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If you want to go back to school for nursing, go for it -

Posted By: doing the same on 2007-07-26
In Reply to: I don't think this gig is bad at all...(sm) - Hayseed

I'm doing it too. I discovered there is quite a chunk of money out there for grants, loans, scholarships, et cetera for nursing students.

I can't keep sitting back and watching my income slide off in giant chunks with every new change in the platform and editing.

Once upon a time, I was making almost 30.00 per hour on average and now I'm lucky if I get 20.00 per hour. BIG difference.





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I was considering going back to school for nursing...
I originally planned on doing that many years ago before I got sidetracked into transcribing. I just wonder if I'm too old to start over again (44).


Nursing school
I am a RN. I went to school with a lady in her 50's. She did just fine. I taught aid classes for a while and always encouraged my students to get LVN first then go for RN so you are on the right track. Besides, RN just do alot of paperwork.
I am in nursing school right now...

to get a BSN. I've been in the health care field, including paramedic, medical assistant, etc., and doing MT off and on throughout the past 25 years.  However, seeing the handwriting on the wall re: the future of MT, I decided not to wait until I didn't have a job to try to find one. I own an MTSO, so I make plenty of money now, probably more than I would make as an RN, but I'm not stupid-- that's only going to last another 5 years...so in the meantime I'm in school! I am in a four year program, it was extremely competitive to get in (1000 applicants, took 70). If you didn't have a GPA of 3.5 you didn't get it. So you will have to take that into consideration. There are long waiting lists at all schools though If you go to a community college 2 year program probably the grades won't be such an issue. You will also have to take plenty of prerequesites, which will keep you busy for 1-2 years. The good news is hopefully your MT job will be flexible enough so you can work around a changing school schedule, plus it's not like you have to drive somewhere to work. With your experience in medical records, you will be very strong in charting and every one in your class, including your teachers, will ask you how to spell words. You will at least be familiar with drugs and their uses, i.e. Aricept is for Alzheimer's.


Although it will be very difficult, know that at least you have a future ahead of you that can't be outsourced to India. My friend just finished the same program 2 years ago and she is working 32 hours per week, 3-11 shift at the community hospital and making over $50K plus benefits. That ought to help you get through school!


 


I am in nursing school too...sm
I had an associate of science degree from community college, but then had to take some more prerequisites, including developmental psychology, nutrition and organic chem. I am going for a BSN initially. It took me 2 semesters to get my pre-req's done, then my program is 5 semesters (no summer school). However, I would caution you-- the admit to nursing programs can be quite competitive esp at university level. We had 1000 applicants and they only took 70. If you didn't have a 3.5 GPA, you didn't get it. In addition, nursing school is GRUELING. They only have a full time program. I asked about part time and they said, if you don't want to go full time, get out of the way because 933 other people want your spot. Although all my classmates are straight A students (which you would have to be to get in), some are even failing classes -- that's how hard it is. Not only do you have to attend class, you have to write papers and do a whole bunch of other work outside the classroom. I study all day when I am not in school. My husband does all the cooking and we just skip cleaning for now (LOL). I will be going on for my master's straight out of the BSN class because I already have medical experience (was a medical assistant for years and also a paramedic). So good luck to you and email me if you have any more questions...
Does anyone think 41 is too old to go to nursing school to become a LPN? I love MT, but have
an interest in helping people.  Money is not the issue at all.  I would love to be involved and help in the medical world, but I am worried about my age?
I learned the terminology in nursing school;
I learned the transcription end of things on the job. I was taught well by ladies with 20+ years of experience. They taught me how to do the job correctly and I now do my job well. You don't always have to go to college or take a course to learn how to this job and do it well.
I'm 47 and in nursing school full time...sm

but I only work a few hours a week running my MTSO. I would guess you could work full time while doing your pre-reqs part-time but when you actually get into PT school, it probably is almost as grueling as nursing. Your best bet is to SAVE SAVE SAVE over the next few years so you can do full time school when you need to. Speech pathology is a master's program, so you will need to be in school for quite a while. Plus you need to see how competitive the program is. Nursing schools lose 50% of their classes by graduation, and only take the best 10% of applicants, so not an easy task. That being said, there is practically no future in MT and when 100 MT's are competing for the same job, it's going to be sad. So go for Speech Pathology - absolutely!


Sue, I'm inviting YOU when I graduate from nursing school...LOL
x
I'm in nursing school and doing a paper on ADHD...here's what I found...what an eyeopener...

