been a good nurse, but for various reasons it never happened. Now I know I do not want to be a nurse, both nursing and I have changed at least I knew that before I spent the time and money on nursing school.

Funny you should mention this. I enrolled in a nursing assistant course that starts Monday. It will be 6 weeks, and upon completion I can apply for a job in labor and delivery as a patient tech. These jobs are entry level jobs, usually a couple days per week. I'll be using that as my litmus test

[frankiebleyes]

I've been out of nursing for over 30 years. I started in a three year hospital program that was affiliated with a four year BSN program. I worked med surg, peds and OB for over 10 years. During part of that work experience my children were 6, 9 and 12. I worked mid afternoon until 1:00 in morning. This experience was the hardest on my children. I was never at home with them in the afternoon, evening and weekends. When I was home I was too tired to be a "good" mother.

Nursing is extremely different these days and I know from reading your posts for over a year that you are extremely motivated and able to make your own decisions. However, I feel that being the "good" mother that you are, you should listen to your children while making this decision. Being in school mornings will take your time away from them, but you will be there afternoons, evenings and a lot of weekends. Children adjust and grow from being needed and helping others. Think about the opportunity you are being offerred to give them the chance to work as a family to accomplish your goals, as well as yours.

Just my thoughts. Whatever you decide I'm sure it will be the right one for you.

By the way thanks for all your support last year. I'm awaiting my freshman comp with essay results (for second semester of freshman english) to have completed all the required courses for graduation from TESC. I haven't enrolled yet and still am unsure if that is the way I want to proceed. Been thinking that I might like to work as a consultant in nursing or even teach, I have the credentials and lack my BS. I finally got my credits from UTK last year after a fight for over a year. Lots has happened to me, but I'm wanting to live my life to the fullest while I can.

Give your children credit for wanting to work with you. YOU HAVE SO MUCH TO BE PROUD OF.

No matter what you decide, you deserve all the best.

Sincerely,

[cookderosa]

I've been out of nursing for over 30 years. I started in a three year hospital program that was affiliated with a four year BSN program. I worked med surg, peds and OB for over 10 years. During part of that work experience my children were 6, 9 and 12. I worked mid afternoon until 1:00 in morning. This experience was the hardest on my children. I was never at home with them in the afternoon, evening and weekends. When I was home I was too tired to be a "good" mother.

Nursing is extremely different these days and I know from reading your posts for over a year that you are extremely motivated and able to make your own decisions. However, I feel that being the "good" mother that you are, you should listen to your children while making this decision. Being in school mornings will take your time away from them, but you will be there afternoons, evenings and a lot of weekends. Children adjust and grow from being needed and helping others. Think about the opportunity you are being offerred to give them the chance to work as a family to accomplish your goals, as well as yours.

Just my thoughts. Whatever you decide I'm sure it will be the right one for you.

By the way thanks for all your support last year. I'm awaiting my freshman comp with essay results (for second semester of freshman english) to have completed all the required courses for graduation from TESC. I haven't enrolled yet and still am unsure if that is the way I want to proceed. Been thinking that I might like to work as a consultant in nursing or even teach, I have the credentials and lack my BS. I finally got my credits from UTK last year after a fight for over a year. Lots has happened to me, but I'm wanting to live my life to the fullest while I can.

Give your children credit for wanting to work with you. YOU HAVE SO MUCH TO BE PROUD OF.

No matter what you decide, you deserve all the best.

Sincerely,

Thank you!! Did I know you were a nurse?? My mind is jello, I'll blame it on the sciences lol. Well, since you posted, I'll post an update. I sent a declination to the program I was accepted into. I was very polite, and there are many behind willing to take my vacant slot. I am holding out for the pm program that starts next (2011) fall. I had worried about getting in, but I have to be confident. I have met the criteria and I have excellent grades- I hope that will pull me through.
I start my CNA clinicals on Monday. I'll be sweatin' with the oldies As soon as I'm certified, I hope to get in with the L&D job I spoke of. I'll be honest with myself, and I'm not afraid to change directions- but I am going in with a good attitude. I have to say, so far, I have not yet been motivated to become a nurse, I'm still pretty solid on midwifery. Of course, that could change once I get into school.
Whatever happens, my family is first. Our commitment to homeschool wasn't made lightly. I put it right up there with my marital vows. So..... this will be a much better fit. I have not yet put it into my siggy line yet, but that's the plan! :ack:

Oh- for fun, I signed up for an EMT basic course this fall LOL. I'm having a great time. Who knew classroom classes could be fun? Just happy I didn't need 40 of them to complete a degree

[frankiebleyes]

Glad to hear you made your decision and are happy with it. Much luck with the EMT and CNA courses.