I'm on the Hunt for Me =)

If you have the ability to volunteer, why not do that to get more info about what you like before committing to more school? If you think it might be nursing, volunteer in a hospital to spend time in the environment to see what nurses really do. You might run across another hospital based job that you think fits you better.

Other ideas are things like volunteering at a library story hour to see if you would like to be with preschoolers (if you like it, look for a job at a daycare). Or volunteer at a women's shelter (if that sticks, maybe you want to be a victims advocate). Or volunteer to work with the elderly through a senior center (maybe your next job is at a senior living complex).

Don't just randomly volunteer, but do it with an eye towards finding your passion and your next career.

I work for doctors and I can assure you we never have, never will, hire someone with an online degree. Our patients are not online, ya know? But I don't get the feeling this is what you are looking at.

I graduated from Saint Louis University in 2010, fully accredited program, not nursing by the way though that have a nursing program. Since that was the program I wanted to graduate from I went from there back. They allowed credits to transfer from other accredited universities but also from the local community college. They will only allow two online courses to transfer without approval.

So my suggestion is contact the program you want to graduate from, check out what they allow. Go from there. I applied to SLU right off the bat and was accepted. You want to apply right away, most nursing programs have a wait list. Then most of them assign you a counselor who you can run courses by and have them accepted for transfer before you actually take them. This process saved me about 60k on a five year degree.

Oh, also, I work for anesthesiologists. We have a nursing position that is an AA, anesthetist assistant. I am not in recruiting so I don't have all the specifics but I have been told that is a two year degree. Our CRNAs are five year degrees. Both are paid very well. My point is examine specialties, they pay more than others for less time invested.

take a look at the enrichment courses at your local community college. they're way cheaper than credit courses, and the perfect way to expand your brain without a ton of pressure.
look for volunteer opportunities in a few different areas. try something that's NOT in your comfort zone (a retirement home if you're steeped in babies, a therapeutic riding school if you haven't been around large animals, a cemetery-tending group if you want to get outdoors more.)
or find something related to your degrees and put a new spin on it.
i love that you get to do this, and that you are appreciative of your good fortune.
:) khairete
S.

What are your degrees in?
I'd look for a way to use those skills/interests.

I would NEVER take nursing pre-classes from anyone except the teachers that you're going to be taking nursing classes from unless I specifically spoke to the department head or the counselor that helps nursing students enroll in classes. Those classes are so specific and if it's even the least bit off what they need you've wasted money.

I assume your degrees are in something that interests you, can you use those? Nursing is a lot of time away from home - that's the reason I ask if you can use your degrees.

If it were me and I had the time and money to go back to school, I would go for photography. I have a great camera and simple love to take photo's, but I would like to know more.

My undergrad is in economics and finance and I have an MBA with a concentration in International Business. I support overseas programs through the Navy as a finance person, so I use my degrees at work and love my job. Maybe you could find something part-time??

I felt that way and my husband encouraged me to find a hobby. I tried many thigs before I found something I loved and was passionate about. I am now a glass mosaic artist and love every minute of it! My hobby has enriched my life more than I ever could have imagined and I now have some great friends because of my hobby. My work has also won awards and is in a gallery. I never thought I would be an artist!!! I have my undergraduate in Marketing and my Masters of Business Admin.

I went back to school at an advanced age, and I loved it. I loved my prerequisite classes, which I also had to do. Not for nursing. Going back to school was one of the most challenging and rewarding things I've done, and I also had a previous degree.

But if you go back to school, I would highly advise actually going to school, not doing it online. It's fun actually being a part of the school community, and I don't think you will have the same experience at home alone.

I definitely agree about volunteering to try things out and get your foot in the door. If you find you don't love a field once you see it, even from a slight distance, you haven't invested anything in coursework. You'll be contributing outside your family, and that's good for your head.

Adult ed and community college are great ways to work your brain and feel relevant in new ways.

I wouldn't consider an on line licensing program especially for such a hands-on field like nursing. But doing stuff on the computer isn't going to nurture your spirit anyway.

I have a friend who runs a home care agency - there are tons of them around. They provide non-medical home care for people who would otherwise be in rehab centers or nursing facilities. Assignments can vary from companion work, driving to appointments and shopping, helping someone who is not too steady on their feet, helping with getting dressed and making lunch, etc. Not everyone is elderly or suffering from dementia - a lot just need extra help with their exercises beyond what the therapists are providing, etc. A lot of the people who do these jobs are people like you, some are nursing or CNA students (of all ages) - and it gives you some experience to put on your resume while sorting out your skills. My mother had 24 hour care for a while - 7-3, 3-11, 11-7, plus weekends. Lots of shifts are available. Contact your local nursing homes and rehab centers to see who they recommend to their patients who are transitioning to home. Once you collect a few good company names, go on some interviews.

Some people get jobs in hospitals too - admin or front desk services for example. Then they get acquainted with the realities and the staff, as well as the opportunities and some insight into the programs available. Red Cross centers (blood donation, disaster training) may have opportunities too.

Mammography and those types of jobs usually work reasonable shifts especially if they are not in hospitals. Same with medical assistants in offices. Nurses and respiratory therapists are vital and they also work crazy shifts and holidays. However, there are many opportunities and good pay. There are plenty of in-home services with RT, PT, OT, and similar fields.

I think you need to try a few things on and see how they fit before you commit to an education plan. Why not do that between now and the summer, then look at enrolling in a plan of study in September?