Peter Jensen, who is head of psychiatry at Columbia:  At least half the children who fit the criteria for ADHD are not diagnosed. Half of the kids diagnosed are not treated (parents get too much flak for "drugging their kids"). ADHD is in 3-5% of population, found in some third world countries too though their survival skills are different from ours so testing doesn't always translate into another culture.  Taking sugar and food additives out of diet (i.e. Feingold diet) only makes a difference for 3 months- then no difference (placebo effect). Interestingly, if ADHD is not treated, those kids have a much higher risk of accidents, drug and other substance abuse, drop out of school, and being arrested for a felony. Oh and one more note for all the folks who say it's from being overstimulated...we don't have a TV in our house and my boy still has ADHD - it's genetic. Plus after an appropriate evaluation by a pediatrician who specializes in ADHD, a social worker and an audiologist, he has been treated with medication and behavior modification since second grade. In the challenge program in every subject possible now (middle school) including Algebra II. Reads at post college level. 


Bottom line is 4 years old is too early to make a diagnosis. Keep her home another year and let her develop at her own rate, but keep an eye on how she is able to compensate at school later. As I said, ADHD is a genetic disease and it could be possible for her to have it. It could also be possible that you tend to be negative towards whatever your ex says, so don't let that sink your daughter's ship...


same way in nursing - men in nursing make more on average than women in nursing and quickly
move into management. Just what we needed.
Gack! Is nursing your idea or his? Nursing is highly demanding and long hours.

I'd check with a college counselor/advisor on programs they have for women over 30 to return to academia and enter new careers.  Then I'd ask to take some career tests to see what your interests are and what you'd be be suited for.  Also, there is scholarship money available for women over 30.  Ask about it.  


Since I've already raised my kids, I'd also like to state that jr. high and high school are the years our kids need us at home the most.  Those are the years they can get into the most trouble if left to themselves.  If he's already 9, why not just enter college part-time to finish in about 6 to 7 years?  But definitely go talk to a college counselor.


Going back to school
Yes, I have thought about it. However, I will have to wait until I am cloned so ONE of us can keep working day and night to pay bills while the other of us goes to school. (Dream on!).
going back to school as well
Taking a pre-algebra and art class this semester, going for my BA in psych.  I've got a long road ahead of me, but I need to switch gears to a more lucrative and respected profession.  One that will secure my future as well.  MT sure won't!  Heck, don't even know if MT'ing will get me through school, I feel like my days are numbered and its out of my control.
why not go back to school. you can
probably get all your schooling paid for and money to help pay bills while you go to school? even if you did a tech program or a 2-yr RN program...?

i know how you feel.
I'm back in school...sm
I have my Associates in Allied Health, but I'm in the process of finishing my Bachelor's in Business with a specialty in Healthcare.

I also have 3 kids and a husband. As long as your family is willing to work with you a bit and give you the time that you need, you'll do fine. Go for it!
going back to school
I went back to school when my youngest entered kindergarten. I was 31. That was 15 years ago - my husband is now in school for taxidermy - he has only 3 weeks left - I miss him. My friend went back to school at age 59 - she is now a certified coder/MRT at age 62. Go for it!!!!!
Going back to school
I am a 35 year old single parent of an 8 year old. I will be starting in March at a private liberal arts college in Atlanta, GA. They have a degree program for adults. I will be majoring in psychology and hope to finish in a year. I'm very excited about it.
Going back to school
...Yes, I'm currently doing it now. It is hard, not easy, but I think it would be much harder if I had children in the house. My beautiful son is 29 years old and living out of the house on his own.

I have been a small MTSO for many, many years, but after losing so many accounts in my area to under bidding and offshoring, I just did not feel it was worth pursuing this crap any more. I now transcribe for a company part time, the money is so paltry, but whatever. Working in this field is no longer my goal. It is a stepping stone. My sights are high to get into something I believe I would enjoy and make a difference in - law. I work part time and go to school part time, for now. I am 56 years of age and do not have a problem with my age at all. It takes time management - something that does not come easy for me. With a large house to care for, lots of pets, work, and school, I am learning to manage a lot better. It is surprising how much better I do with less money. Of course, I am fortunate in that my husband can support us both, for now. I pray it stays that way. That does not mean we have enough put away for retirement. We don't. The income I make from my part-time job goes into savings. I am determined to reach my goal no matter what, and if I ever become a lawyer at age 64-65, what an accomplishment!!! I've always been a very independent person. Ironically, the hardest thing for me to accept is letting my husband support me. I get a lot of anxiety about that because I'm a worry-wort. I've always felt I have to be in control. Strange, huh?
Going back to school
I am 36 and just started back this January to take some electives and start nursing school in August. I have 2 kids and husband to take care of, plus working p/t doing transcription. I have to take Chemistry which is a pre-requisite. It's only the third week and it is hard, but I think in the long run, it will work out for the better. I just have to keep a positive attitude.
back to school at 45

