Nursing issues

Register Forgot your password?

Too old / past it to do a 3 year degree in Nursing or should I do the EN course instead.?

« 
Previous topic
|
General Nursing
|
Next topic
 »

You need to be logged in to get access to the forums. You can do so here

Author Too old / past it to do a 3 year degree in Nursing or should I do the EN course instead.?

ali rose

(offline)

  • Joined: Aug 2008
  • Location:
  • Posts: 2

Sun Aug 24, 2008 5:08 pm

Hi all

I'm a 38 year mum of 3 and have been doing the same job for 12 years - Travel...while it can be interesting think it's time for a change and the idea of a 3 year degree kind of daunts me but also has to be a good thing to challenge me. But fear of whether I could do it after not studying since 1988 still plagues me. Would it be better to ease into it and do an EN course rather than boots and all and go the the 3 years. Does anyone know what a EN can earn compared to RN and from reading this forum it seems that there does seem to be some scope to specialise more as a RN ...is this true ? Besides giving up a well paying job I want to make sure i'm doing the right thing !

Thanks and any advise would be appreciated

Cheers,

Ali

keeshy

(offline)

keeshy
  • Joined: Apr 2007
  • Location: Melbourne
  • Posts: 189

Aug 25, 2008, 10:25 am

Well it depends on what you want to do. These days the scope of EN is changing and RN and EN are very similar. EN takes less time and is not as well paid as RN though naturally.

I did my EN first (Div 2 in Melb) and I dont regret it cos it has given me a great foundation of knowledge and confirmed nursing was what I wanted to do. I have now applied to do my RN.

I think if you know its what you want and you can handle a 3 year degree go for it. If its something you are not 100% sure on, then perhaps doing your EN first will give you a good idea plus you can work as an EN while you study your RN if you choose to do that.

kas

(offline)

  • Joined: Aug 2008
  • Location: Sydney South West
  • Posts: 3

Aug 25, 2008, 05:24 pm

Hi Ali Rose, I have only just signed up for Nurse Central, hope I get this right. I have just finished my Registered Nurse Degree at University of Western Sydney, and I am 49 years old, you are never too old!! I think just go for it, if you have always had an interest in nursing?and you can do course part time while still working. I was an Assistant Nurse for 6 years prior to studying my degree and I feel this helped me with the transition into the course, so maybe if you are not certain about changing your career path try a assistant in nursing program first. All the best....Kas

ali rose

(offline)

  • Joined: Aug 2008
  • Location:
  • Posts: 2

Aug 25, 2008, 07:38 pm

Thanks KAS AND KEESHY- thats all great advice ! I now have to get through QTAC and once through that apply for the Degree in Nursing here in QLD. I met a lot of the lecturers at an open day at the Uni and all very approachable and seem to love what they do so that makes a huge difference. will let you know i go !

Cheers again

Ali

anga23

(offline)

  • Joined: Jun 2007
  • Location:
  • Posts: 41

Aug 27, 2008, 09:04 am

Hi Ali Rose,

I'm studying in Brisbane. I think it depends on what your end goals are. I'm studying at MSIT & Griffith.. I'm not enjoying the TAFE course. It does give you a good foundation, but if ultimately you want to be an RN.. Go for that. For ENs there's also a program with TAFE & Greenslopes Hospital that looks good. University programs are very good too. There's lots of support and you'd be surprised how many mature age students there are for both courses. Good luck and enjoy.

You need to be logged in to get access to the forums. You can do so here