Nursing degree - question for those who went for it later

amother

OP ↓

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 10:00 am

I wonder if imas who went for nursing and now work in the field can chime in.
I have always wanted to go for nursing and have even started nursing school at one point, but it wasn’t meant to be. I had family circumstances that would not allow me to have the level of commitment nursing school required and so I left. I got a masters degree in a different field (something I was able to do part time and a lot of it online) and have been working in that field.
I have been thinking of going back to school and I wonder if I should revisit nursing or if it’s too late for that. I am currently in my 40s, have 8 kids (with youngest being a newborn). I would have to redo all the science prerequisites because mine are from too long ago. My husband is supportive but is concerned whether it’s even physically doable. Is there a lot of heavy lifting involved?
For those who have gone for nursing as a second degree, which school would you recommend? I am in Brooklyn.
What draws me to nursing is that it’s medical (and it’s something that’s fascinating to me) and it’s hands-on helping people during their time of need.
If you don’t think nursing is doable in my circumstances, is there a different degree you would recommend?

Thank you so much!

Elfrida

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 10:16 am

Working in community health, I don't remember the last time I lifted anything heavier than a bandage!

I can't answer most of your questions, because I'm in a different country, with a different system. I can say that the oldest woman in my class was in her early forties, with ten children, the oldest of which got married while we were studying. She was one of top students in the class.

amother

Opal

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 9:51 pm

I did it straight out of seminary but there were definitely women with children in my class it's definitely do- able. But it's not easy. Requires a lot of time and commitment and willingness on the part of your husband and kids to help out, eat sandwiches for supper some days..
Very little lifting involved, but why do you ask? Are you not physically strong? Can you manage 12 hour shifts with a lot of standing/ running around?
I went to beth Israel in NYC but it was years ago.. don't know what programs are available nowadays.
I wonder if a program like touro might suit you better/ be more understanding of frum life..but I don't actually know.

Good luck whatever you decide

amother

↑ NeonOrange ↓

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 10:05 pm

amother OP wrote:

My understanding that PA school is more intense than nursing school.
Also, maybe I am wrong, but I think there is more job variety for nursing degree than for PA. Am I wrong?

Yes there is a lot more variety for RNs… it’s a wonderful profession!

amother

Watermelon ↓

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 10:08 pm

Nursing school is a huge commitment. It is really hard work. So is being a nurse in a hospital depending on what kind of job you want. You have to be on your feet a lot.
I did it with 2 kids and it was really tough, but I had a lot of family support.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 10:09 pm

Ima Opal - thank you for sharing your experience!
The reason I was asking about lifting is because I periodically get inflammations, usually in hands or feet. They last a few days and can come on frequently or not for a while…
My kids don’t mind sandwiches for supper - they are pretty low maintenance food wise.
I understand that accelerated second degree programs are shorter than regular (which is great because I can’t drop my income for too long) but are probably very intense.

Do you work in the hospital? Doctor’s office? If you went to Beth Israel’s program, I am assuming you are in NY. Was it difficult to find a job?

amother

↑ NeonOrange ↓

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 10:10 pm

amother Watermelon wrote:

Right but because of the variety of options, there are jobs that are not physically demanding, if that’s a concern. MDS, school nursing etc.

amother

↑ Kiwi ↓

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 10:11 pm

I went back to school when my youngest of 8 was about six (maybe neon orange was a classmate). I graduated at 48 (8 years ago) Best thing I ever did! Im a full time hospital L&D nurse. Im energetic and dont feel too old to do the work. I eat healthy and I try to sleep enough. Doing a job I love keeps me young and gives me energy to host my married children and grandchildren and parent my teens. I do take lots of cleaning help and cook/bake simply. I went to Reb Bulkas program at Adelphi because she streanlined it for me - gave me a list of classes, requirements etc. There was not much I needed to figure out on my own other than transportation and studying/papers/test taking.

amother

↑ NeonOrange

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 10:14 pm

amother Kiwi wrote:

lol nope I didn’t go to Bulka and graduated almost 20 years ago! But lol hakavod! That couldn’t have been easy!

amother

↑ Watermelon

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 10:14 pm

amother NeonOrange wrote:

Right but because of the variety of options, there are jobs that are not physically demanding, if that’s a concern. MDS, school nursing etc.

Yes, but I'm just putting it out there that a regular hospital job requires a lot of time on your feet.
Also in school itself you need to be able to get through shifts on your feet.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 10:16 pm

Ima Kiwi,
Oh wow!! I didn’t realize Rebbetzin Bulka’s program allows for “older” students. Did they make you take the Judaic classes to fulfill the seminary requirements? How long did the program take you? Do they make you travel to Garden City? Which hospitals do they send you to?

amother

DarkViolet ↓

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 10:20 pm

I went back to Nursing school at 46, when my youngest of 9 was 4 years old. I had to redo all my sciences, so I took one course a semester in the beginning. Once I got into nursing school, I had to take multiple classes. Unless you are a real superwoman, I don't think I would suggest an accelerated program, but that's my humble opinion. I worked in L and D. Then I moved out of the hospital setting. I worked night shift in the beginning (horrible).
Honestly, I'm happy in my job now, but if I had to start again, I think I would go to PA school.

amother

Geranium

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 10:23 pm

I’m in nursing school now! I’m in my 30s and my youngest is 1. It’s really really intense, and it’s a major commitment. I have about 1-2 hours a day that I’m not busy with schoolwork, and that’s on a good day! But I think it’s worth it. If it’s your dream, go for it!

amother

↑ OP ↓

Mon, Jan 13 2025, 10:24 pm

Ima Dark Violet - thank you so much for sharing! Did you do the regular, non-accelerated program? Were you able to do it part time and work at that time? Or once it’s nursing school, it’s full time?