I went back to school at 45 with 5 kids (26, 24, 19, 14 and 10).  I have a few comments.  First of all, school at 45 is very different than school at 20.  One thing I noticed is that it is much easier.  Classes have been watered down, except for math classes, which are a little different.  Kids do not write as well as we had to when I was first in college.   Second, for whatever reason,  it is much easier to pull As than when I was younger.  I go to class every class and I study because I have less distractions and yes, less hormones.  I am not partying anywhere, and my car knows the way to school.  No  one is making me go.


I took my first CNA class this semester and basically changed adult diapers and helped feed elderly folks.  I also helped with showers and changed colostomy bags.  They can dress it up any way they want, but frankly, that is what you are doing.  No blood or guts, just a lot of poop.


As far as money goes, I already had an associates degree, so they will only pay for classes that are absolutely necessary to your degree.  I did not qualify for any scholarship money due to age or income or anything else.  Basically I paid for my classes and the hospital I work for is supposed to reimburse me when I finish my class.


The hospital I work for, when I am clinicals, is supposed to have a few scholarships available which equate to about 4500 per year.  As my work time will be cut back to approximately half, I am going to have to figure out how to make it.  Also, I will have to figure out how to maintain hospital benefits at only half time...as....this does not work out.  


That is my returning to school story.  I hope that it is helpful. I would like to know what first year nursing students are doing if anybody has that information as far as patient care, etc. and what books, etc. they found helpful.


 


 


 


Went back to school at age 30 with a 4 mo. old, 4 yr old, and 7 yr old....
got an Associates degree in Health Information Technology and then sat for my RHIT.  After ranting and raving when I quit my job after the baby was born, my husband finally gave in and actually became very supportive.  This was the best decision I have ever made in life...it was hard but worth it, and I graduated at the top of my class.  Blessings!
back to school . . .
I went back to school, for nursing, after 23 years! It was scary, but not as hard as I thought it would be. I have found that it is a little harder to learn than when I was young, but I am more willing to put in the time now that I am older and actually did quite well. Also,  I was worried about being in school with a bunch of 20 year olds, and that was not the case either. My advice, go for it!
MT going back to school....

My two career choices are either nursing, really interested in psych, or a dental hygienist.


I know more about nursing than the dental and was wondering if anyone could give me any insight on either one, as far as school, working conditions, salaries, anything basically.


I think I would enjoy nursing more, but the schedule for the hygienist appeals to me more with 2 young kids at home.  In my area, the schooling is about the same and the salary seems about the same too.


TIA!


QA go back to school

I am really ticked at my QA department these days.  Had a report – not the best dictator, which is why I listened to it for a total of 3 times to be accurate!  Clearly the doctor said hyperglycemia.  At first I thought hypercholesterolemia but upon playing it over 2 more times I could hear the “glycemia.”  QA changed it to hypercholesterolemia and put a note on the “corrected” version that had I run spell checker it would have caught this.  Okay, first of all with this particular VPN system you must run spell check before uploading!  And second of all, no, spell checker would not flag a correctly spelled medical term!  Come on now!  Pick up the medical dictionary and look.  It is in my book.  Heck I hear that word on television.  Get a clue already.


 


This is the same QA that I go round and round with about hyphens.  I type “The patient is well developed and well nourished.”  It is to be done this way as per the BOS, yet a few will put in hyphens.  To the best of my knowledge you only use hyphens when the sentence reads:  Well-developed, well-nourished male/female in no acute distress. 


 


There are some really great QA people out there (((hugs))) and unfortunately some that need to go back to MT school.  Sometimes I wonder why I fight so hard to keep our jobs here in the U.S.   I know that I am not QA quality with less than 5 years under my belt, but please do not treat me like complete *****.  When I see some of these QA fixes and research it makes me wonder how they came into their positions.  I once had a CMT/QA person tell me there is no such thing as a DIP joint.  Okay, pick up an ortho book by Stedman’s.  Yeah, it’s in there!


 


Sorry to go on and on.  Just needed to get this off my chest.


