A 40 yr old woman now wants to become a nurse, is this possible?
551844
There is a shortage of nurses, and a person who is 40 is in the prime of life and will probably make a great nurse!  Many middle aged people decide on a career change, and often go to school to pursue their goals.   Depending on what kind of nurse you want to become, there are 18 month programs for an LVN, 2 year RN and 4 year RN programs.  You might look into nearby colleges and check out the 2 year program. \n\nSome colleges have programs set up with the nearby hospitals so their students can be working in some sort of nursing job while they are enrolled as students in the nursing program.  \n\nGood luck.
1149974
First thing to do is to contact your state board of nursing and find out what they need from a foreign educated nurse. Even if Canada is just down the street from where you are in WA. Next, talk to the school in Canada. Being so close to US, I am sure they have some insight into this problem. All I know is that with the shortage of nurses, I can't imagine it would be too difficult. Have worked recently with RNs from Canada in SE of US. They were able to get the state RN licensure very easily. Just be prepared to ask a lot of questions and get everything in writing. It will cost more because you are going from one country to another but I am willing to bet that the college has incentives to get Americans to its campus. Just ask, find out and get it in writing.
810251
I am a nurse and I actually work with a doctor who was a mechanic and now is a ER physician.  He loves those old Volvo's and drives on to work daily. \nAny ways.  You can be an RN in 2 years or 4 yrs.  When I went to nursing school, they were encouraging everyone to get 4 yr degrees because they said the 2 yr degree would phase out and become obsolete. No way!!! There is such a shortage of nurses they are begging them apply for jobs.  The difference is about .20 cents an hour where I work between a BSN prepared RN vs a AAS nurse. \nI make about $26 an hour now and I have been in the same job for the last 11 yrs with no plans to leave. \nIf you want to be a hospital nurse, you have to be able to tolerate a lot of peoples differences and understand its not about passing out BonBons.  It is very hard work.  I dig out impactions, give enema's, I have had vomit splattered from my hair to my shoes and always keep an extra set of pants in my locker in case someone poops, pukes or bleeds all over me. We have patients who come in with pneumonia and their trachs are bubbling out yellow green mucus and everytime they cough, you are better off to have a pair of goggles on.  We take care of a variety of infectious diseases and see everything. I could go on and on and on. Just realize nursing is not the glamour, its very hard work and you work on holidays, weekends, and they say the older nurses tend to "eat their young".  \nWe would love to have you though. My favorite male RN left a degree in forrestry to do t his, and you can too.
155133
If you are in the US, nursing is most definitely worth pursuing as a career.  The impending retirement of many baby boomers is creating great demand for nurses.  My sister and mother are both nurses; my sister has her pick of choice jobs and my mother, who is in her mid-60s, is contacted every week with job offers.
252071
I worked as a nurse in a nursing home they would provide training for free in exchange for 6 months of staying there and working. You can also check with your local community college if you go this route you have to pay up front but it gives you more options as far as where you work.\nGood Luck!
323304
I am in the same boat. I  did know of a school but can't remeber the name, but you pretty much had to be a LPN to go into nursing, and it also depends on the state you live in due to licencses policy. However, I suggest you take all prerequisites  check you local community college for online, or distance learning courses first then do clinicals when you are able to make the time.Try typing in RN training online see what happens! Good Luck.
664607
med assist is just a skivvy, go nurse, they can train you if you need to convert to adult nursing. the RAF rocks, go do it! chat to your local CIO (careers information office) and get all the info
629947
It's never too late.  Girl I work with is 30 something and she just started.  any degree is hard work but you can do it if you want it bad enough
192968
It all depends on what kind of nurse you want to be.  RNs have more schooling than LPNs and nursing assistants have even less that that.\nif you want to be an RN, then i suggest going to a four year school and going through their nursing program, then you will graduate with your bachelor's of science in nursing...that's a good thing!\n\nSince you mentioned financial aid, a 4 year school may not be in your game plan and that's o.k.! But, LOTS of poeple go to 4 year schools with financial aid...it's not an issue for some, but smaller schools and tech schools tend to be less expensive.  you can check out technological schools or community colleges in your area that have nursing programs. \n\nFinancial aid is a way a school can provide you with tuition assistance based on your income, or if you are supported by your parents, then it's based off of their income.\n\nalso, look into sholarships that may be available to you. if you're still in high school, then, your guidance office can help you with that!\n\nGOOD LUCK in the future!
