I need advice from the nurses on this board.

**KatieInLa2** · 10-19-2009, 12:23 PM

I am in my late forties and I have been thinking of going back to work since my son is old enough to stay by himself some (12.5 yrs). What is your advice to someone my age going to lpn school and becoming a nurse. Am I too old? Could I physically hold out to do the job? Would I have problems finding employment and competing against younger or more experienced nurses? What do you think?

**sommersa** · 10-19-2009, 12:50 PM

Im not a nurse, but a Xray tech, and work with nurses and I say go for it! your in your forties, you will pry be working for 20 plus more years, and there is always need for LPNs where I live. As long as your in good health and can work on your feet id say it would be ok. there is always different workplaces you can work in too that might have less stress on your body

**MaryCarney** · 10-19-2009, 01:03 PM

I am an RN, and age has nothing to do with employment!!

There has been a nursing shortage, there is a nursing shortage now, and there will continue to be a nusing shortage for a long time to come.

DO IT!!!

However, do not expect to get a job taking care of patients in a hospital. Most LPNs are employed in nursing homes and physician offices. (Not a bad thing either way, just a statement of fact)

I was an LPN first ,and went to school with a gal in her late 50s who worked another twenty years after graduation.

Nursing is a great career, I cannot imagine myself doing anything else. Just don't expect to work 9-5 Monday through Friday!! I generally work either Christmas or Thanksgiving AND my birthday and my kids' birthdays every year. And if you're the type that needs an hour for lunch, forget it!! I've carried my PBJ into the bathroom with me, just because it's the only chance I've had to sit down in a 16 hour shift. (Not to be gross, just keepin' it real!)

Anyway, get yourself down to the community college TODAY and get started with the enrollment process. Good luck, and feel free to PM me if I can be of help to you.

Mary C

**DJ1972** · 10-19-2009, 01:40 PM

There were at least 10 ladies in my LPN class that were over 45. You are never too old to go back to school. There is always a job for an LPN. I did nursing home/hospital work for the first 8 years, then doctor's office for 4 years (got tired of working holidays lol), and now I have been doing in home care for the past 3 years. The thing I like about nursing is the options, if you get tired of the nursing home..you can try a doctor's office, or in home care, etc. Good Luck!

**Teresa T** · 10-19-2009, 10:13 PM

I'm an RN. Now 49. Graduated at 32. I have worked mostly in nursing homes. Acute care was not hiring when I graduated and actually long term care works for me. I work hard taking care of those people.

I too say go for it if that is your dream. Unfortunately I have worked with some really crappy so called nurses. If you have a good concious and work ethic you should make a good nurse. I don't think your age will be an issue.

I find it's not as easy to be on my feet as it was over 15 years ago. I'm also working 12 hour shifts and plan to quit my job in the next 6 months or so. I don't want to commute much longer Then I'll go back to 8's.

It can be a hard job but again, I say if you want to, do it. Good luck!

I'm not a holiday person so working the holidays does not bother me.

**miz** · 10-20-2009, 03:23 PM

I have been an LPN for 22 years, a nursing assisant for 3 years before that. Am considering going back to get my RN. Am in my middle forties, raising 19 month old and almost 3 year old grandchildren. Everything previous posters have said is true.

Expect to work in a nursing home and holidays and at least everyother weekend. Expect to work with those who really shouldn't be caring for others. Expect to be physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted at times. Expect to be frustrated with management. Expect to shed many tears over the course of your career. Expect to go home after your shift knowing that you have made a difference in the lives of many, in many different ways.

I have done a variety of work over the years from detox, to premies just coming home from the hospital, hospitals, nursing homes, group homes and alzhiemers units. They all offer and take something different. There is not a thing I would change, I am a nurse, thats all I know.

**Backtoreality** · 10-20-2009, 09:55 PM

Can I ask why a LPN? Why not go for RN? Here in Illinois, there is a vast difference in job opportunities, pay, etc. for one more year of education.

That being said "they" just recently made it impossible to go to a community college and get your ADN without getting your LPN first. This I really don't understand, with the kind of shortage we are having.

I went back to school many years ago, with 4 kids at home; I went to work as a CNA at night and would change my clothes before Going to class (I was 35). Very hard but ahh so worth it. My career is one of the most worthwhile thing I do! 90% of my days are so fulfilling!!

Go for it!

**KatieInLa2** · 10-21-2009, 10:38 AM

Ruth, I might check into doing a RN course instead. I have a bs in business--accounting. I have only worked as a bookkeeper though. I don't know if any of my courses could carry over. My husband and I are struggling to make ends meet every month. I am homeschooling our son and would like to continue to do so but we really need to increase our income immediately.

I would like to thank everyone for answering my post. You all have been very helpful.

**mommynurse** · 10-21-2009, 09:01 PM

I'm an RN and have noticed that most hospitals in my part of Va don't hire LPNs anymore. Hospital nursing has gotten difficult (not sure if it's that I'm older or the patients are sicker, or both!). Most nurses I work with are younger than forty. LPNs around here work mostly in corrections, nursing homes or MD offices. I don't think you're too old. Besides, you'll never know until you try! Go for it!

**Mrs. Piggy Bank** · 10-21-2009, 10:17 PM

I'm also an RN and would highly recommend you dig in and go for your RN. I have worked in the acute psych setting, which I absolutely loved. I now work in long term skilled care, which I also love, not nearly as exciting as psych but it is more rewarding. Where I am now, I work in a management position and staff the facility. I am always on the lookout for nurses, but RNs are harder to come by and can really set their own pay scale within reason. If a LPN interviews with me, the corporate office will not allow me to raise the pay scale. However, a RN can. I have seen this everywhere I have worked. And it's true that many hospitals are not hiring LPNs. I am in MO and so many hospitals are trying to gain magnet status, and that means, no LPNs.

You're never to old to care about people. This will just mean you have more time to dig in give it your all. I went through RN school with 2 young kids and working. Holy Moly! What a nightmare!! LOL

**Michelle68** · 10-23-2009, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by MaryCarney

However, do not expect to get a job taking care of patients in a hospital. Most LPNs are employed in nursing homes and physician offices. (Not a bad thing either way, just a statement of fact)

I was an LPN first ,and went to school with a gal in her late 50s who worked another twenty years after graduation.

Mary C

Perhaps it depends on the area, but here in Texas LVNs (LPNs) are regularly employed in ERs, hospitals, clinics and home health. (Which is what I do.) Here in Texas, the LVNs are not allowed to hang blood, but that's about it. We can pretty much do anything else (IVs, IV pushes, central line care, wound vacs,etc.) as long as we've been trained.

To the OP, you are definitely not too old to go into nursing. I have been an LVN for 20 years and I love what I do. There is always a demand for nurses. Good luck!