Older LPN

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Hi,

I have been thinking about getting an LPN license. For service, I started volunteering at Children's Hospital and I really felt that I wanted to help either critically ill children or physically challenged children. I am older, mid 30's, and am good with children. Any thoughts about an older LPN. I wanted to work nights as an LPN to get an RN. The LPN program starts in November.

Thank you.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Does the hospital where you're volunteering hire LPN's? Some hospitals don't anymore, so make sure that there's employment opportunity before you pay for a degree.

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Go for it! And let me just say-you are not OLD! ;) When I attended LPN school, there were people over 50 in my class. Not to say that 50 is old either, but in relation to your age, they got a much later start at their nursing career.

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Thank you Wldchrry. I see a lot of young nurses at Children's Hospital and did not know if there was preference. While I do not discriminate, I know people do.

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Mid 30s is NOT older. I will turn 50 in December and I am in my 2nd quarter of nursing school (2 year program) to get my RN license. Go for it!

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Good job Hgrimmett. All women of all ages can go into nursing. My mom got her BSN at 45 but the Board of Nursing would not give her a license due to her felony background.

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how long is the program in your area?

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The program is 1 year. I might have to look in to hospitals hiring LPN's.

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Please realize that as a LPN you will most likely work in LTC or home care. (or possibly in a doctors office, but you will make medical assistant wages). Don't be like my LPN classmates who did no research and thought they'd be working in an ICU that hasn't hired LPNs in over 20 years....

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Agreed with Brandon 100% You won't be getting a hospital job especially an ICU position as an LPN. A peds job in general is hard to get as an RN.

And side note, you think someone in their 30's is "old"!!? I encourage you to do the LPN program where you'll do your clinical in an LTC and learn the definition of old!

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I was 39 when I completed my LPN training. If it's what you want to do, go for it! In a year, you will still be one year older. The question is, do you want to be a year older or do you want to be a year older AND be an LPN?

That said, I do agree with what others have said. Do you research. Many, many hospitals do not hire LPNs. Unfortunate for us LPNs, but true.

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