The "Seasoned" Comeback Gal....

[txmamaRN2b]

I was a mere 20 years old when I earned my LVN (or LPN, depending on your geographical location) title in TX. I practiced in many areas/specialties over a 15 year timespan. Then I met a boy, fell in love, became pregnant, and immediately quit nursing.

It was time. I was burnt out and really just wanted to be a mom. I kept my license up for many years, always completing my CEU's, returning to school periodically, and even attempting to return part time when my girls were only 4 & 5. Motherhood won out, though. About 4 years ago I went on inactive status.

My days of being an LVN were a different time. This was back in a day and time when LVN's weren't so limited in their scope of practice. Back then I didn't feel any "less" of a nurse than my fellow RN. I realize things have changed. I felt that change when I moved from TX to AZ. My wings got clipped and I most definitely felt sidelined. Times were changing toward to then end of my nursing days.....

Fast forward to today....I will be 45 years old in October. I find myself once again seriously contemplating a "comeback". I've considered a few other career fields but alas, I am a nurse at heart. I still feel drawn to caring for others.

I have determined that I will no longer consider my LVN/LPN license in the equation. I'll just be taking the pre-req courses I've obtained over the years and move forward.....from scratch, to the BSN degree. By this I mean that I won't be attempting to "refresh" my LPN license or do any LPN to RN bridge course. I'm starting all over, basically. And I'm okay with that as I feel after being out of the field for over 10 years now, I need to re-learn many things and get up to date on the current standards of practice and technology.

All of that was shared as a prelude to this question:

How many 50ish year olds do you all see coming out of BSN programs? Because that's about how old I'm going to be when I finally earn that degree.

Do any of you have any thoughts, advice, or encouragement to offer? I know how physically demanding the job is....that I did not forget. But I have always maintained my fitness and health. I train regularly and eat well. Yet I know that my age will still be a factor.

I wonder how much of a factor?

Thanks for reading and I look forwarded to your replies!

[amoLucia]

Your age SHOULDN'T be a factor, SHOULDN'T being the operative word. Ageism is a reality in nursing and altho EEO protected, who can tell what the real reason for the explanation "another applicant was more qualified than you". Hard to measure that variable.

The other issue facing ALL new grads, regardless of age or degree, is securing that first position in a job market that is overloaded with new grads. All seeking that elusive position where the supply far exceeds the demand.

And just to be realistic, I strongly doubt that your previous, DISTANT LVN experience will gain you any extra consideration. All new nurses generally start with the same skillset.

However, if you're seeking employment in a diversified specialty (not hosp), your 'maturity' and experience may work to your advantage.

So, I do believe that age will significantly impact your career direction. But if you're going in realistically, you can make your decisions appropriately.

[txmamaRN2b]

Thank you so much for your input, amoLucia. I still giggle each time I read your line, "DISTANT LVN experience". Haha! It's funny how those days still seem like just yesterday. But I am very clear in my understanding that the LVN, even if with current experience, is not competitive in today's world. At least not in the way I desire to practice.

So my plan is to forge ahead with the understanding that finding the perfect job at 49-50 will be much different than it was at 29-30.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply!