Full Careers

My dream is to be a nurse, what steps do I need to take for my dream career?

Right now I am working a retail job and plan on going to school when my baby starts school so I will have more time to go. But I really want this to happen...how can I work and go to school and be a mom? Also...how much does it cost? Any info would be helpful thanks! I am almost 25 years old....hope it's not too late!

Public Comments

1. My suggestion to you is that you go to a Community College and do the pre requisite classes. That way you only need to focus on the nursing piece when you go to nursing school. It will make your days at school shorter. The cost varies school to school. And it is never too late to go back to school. I took all my nursing pre requisites at 27 years old. Next step is a nursing program. Good luck to you.
2. it's never too late to go to school. can you start taking classes part-time at your local junior college? also some schools have day care (for a fee)
3. Ah, that was me a few years back! I worked retail and administrative customer service before saying "enough" and pursuing my real ambitions. :) I went the community college route. Cheaper, less intimidating to me (little did I know), closer to home, etc. Find one near you that has a 2 year associates degree RN program. As a person with dependents, you will be eligible for all kinds of financial aid. That's the first thing you should do - apply for FAFSA (google it) and submit your application, and have them send it to the school where you want to attend. Meet with the school's academic advisors and ask them for an outline of your required courses and any sequence you may have to follow for pre-requisites. If you're intimidated about tackling too much too soon, just start with one or two classes at first until you're done with your pre-reqs and some (or all) of your general eds. Then you only have nursing courses to focus on when you're in the actual nursing program. It will take you longer, like 3-4 years, but for some people it's less stressful and still cheaper than had they gone the BSN route at a 4 year university. Every college varies in cost, of course, so that's something you'll have to explore where you live. Hopefully you won't have to work full-time, especially in the nursing core you will be SO busy with studying and classes and clinicals that it's very difficult to manage. Nursing programs always discourage you from working more than part time. It's tough, but if you know it's what you want, you can do anything you really put your mind to. It just takes time and persistence (and sometimes tears of frustration!) Good luck to you, I wish you the best.
4. I completely agree with Jill ! I just wanted to add that you could also get your certifyed nurses aide certificate. The hours are flexible and while it isn't the most glamerous job, it is a tough job and if you can handle that, you can handle being a nurse. Many community colleges are now requiring it, so it may give you a heads up. CNA's make pretty decent money ( although they deserve far more!) and it would give you a leg up on some of the competition. Also, find a nurse to shadow in the speciality that you like so that you get a taste of what it's like. Good luck!