Nursing Peeps-Have I lost my mind?

I'm actually looking into the ADN program at Collin College. I was a biology major many many moons ago, but ended up getting a degree in Business Administration and working 9/10ths of my Career in Information systems. I actually really liked Bio, but math not so much.
It appears that the way to get into clinical systems is by getting an RN. I was also inspired (and uninspired) by the care that my dad got when he was sick.

Has anyone gotten their RN while working fulltime (I am in a healthcare related field) I wouldn't be able to finish in the 2 year "normal" time frame, but with clinicals and all, I'm not sure I could schedule the time and stay employed FT, and that's kind of a show-stopper unless we win the lottery or magically pay off everything.

I'm not afraid of blood and guts, have some technical acumen, and really like life sciences. Just don't ask me to titrate!

Sharyn? Steph? Gina? Bueller?

Thanks,
Rachel

Not nursing or a nurse but pretty sure you've lost your mind....you are HERE aren't you?! LOL! J/K!

Sounds exciting to me! Lotta work and juggling for sure.

Nothing wrong with me! *twitch twitch*

Go for it - nursing is a great career choice - and you might really like it and decide that is just what you want. - People always get sick - so there is job security!!!!!!! - I don't think any of the other nurses will steer you in the other direction -

About the full time stuff - you will just have to see what the loads are like - I did work full time and have a family at several points in my education - So it can be done, just really hard!!!

Good luck - Gaye

Bueller here!

I would love to become a nurse, but I am gutless here. I faint with any blood draw. I have told Emm that when she's heads to college I am going with her to get yet a third degree.

Proud of you. I think it's great.

RACH-nursing would would have sooooooooooooo many options and open soooooooooo many doors for you...hell, once you got your license you'd neber even have to SEE a pt, if you didn't want to (you could be a pencil pusher-the ones the rest of us make fun of..lol)...I think you'd be a GREAT nurse and I'd LOVE to work beside you...GO FOR IT!!!!!!!

Rachel, I think it's fantastic opportunity, I hope it works out for you.

Sharyn may be working, shoot her a PM.  I feel very confident she will steer you to follow your dreams.  She loves her job and is looking into getting her Masters now.

I hope this works out for you.

My partner finished an ADN program in Dallas (El Centro) in Dec. 2008.  I supported both of us while she was in school.  School WAS a full-time job for her ... a lot more than full-time, a lot of the time.  She could not choose her class schedule; it was set in stone for her and her classmates.  I can't imagine how she could have gone to school and worked full time.  A couple of classmates who did try to work a significant number of hours flunked out.  It was a tough, competitive program.

That said, now that it's over, she loves her job and wishes she'd become a nurse 20 years ago.

Maybe Collin is more flexible in terms of time commitment, but I'd ask plenty of questions if I were you.

Thanks everyone for all the insight. My biggest concern is if I can string it out over time, or if I'd be locked into a schedule. I can't be unemployed because we need my income.  I'll shoot the nursing dept an email or go up there my next day off.  I'd have to retake the 4-prereqs because they only take them if they're within the last 5 years (statistics YECH!) 

Dunno, food for thought.

I know you maybe able to get weekend clinicals through some of the colleges. I precept many students in the same situation here in Houston..But definitely if you are serious the class/book work is much more intense than when I went to school many moons ago so working fulltime plus school may break you. I would also look into any options for educational help through your work or Texas work force. My kids got Pell greants. Texas workforce and the GI bill and did't have to work while going to school. That is unusual but check out all options.It took me 5yr.s to get my ADN because I had to work fulltime then parttime to raise 2 children alone. Healthcare is where the stability is now and in the future. I love being a nurse but if you are just in it for the money find something else. The days can be long hard physically and emotionally but the rewards and satisfaction that you have made a differency far outway the stress.