Greetings to everyone,

I am a new LPN with four months experience on a hospital med-surg unit and considering moving over to Emergency Dept once I get a year seniority. My question has to do with my age...I am 56 yrs old, male, normal weight, plenty of energy and wanting to expand my experience. What do you think? Thanks...from Tampa!

I don't think your age is an issue, but they hire LPNs in your ED?

Not that I think LPNs are lesser or anything; I was an LPN prior to obtaining RN licensure. But, there are differences in scope of practice that could make things a little difficult in the ED environment.

Maybe someone else here has experience working in an ED that has LPNs and can give you more constructive advice.

I agree with Star. I happen to work in an ED that does employ LPNs but I am pretty sure we aren't hiring them anymore because of the reasons Star mentioned.

I will say that the few LPNs we do have are awesome nurses! Except for one that is. I think he/she is pretty lazy and doesn't bother to reciprocate and help the RNs he/she is asking for help.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is, don't be THAT nurse if you do get an ED job!

Good luck!

thanks to both of you. hadn't considered that I might have to reach RN level first. currently in RN school through Excelsior so I'll get there. thanks again!

Most places are not hiring LPNs any more in the ED. But no issue with your age, as long as you are able to do all the work that any Nurse is expected to do. I am no longer an ED nurse (5 weeks now!) but I will say there were a few who were very physically slow, and it was hard for them to keep up.

Good for you! At 56 and have plenty of energy..I love it:-) Good luck to you in any area of nursing that you pursue;-)

Have worked with LPNs in the past who primarily work in the Urgent Care area. Occasionally they float to the main ED to help out but have to have an RN cover them for IV push meds, they are not assigned cardiac monitored patients since they don't have ACLS or other certifications the main ED RNs are required to have, ENPC, PALS, TNCC, etc. They are, for the most part, great nurses but working the main ED often seems to overwhelm them because the patient acuity is different. Don't let age stop you from aspring to be an ED nurse - it's hard work but I have worked with ED RNs in their early 70's who still do the job well - sometimes working shorter shifts, 4s or 8s rather then the 12 hours. I'm in my 60's and don't plan to go anywhere - ED is my home!

I am 55 recently switched to another area from ER....I am miserable. I thought the schedule in the new area would be worth the change....I am bored to death and will be going back asap! I don't see it as an age issue, but a work ethic issue. I see so many that are just plain lazy of all ages. So if you don't mind hard, fast paced work go for it! I work 12s...3 one week, four the next...no problem.

The LPNs in my ER work fast track. They are required to have ACLS, and PALS. BTW...an LPN from the ER was just honored as nurse of the year at my hospital.