You don't need to go back to school.
``
Going back to School
Just saw this thread and had to respond. I, too, could see the handwriting on the wall many years ago in fact. When anyone would ask what I did for a living, I would tell them and many times they had no clue what it was. People that knew what it was looked at me and sort of smirked. So, I thought I would prepare for my later years and go back to school. I finished getting my BS about 5 years ago and I am still an MT.   I like being an MT but wished that my hard-earned degree would have led me in a new direction with exciting new challenges and better pay. This has been my experience with going back to school and I got excellent grades too and have been in the medical field for 30 years. No rhyme or reason
Back to school
I was trained and took a local training program and did some medical transcription for a few small companies, but here I am 15 years later realizing that I didn't get the "right" kind of training, so I just started up with one of the 2 top schools online and this was the best thing I ever did. Now I realize how little training I received compared to the big picture out there. I guess I learned that you get what you pay for. Again, do the research yourself because everybody is going to have a different opinion.
Back to school

Remember, you will be on your feet most of the time. Be sure that the school you go to is accepted by different places of employment. I worked in a hospital, and the Director of Pharmacy would not accept candidates from certain schools.


Anyone else gone back to school for this? sm
Medical assistant?  I am looking at this because I can do something along the lines I already love (medicine) and get out into the real world again.  The course I am looking at is through a university, where you will earn an AS upon completion.  With 10 years of MT under my belt and being so tired of being paid on production, I am looking for a change!  Plus, many of the courses would be refresher ones for me, so at least it would not all be new.  Has anyone made the leap?  Thanks for your input! 
POLL: Home School vs. Charter School vs. Public School vs. Priv ate School...
Pros and cons of each too. I have two little ones that will be starting school soon and I would like opinions on all. Thanks in advance! :)
have your kids gone back to school yet? if so, where are you at...
if not, when do they go back and where are you at?  This is strictly out of curiosity, everyone, no ulterior motives here! I'm in GA and mine went back yesterday...think it's WAY too early to go back.  They were only out for nine weeks!
ever thought about going back to school?
I stay focused because i'm in school now and i'm working towards something.  I'm just as scared in regards to job security, i'm the only earner.  I'm not getting anywhere in this industry, I still live in an apartment.  I am afraid to buy a house because i'm not sure where this company is heading. 
They need to go back to school or never studied. nm
x
Back to school bellyache - what to do?
I'm sure this is a common thing, but my 9-year-old daughter has been having a bellyache for the entire week leading up to the first day of school, and yesterday at school she said her belly was just killing her all day.  I know she has some social anxiety issues, worries about no one wanting to play with her, etc., but how can I help her?  In the week before school started I had four girls over from her class and they all had a great time playing together, so I know there are decent girls that she can play with at school.  She's my oldest child so I'm still learning with her myself.  I've given her all the love and hugs and encouragement I can, so now I'm starting to wonder if maybe a little Pepcid or Zantac would help?  I have a strong family history of stomach ulcers, I'm so worried that she is starting down this path already.  Any suggestions? 
I went back to school this year
In my area both the RN-AD and dental hyg. programs have wait lists, however the dental hyg. wait is like 4 years versus the RN wait being 1-1/2 years. I am just finishing up all my gen eds and I should be off the wait list and into the core program next fall. I am taking extra psych classes to fill my "elective" courses as I was told that hospitals prefer nurses with their BSN to have psych minors, and I'm only in the AD program (associate degree), but I can still list extra psych courses on my resume. I wish you the very best of luck!!!
Going back to school question...
I know I have read that several MTs go back to school for nursing.  How many have ever considered going back for becoming a HIM director?  I am thinking going back to school and do not think I could do the nursing thing.  I have seen a lot of job postings in my area for HIM directors over the last few years and was just wondering.
Thinking of going back to school; anyone

I've been an MT forever, and am now 58.   Retirement for me will be out of the question, but as we all know, the MT profession has taken a nosedive in past years, and the outlook is bleak.


From what I've read so far, an ultrasound tech can become certified at the proper schools without having to already have had extensive college.  (Only 2 years here, and that was in English, not pre-med, biology, science, etc.)   


Have any of you tried the same thing, or know people who have?  I definitely have to do SOMETHING, and time is obviously running out.  I also don't care for nursing. 


Any feedback appreciated!!!     