1187006
I don’t want to break bad news to you but she can’t physically go to get her RN degree without attend a “Bricks and mortar school” unless she holds a LPN or LVN degree. Here she can get into contact with Indiana State University. They have a bridge program that will allow her to get her RN. Otherwise, she is stuck. \n\nHowever, as a nursing professor in a program, I would recommend that she contact her local nursing school program. Here have her find out what relateds (the classes she needs to complete to get either her ADN or BSN such as English classes, math classes, etc.). From here she can take the list because any good faculty member would provide her with a list of these classes. She can then go onto an online program. Make sure that it is accredited by the six accreditation programs recognized by the US Department of Education. Also make sure that the nursing program will recognize these classes. While I think that online classes are a good thing, you have to contend with state boards of nursing. The boards will not recognize online programs except in a few cases. How hard would it be for her to attend a program where you are stationed? Even if it is in one of the US territories there are still programs there. I do wish you best of luck in this career avenue. There is such a shortage of nurses today and it won’t get any better soon. \n\nAlso, please have her talk with her immediate superior. Let her explain to him or her current career aspirations. There might be a way that she could explore training through the navy. I worked at VA system with a naval trained RN and he indicated that he got this through the navy. It can’t hurt. It might be uncomfortable for her to do this as I am not sure of the chain of command in navy. I was in army after I got my RN and I taught LVNs in the army. Many have gone onto get their RNs. Does the navy have such a program?
1015160
There are a few ways to become a nurse in the US.  You can become an LPN or an RN.  LPNs are pretty limited in what they can do, and usually graduate from a one year program.  To become an RN, you can either go to a two year program and earn an associate's degree or a four year program and earn a bachelor's degree.  In the hospital supposedly RNs with associate degrees and bachelors degrees do the same things, but some hospitals are starting to require the bachelor degree, and the bachelor degree programs offer more leadership classes.  In addition, if you want to become an advanced practice nurse (such as a nurse practictioner) you will need to have the bachelor's degree.
486335
there is a huge need for nursing right now, and will be for years and years as the baby boomers begin to get older and require more healthcare.\n\nvisiting nurses make quite a lot of money and are usually able to set their own hours.\n\nhowever... you really may want to consider going straight for the RN... LPNs are treated really bad by doctors and RNs, and are a lot of times regarded as simply CNA's who can pass medicine. They are not allowed to make important decisions (i.e. sending a nursing home patient to the hospital) without consulting an RN or doctor) plus the pay is a lot better and isn't too much more schooling... you still have to take your written boards and clinical exams. you should really go all the way if your thinking of starting out. i know lots of LPN's who are trying to get their RN but it makes it difficult for them to go back to school while working, and the subject content is harder when they have experience that is working against what the teachers want to hear.\n\nif you are young and have the time and money to invest into it, go for the RN.\n\nnursing is very rewarding and honest work. and it is a field that is currently in deficit and is only going to grow. a lot of places (especially nursing homes) will pay for your education if you agree to work for them for i think three years after you graduate. you can work as an aide while you are in school (you have to do the aidework before you can become a nurse anyway)\n\n\n\nammendment: i think LPN starting pay is around $15 an hour... a friend of mine was an LPN at a private nursing home, and since hospice is a non-profit place they probably pay people a little less, but since most of it is traveling it may be more.. plan between 15-20 an hour\n\nRNs are around $25 an hour\n\ngood luck!
924034
It could be. However, nursing is one of the professional fields with loads of scholarships and financial aid available due to the nursing shortage. If anything, most community colleges offer a nursing program, and it can cut down on how much the tuition is and complete the program in two years. I will provide several sources where you can locate financial aid.\n\nFirst, file for FAFSA.ed.gov because it will help you tap into both federal and college need based financial aid.\n\nSecond, search Google.com and Yahoo.com for your state's college grant program. 35 states has a website devoted to applying for state college financial aid and applications. If this method fails, search your state government's website for nursing scholarship or grant.\n\nThird, I have listed some nursing scholarship organizations.\n\nFourth, check with your college's financial aid website and the nursing department's website because they often list available scholarships from outside organizations and companies.\n\nFinally, there are free membership scholarship search websites. Most are updated on a regular basis. I recommend joining several of them. I recommend applying to as many as you qualify for since the more money you get in scholarships and grants, the less you will have in loans.\n\nGood luck!
