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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?
Lindadee427
about 1 year ago
4 comments
mikkidane-53 is definitely not too old. In my program there are woman older than that.
natasharw
about 1 year ago
2 comments
JuddPaynter, to answer your question, there's also a shortage of Nursing Professors, that's why the nursing programs can accept so little people at a time.
mikkidane
about 1 year ago
4 comments
i am 53 is that to old?
vwoods
about 1 year ago
130 comments
I love this article. It makes me more proud to be a nursing student.
JuddPaynter
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I am curious to know, if there is such a shortage of nurses, why is there such long waiting lists of people who want to enroll in nursing, but there is no room? I live in Central Oregon, and I know there is a waiting list of students wanting to get in, but can't due to no enough space. You don't suppose it's because teaching nurses are not paid as well as nurses in other medical professions, so they leave teaching to pursue better paying jobs?
Lindadee427
about 1 year ago
4 comments
I became a nursing student this year and this was my third time applying to a nursing program. I would talk to whoever does the enrolling for the school that you want to go to and ask them what you need to do to be accepted. They are the ones in the "know". Do whatever they tell you and keep checking in with them. Be persistent and don't give up. Find a school you like and concentrate your efforts there. Take your pre-req's first while wating and get good grades. Especially in the maths and sciences. Take some electives that you will be useful to you when you do get into the field. They want to see students that are totally committed to studying and the program. They want to ensure that you are going to finish and be successful and a well rounded nurse. While I was waiting some electives that I took were a statistics class, a disaster relief class, a class on death and dying and a spanish for health professionals. The main point is to start somewhere whether it be in an Associate degree program or a Bachelor degree program. Doesn't matter which because it's the same exam and you are still an RN whether you go 2 or 4 years. Community colleges are a great resource and usually have excellent nursing programs. It's a smaller student body and the professors get to know their students. I love my school. So good luck and don't give up! By the way, I am 50 so it doesn't matter how old you are.
SLewis
about 1 year ago
6 comments
I'm 31 years old and have a non-medical bachelors degree. After staying at home for 5 years with my 3 young children I recently started working part time at night as a CNA in a nursing home. I love it so much that I'm considering going back to school for my RN. I would need to take a few prerequisites before I could start nursing school, but I am hopeful that in the next 2-3 years that I will be able to devote the time and energy need to make the career change. Until them I'm trying to collect all the advise and information I can on what programs are available and how I can fund nursing school.
DCW
about 1 year ago
2 comments
what is the first step i need to take to become apart of the nursing field? i have tried all different steps online and have gotten no where what step should i take first? i was on the na registry for 2 years and and didn't get any further i've always wanted to become a RN but i need help.
sandramae40
about 1 year ago
8 comments
Most schools are going to RN's as the Nursing community is trying to get ride of LPN's, I don't think it will haoppen but the best place to work for LPN's is nursing homes. I have been an LPN since 2001 and just finished my BSN this past July and took my NCLEX today and I am almost 40 so no you are never to old and don't let the waiting lists scare you we need Nurses and we need ones that are willing to get there Master's and teach the new nurses that is why the waits are so long we do not have enough MSN's to teach the BSN programs. I find my job very rewarding and am glad I went back to school and became a nurse it took me 8 years to finish my BSN but I am done with it and make faily good money now. Just hang in there and look around sometimes you can find a Vo-Tech to get your LPN in less then a year and then work as a nurse while you finish up your RN that is how I did it.
dogwood
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Zee - No you are not too old, I'm 44 and just finishing all my pre-req's for nursing school. You need to investigate nursing programs in your area to see what the requirements are and if the school is the right fit for you. You have the option of a 2 year RN programs through some community colleges or a BSN which is a 4 year nursing degree. Which you choose is dependent on you. Hope that Helps.
zee
about 1 year ago
4 comments
If not what should I do ?And where should I start?
mcekrn
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Chauntel-Where are you enrolled in school? and how long is their waiting list?
zee
about 1 year ago
4 comments
I am 42 and want to be a nurse do you think it is too late for me to start.I took no classes for it in school.I am a nurse assistant in an ealderly home.
heyarnold47
about 1 year ago
18 comments
not sure how long LPN's are going to be able to stay LPN's if they want to work in hospitals. i have heard standards are changing and LPN's are being made to go back to school.
chauntel
about 1 year ago
16 comments
I previously looked for an online LPN school. Really could not find one. I don't know why it advertises that. I now am enrolled in a school campus directly for LPN.