45 year old single mom of 4, with a full time job that just isn't working for me any longer. I have 3 years of nursing school behind be, but it was 23 years ago. I have limited time, limited resources, but want to make a better life for all of us and I think further education is my only option. Any suggestions?
2007-11-17 14:43:52 · 6 answers · asked by dizzkat 7 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I would love to finish a degree in nursing, with geriatrics as my field. I work as a care coordinator for a non-medical home care company and there is such a need for qualified people to work with our nations seniors!
Bamamba and Lisa G, I will take you up on your offers of help! Thank you.
2007-11-17 15:26:19 · update #1
That's wonderful that you want to continue your education. I am a nurse. I love it, also. Once you decide which school you wish to attend, you should speak to a counselor to determine which, if any, of your previous courses are transferable. You will have to fill out the on-line FAFSA forms to get your financial aid started. If nursing is what you desire, then most likely you will have to repeat most, if not all, of your sciences. There are time limitations on these courses. You may be able to challenge some of the courses and continue without retaking them. That would be dependent upon the schools policies. If you would like a better understanding or more help with this, you may email me. I will help you all that I can.
Regardless, I hope you do continue with your education. Nursing is a great field and the demand is very high. I wish you the best of luck with your endeavors.
2007-11-17 15:18:44 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, do you know what you want to do? Do you want to finish nursing, or have your interests changed since then?
If possible, find a public university in your state that offers the program you want online. You have the maturity to make an online program work as long as it fits your learning style, and online courses won't take so much time away from your family.
Also, apply for financial aid. I know the idea of taking on that much debt isn't appealing, but it's not like you're maxing out a credit card--higher education is an excellent investment, and the interest rates on federal student loans aren't too bad.
If you want to add to your question regarding your program of interest and your state, I'd be happy to help you research your options.
EDIT
Finding an online program to finish nursing may be tough, but given what you want to do, there may be an alternative. Have you thought about pursuing a degree in healthcare administration? Some schools offer this program online, and it often leads to certification in nursing home administration, so it might be right up your alley.
2007-11-17 14:55:38 · answer #2 · answered by BAMAMBA 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is nursing the goal or school in general? My suggestion is to figure out how long it would take to get the nursing license and take student loans and grants for all that cost plus all living expense for a year or 18 months, whatever it takes. Focus Monday through Friday on school and you can still be the mom and home for your kids. After your licensed the additional income should more than pay the added monthlies and you will be in a career with retirement and health benefits as well as vacation and sick pay.
2007-11-18 12:34:21 · answer #3 · answered by Red Phantom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider going back to school part time. Talk to your local college counselor and have them take a look at your transcripts... if you want to get back into nursing, you may have to take a great deal of those science classes over. (I'd recommend only taking 1 class at a time if you are working full time). Apply for federal financial aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov you might be eligible for a partial grant if you attend school just part time. Good Luck.
2007-11-17 14:58:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One suggestion that you take a minimum of courses to start is what you need. Then, Do you want to go back into nursing?you would probably have to take refresher courses or exams to qualify part of your previous training.Also there should be opportunities for grants or stipends since a shortage of nurses does exist. Check it out.
2007-11-17 15:12:46 · answer #5 · answered by googie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know where you live but through DSHS there are programs like "Workforce" that will help people with schooling and vo-tech training.
I would check out your community resources that are sometimes located in the front of your local phone book.
I'm so proud of you, I think that continual education regardless of age is wonderful.
2007-11-18 03:15:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