811868
How about starting in nursing school.\nwhat a concept.
1014265
How to become a nurse\n   \n  \n\nWhile job prospects in many areas are diminishing, healthcare is growing. With the nursing shortage predicted to get worse, jobs for nurses are abundant throughout the world. Unfortunately, along with the shortage of practicing nurses comes a "Catch 22" shortage of nursing educators. Therefore, nursing programs are difficult to get into, and many have waiting lists. The wait is worth it. Wages will continue to increase, and experienced nurses will be in high demand for years to come.\n\nNursing Assistant\nYou may want to begin your career as a nursing assistant or aide. This requires a short course of study, and is usually available from your local adult education department. In some instances, it may give you an advantage in getting into a nursing program as well.\n\nIt also provides you with a source of employment while you pursue your nursing career, as well as direct insight into the world of nursing. There are other programs such as becoming a Surgical Tech which don't require you to become a nurse first, but can lead into a path towards nursing. Often these programs are available through technical schools or adult education programs.\n\nLPN/LVN\nMoving on up the career ladder, you may choose to become and LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse). This is generally a one year course of study typically from a vocational school or junior college. The LPN/LVN works under the direct supervision of a physician or an RN. It is not uncommon for people to choose to become an LPN/LVN as a means to support themselves as they pursue their RN (Registered Nurse). Some RN schools offer course credit to LPNs or allow you to challenge some courses through exams. This practice is not as common as it once was, however, with the shortage of nurses becoming crisis levels in some areas, we may see more of this again.\n\nRegistered Nurse\nFor RNs there are more choices to be made in regards to levels of education. In the past, hospitals offered three year diploma courses where students lived and worked in the hospital and earned a nursing diploma, and then sat for their boards to become RNs. As nursing roles expanded far beyond the realm of hospital nursing, these programs closed. Today, very few remain, and most of those are affiliated with 2 year (Associate Degree) programs.\n\nADN vs. BSN\nThe two most popular courses of study today are the ADN (Associate Degree Nurse) and the BSN (Bachelor of Science Nurse). The ADN course is typically a two year degree program, and the BSN a four year program. The ADN program is often focused more on practical applications of nursing where as the BSN program expands into the theoretical realms of patient care. Most institutions pay on a scale based on education as well as experience. In recent years there has been a big push to mandate the BSN be a minimum requirement to be a professional nurse. Sound arguments both for and against this have been well presented, and thus it is still being debated. The nursing shortage is playing a big role in the practicality of this. However, for professional advancement, the BSN is usually required. Again, an ADN program provides a career ladder choice to nurses. Many programs for RN-to-BSN are gaining popularity. After graduation from any of these courses of study, nurses all sit for their boards to become Registered Nurses. This exam is known as the NCLEX-RN.\n\nMake Sure It's Accredited\nAn important point in choosing any nursing program is making sure it is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). This ensures that you will be able to sit for your boards. Not all schools are accredited, and can delay your licensing process.\n\nAdvance Degree Programs\nThere are also many advanced degree options including Nurse Practitioner programs, as well as Masters and Doctoral degree programs with various areas of specialization and practice. Most management positions require advance
1113159
You have to go to a nursing school there first I would imagine.
324317
Try visiting  www.discovernursing.com - you'll find tons of information there on nursing.\n\nDespite prior statements,  you do not need a BS to be an RN.   There are two-year RN programs and RN bridge programs for persons  who have an LPN/LVN.   The push MAY be for RNs to have a bachelor's degree,  but the  reality is that there is such a shortage of nurses  willing to work  in NURSING (yes, nurses work in  fields outside of active nursing),  that states/countries are creating  avenues to bring  in more  nurses quickly.\n\nWhat you can do with a nursing certificate/degree will depend upon the state/country you live in.  Generically, you could go back and do a 1 year nursing certificate program and become an LPN/LVN.  Or, you could pick up the sciences and other pre-reqs you need and complete a 2nd associates--the outcome could be an LPN/LVN or an RN depending upon the school/program you enter into.  Or, you could transfer to a university and pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing.