Qualifications for over 45's

Ross J

Ross J

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I'm about to embark on a degree course in nursing for my own education and just wondered if there's others out there who have done this after say 45 years of age. I'm interested in what helped them or hindered them. I'd really appreciate any feedback.<br />I'm not looking for a pat on the back, this is a serious question and it's important to me to see how folk find the education system after being away from it for a long time.<br />Ross
 
JB

JB

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

Howdy, Ross.<br /><br />As you know, my 3 daughters, and their partners, are all health care pros, like you. All are over 45.<br /><br />Two Sons-in-law are CRNA (Certified RN Anethsetists), numbers 1 and 3 daughters are working on MSRN degrees to become RN Practitioners.<br /><br />I was 60 when I earned my Ph.D.<br /><br />I found education a much easier task as a mature student. I think the next generation feels the same. Motivation is more steady, distractions are fewer and management of time and money is a familiar task.<br /><br />Go for it, friend, and best of luck to you. :)
 
SS MAYFLOAT

SS MAYFLOAT

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

Go for it Ross, my wife is a little older and has her goal set on being an RN. There is no age limit on learning and going to school.<br /><br />My wife says I would make an excellent nurse, but I just don't like the touchy feely things they have to do. I'll just keep fixin the stuff that makes people fat.<br /><br />Good Luck
 
C

crab bait

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

i now have the attention span of a 2 year old.. <br /><br />about any book i pick-up ,anymore,,with in 4 minutes,, my eyes are rollin' to the back of my head an eye lids quiverin'..<br /><br />hope this helps..
 
T

tylerin

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

my eyes are rollin' to the back of my head an eye lids quiverin'..<br />
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Well Crabby quit reading Playboy :D I bet your toes are curling up too
 
G

gaugeguy

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

LOL, reminds me of a joke about porn, cheese puffs and private parts turning orange! :D
 
M

mellowyellow

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

cheers mate,<br />my cousin went back to school at 40 to obtain his<br />teaching degree and his grades are most impressive.<br />almost straights A's and this is the same guy that<br />got kicked out of my/our prep school for failing<br />grades when we were teenagers.<br />go for it!<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.
 
R

Ralph 123

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

I found education a much easier task as a mature student
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I couldn't agree more. You do tend to have more distractions (house, kids, job, etc.) but that is more than made up for by having more experience and motivation.<br /><br />Many of the top B schools require a minimum of 2 years (and prefer 3-4) of work experience afer college to even be considered for their MBA program becuase mature, experienced students make for a better learning environment.
 
J

JGREGORY

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

Ross, Go for it. I graduated in 2001 with my BS in Finance. I found that I did much better than I did when I was a teen. Maybe it was because I'm paying the bills. Maybe, it's because your in a class with other like minded adults and are not worried about the next party they are going to get totally smashed at. The School I went to had an excellerated(sp?) Degree program. They Crammed a 16 week semester into 8 wks. Same amount of total hours just longer classes. I loved it. Most of the classes were greatbut we all get those classes we can't stand and instead of being bored for 16 weeks you were taking the final exam in 8. Was great for motivation and thank God a had great support at home.<br /><br />The C in C was born while I was in school but I suppose I had the dedication to finish up. Was able to change careers and definitly for the better.
 
JoeW

JoeW

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

I found education a much easier task as a mature student
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I also agree with this statement. I'm in the last 5 months of an Information Systems degree program after 24 years in that field. Maybe it's because I'm finally paying more attention to the instructor than the girl sitting next to me. :D <br /><br />My wife was a LVN for 11 years before she went back to school for her RN. She's been a RN for about 7 years now. We're both 45ish. <br /><br />I think it's safe to say that we've both been a bit dissappointed with the relatively small amount of practical learning that takes place. There's a whole lot of learning and re-learning of the "acedemic" ways. That is, things which are virtually useless in the real world. That said, I think it's definitely worth it.
 