YOU ARE WELCOME - after that crap I quit and went back to school
.....
All docs to be sent back to high school
to learn how to do a basic OUTLINE!
My husband refuses to let me go back to school

I would like to further my education in a more stable field that will never outsource.  I am constantly worrying about the state of the MT field.  I asked my husband if he would be okay with me going back to school to become a dental hygenist. He said absolutely not and to stop panicking.  He said Speris is not sending all the jobs to India, and he refuses to babysit at night when he works all day.  I am so ------.  I need his help to succeed because I do not have any family to depend on.  How can I realize my dreams.  Thanks for letting me vent.  So mad I can spit.


I feel like I'm back in high school again!
This is ridiculous!
Good for you! I'm back at school learning (sm)

a new career after 16+ years in this business!!  I love MT but it's time for something with a steady paycheck and longevity.  Good luck to you and to the rest of us in your shoes!!   :)


Go back to school and be a cardiac tech.
I would if I wasn't so freakin' old.  And poor, thanks to this sinking ship of a profession.  
Feels like the cliques back in high school...

I can not believe how rude you all are...  I make a simple statement and everyone jumps all over me?  If you all lived in our neighborhood and saw house after house with tree down, where you can see the roots are barely in the ground because they were planted so shallow, with no room to grow because the curb and the sidewalk are on each side, and you talked to all of my other neighbors who all feel the same way, then maybe you wouldn't be so quick to pass judgement.  I think it's ironic that everyone else I've talked to in person finds it surprising that trees as big as these were, that have been there a decent amount of time (2+ years) did this.  I have six trees in my backyard that were only planted 2 months ago, but were planted the right way and are fine...  I am not an expert on Arizona weather, having only lived here 2 years, but it doesn't take a genius to look at the way these trees roots are so shallow to know there is a problem.  The other tree snapping in two is not something I blame on the landscapers, it was obvious that it has a very thin trunk and was never very strong. 


God forbid anyone make a passing comment on what is obviously "your board".  And no need to respond anymore, you've made it very clear that newcomers are not welcome.


I'm 46 and I went back to school this year full time for a BSN...sm

I was worried about because, let's face it, my short term memory isn't what it used to be LOL. Plus the program is ONLY full time. They had 1000 applicants and picked the top 70 of us. If you didn't have a 3.5 GPA, you didn't get in. But I am doing really well in school - after I got past the shock of the first 6 weeks - tons of work- and I am at the top of my class. My husband, bless his heart, is doing all the cooking and we are basically kind of ignoring the dirt. My house will be clean again another day. I am finishing up my second semester, have 3 more semesters for a BSN, and then another 2.5 years to get my masters and be an advanced practice nurse. 41 is definitely not too old! You will have to work smart to save your back but it can be done. Also MT is starting a slow slide out...you would be smart to start your second career now while you still have a job... IMHO


good luck!


 


 


 


POLL - Are you read for your kids to go back to school? (sm)
Yes and no is the answer for me.  I love them home with me (11 and 13), but am ready to have the nice quiet house to myself for work.
You're supposed to go back to school because of this government???
Maybe you should go back to school because you have higher expectations for yourself instead of blaming the government for the result of your own life choices.

Try assuming some responsibility and try making your life better on your own without blaming someone else.

Such a defeated attitude! Is that the government's fault too?

The government isn't Santa Claus. No one is responsible for our success but ourselves.

Grow up.
2 jobs here, also back to school, single working mom...sm
hi just me,
i'm rapidly approaching 50 and working 2 jobs (1 FT as MT, 1 PT as virtual assistant)using different programs (50 hours a week total), and going to school PT (10 hours a week), all as a single parent with a house and yard. in addition, i volunteer about 4-6 hours a week. NOT EASY! But, it CAN BE DONE! I think the secret is in motivation, planning and organization. my outlook calendar program looks like a rainbow! (and the task list is pretty daunting at times) =) let me know if you want more advice via email...good luck!
2000 lines everyday but one since my kids went back to school.
I can finally get back on a routine and get some work done. Now, if I could just stay off of MTstars! LOL.
Long and winding road, but back in high school
My favorite album was Sgt. Pepper's, I listened to it over n over until the tape wore out and finally broke.  I keep meaning to replace my old collection with CDs.  I used to have posters of the Beatles all over the walls, collected those circle john lennon sun glasses, the whole deal.
Well, 1 day back to school for the kids, and now they come hom with a stomach virus! Geez.

How frustrating - 1 day in school and now a "bug".  We had this in our house before the holidays.  Everyone in the family had a turn with it, and now again!  I think antiseptic and antibacterials are needed in these schools.   Can't afford to be down for even 24 hours!


 


Just needed to vent my frustration here - my poor kiddies!