40yrs OLD AND I WANT TO BECOME A NURSE!!!

mermcm83 · Aug 31, 2011

Hello, Congrats to you, going back to school is tough...In my personal opinion, please don't let anyone elses negativity help you decided your destiny. I am currently an Lpn student at a vocational school with 7 months to go, I love the flexiblity, and like you, I have a 3 year old, and nomore time to waste on pre-reqs that wont even guarantee me a spot in the nursing program. I have a couple of friends who either graduated from Lpn this year, and in the past two years, and are doing GREAT! They are making $26+ dollars an hours, benefits, and are transitioning much easier into RN programs...they couple that choose too. However, pay does depend on your location, but there is nothing negative about a practical nurse/pct/cna/med aide, whatever your skill is, you are in needed....I wish you good luck, and like I said, do what you want to do...noone can decide what will make you happy.

igus2666 · Aug 31, 2011

I say if that is your passion is to become a nurse I say do it. You are never to old to go to school. I know women who are 65 an older either going back to school or finishing nursing school. That amazing to me; I maybe younger than you, but those women encouraged to never give up. I am taking LPN class now, but I do plain on going back to school for my RN. GOOD LUCK !!!!!! :yeah:

blissmamma · Aug 31, 2011

thank you,soooo much guys!!

Raineylane · Aug 31, 2011

I'm 54 and like you, I only have a high school diploma. I've been trying to decide, myself, which route to take (RN or LPN). I've read on-line (however accurate that may be) than LPN's were supposed to be phasing out, so that sort of has me concerned. I don't want to waste time studying for LPN only to have that opportunity not be available. I have seen those LPN to RN bridge programs.

I'll be researching this more.

Good luck.

Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2011

I'm 54 and like you, I only have a high school diploma. I've been trying to decide, myself, which route to take (RN or LPN). I've read on-line (however accurate that may be) than LPN's were supposed to be phasing out, so that sort of has me concerned. I don't want to waste time studying for LPN only to have that opportunity not be available. I have seen those LPN to RN bridge programs.
I'll be researching this more.
Good luck.

Don't worry about LPN's being phased out. They've been talking about that since the 70's. Just follow your dreams!

Raineylane · Aug 31, 2011

I've been researching the LPN, this morning. Seems like having an LPN would be a great place to start, then bridge over. I could be wrong but it seems that you'd have sort of a head start on an RN degree.

My problem is there is no Tech. School that as an LPN program near me, and the cost of gasoline is what is preventing me from starting college, now. I live in the middle of nowhere.

samirish · Aug 31, 2011

I too am 40 years old and just started taking my pre-req's. I thought about going to tech school to become a LPN because of my age and because I just wanted to hurry the process along as fast as possible. After checking out Lincoln tech and a few others tech schools I decided against it. I don't want to start my nursing career with a mountain of debt. Im going to my local community college and made a commitment to myself to get all A's or B's in my pre-req's thereby giving me the best odds of getting into the nursing program. The pre-req's will take me 3 semesters (1 year) to complete. Thats really not that long of a time when you look at the big picture. After I finish the first year of the 2 year RN program I will be able to sit for the NCLEX-PN and work part time as a LPN while I finish up my second year for my RN. Best of all, when I finish, I will not have any debt and the hospitals around here show hiring preference to the new grads of the community colleges vs. the private tech shools so I will have a better chance at getting a hospital position.

Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

Best Wishes.

AOX4RN, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 1, 2011

Don't worry about LPN's being phased out. They've been talking about that since the 70's. Just follow your dreams!

Don't worry about it unless it's happening. They phased them out at the hospital where I work.

mommyof2Tees · Sep 1, 2011

When you put your mind to do something you CAN DO IT!! And don't let anything or anyone stop you! If nursing is something you want then go for it! I did! I will be 40 this year. I just graduated from a tech school this past June as an LPN. I am a mother of a 7 yr old and a 4 yr old. There were women in my class much older than me. If we can do it...you can too!!:)

blissmamma · Sep 1, 2011

THANKS EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR RESPONCES.......I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER,AND EXCITED ABOUT MY FUTURE!!!! :yeah:

ThinkPositive15 · Jul 14, 2015

Hello and congrats to you and your future. I do admire your positive knowledgeable determined outlook. Thank You for sharing.

I am also 40yrs old & only have a high school diploma. I was just about to take the route you are going against just because of that need to earn fast and get it done asap, but I've been hesitant to. What you say makes sense. Can you offer suggestions on schools in NYC?

And where to take and what pre req's?

I will be classed as a transfer student as I'm originally from UK but been here over 10yrs now. It's Cuny office that suggested I go to do the 2yr course then sit RN (I thought that didn't make sense) then they said after you can then work and get your batcherlers if need be for better pay?

if anyone else can elaborate on any of my questions to I would really appreciate it

Cheers & Smiles