JoeW

JoeW

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

Ross,<br />Although I'm not sure how much lecture/ paper writting etc. is required in your program vs. clinical work, you might want to consider buying a laptop if you don't alreay own one. I found mine to be a great way to be able to do my homework where and when I want. I don't like being stuck in one place. I bought my Dell Latitude C600 on e-bay.<br />Good Luck<br />-Joe
 
Ross J

Ross J

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

Thanks folk it is very helpful to me. This is why I like this site, everybody is prepared to help each other out.<br />What I'm doing is a postgraduate degree for registered nurses. It is the BN for Nurses.<br />I don't know where it'll take me as I'm not a carreer nurse, but I'd like to do a Dip Ed afterward.<br />I particularly like the laptop idea, thanks again folk.<br />Ross
 
L

Link

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

Hi Ross<br />I'm 50 years old.<br /><br />Go for it. I think you will enjoy/appreciate it even more now. For the same reasons others have mentioned.<br /><br />I started to give you many examples...(had too many drinks) :) but won't go there now... One example : One of my sis in laws has spent 6 years in college... she was and is A Engineer ..then got bored.. decieded at AGE 38 TO BECOME a Doctor... now she is one... she is 42 now! ACK!<br />Its never too late..<br /><br />Link<br />Hope that helps... BTW My wife wants to get a degree in Ceramic Engineering .. Hmmm<br /><br />After 22 years in main frame computing..<br />Could have given ya a dozen examples..<br />of people after 40 going back to school
 
OBJ

OBJ

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

Hi Ross....don't know if this qualifies but...<br /><br />My Dad and I, after many years of backyard tinkering with outboards, finally dicided to open a shop. Course, Mom finally gave us the final shove into the venture. She said to us, "Either quit talking about it or do it!". <br /><br />So we did. Pop was around 66/67 just retired and I was 44. We are alive and well and have expanded once. <br /><br />Education? What an education it was and I'm still learning. <br /><br />I think what I'm trying to say is, your're never to old to learn or go for something you don't have.<br /><br />Much luck in your endeavors!! :D
 
L

Link

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

ACK OutboardJim <br />Said it better than me!<br /> :)
 
B

Bob in Calif.

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

Ross J..........<br /><br />Becoming an RN is an excellent choice. Two of my 3 kids have university degrees and it's worth every dime I spent on them.<br /><br />My youngest got his BA two years ago and is having a hard time finding something in his field, but is working as a youth director at a near by city's rec center.<br /><br />Due to the population growth here in Calipornia and the advancing ages of the "baby boomers", like me, California is going to need 100,000 new nurses by the year 2010.<br /><br />I talked to my son when I learned this a couple of days ago and suggested he go back for an advanced degree and become an RN.<br /><br />Rn's in California are paid quite well....As I recall, they average $60,000 plus a year. (USD)<br /><br />I'm sure the pay scale I mentioned is correct, as as of 1-1-04, I am paying $930.00 a month for health insurance, for a family of 3. :eek: <br /><br />Good luck in your endeavor.......<br /><br /> ...Bob in Calif...<br /><br />PS: After you get your nursing degree, contact me and I'll help you sneak into the US. :D
 
Ross J

Ross J

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

Bob, thanks, but I've been an RN for 21 years. I'm presently a senior nurse in a psychiatric facility. I've been a reliable registered nurse for the same employer for the last 21 years as well. I just wanted another goal for myself to achieve!<br />I love nursing, I think the caring profession to be second to none. I get a heck of a buzz out of people getting well and going home to their families.<br />And no I don't earn anything like that in wages.<br />Registered staff here earn about $43,000 NZ which is about $21,500 US.<br />Thanks for the offer anyway I thought it was generous.<br />Ross
 
H

Homerr

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Re: Qualifications for over 45's

Crabbait....<br /><br />ROFLMAO!<br /><br />Now why doens't that surprise me?<br /><br />H.
 
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