Applying at 34...35

[klwinkleman]

Hello all!! I would love to get your opinions-suggestions on applying to an LPN program at 34. I will be 35 when the program starts...if I am even accepted (and there are no wait lists).

I am a single mom of 2, a 10 year old and a 19 month old- both boys. I started an online/hybrid respiratory therapy program but I am just not picking up the information in the online format. I am quickly learning that when transitioning into healthcare hands on training is so important.

I found a program at Lake Tech-Florida that has a part time LPN program. I believe the next start date is mid 2015. I am hoping that I can pass the TABE and TEAS test and get accepted for the 2015 start. My hope is also that by then my 19 month old son will be a little more self-sufficient and I will be a little more comfortable leaving him with a child care provider for the extended period of time.

From what I understand the part time program is classroom sessions 2 times a week and clinicals on weekends, which sounds perfect as I do have my children full time and right now I work full time, but I do understand that if I am accepted I will have to cut my work hours back in order to keep up with the demands of the course.

I would appreciate any feedback, comments, questions, or suggestions on not only starting the program at 34/35, but I would love to hear from any moms that managed to juggle work, home, kids, and nursing.

Transitioning from the legal field to healthcare/nursing has been a goal of mine for years, so I am very dedicated and very excited to have found this program and can't wait to apply.

Thank you!!

[cinlou, BSN, MSN, RN]

Believe it or not most students in the LPN programs are non traditional which means over 25 with children maybe single moms or dads, second or more career change, working full time, and attending school full time. I require all my students to have either their CNA, EMT or MA before entering the LPN program because for one thing it helps them know that nursing is what they want to do and for another they can move through the first semester skills a bit easier and spend more time working on the didactic information. No, nursing school is not easy, but anything that is worth doing is not always easy. Non traditional students often do better because they are motivated to work very hard. As an earlier post noted, you have to learn to give up on some things, and in your case it will probably be the house, so unless someone else picks up that chore, just get use to the funk. If you are able to cut your work hours this will help, but many are not able too. Just remember you can not be all to everything so pick your priorities carefully. The end is far worth it. Most of us have been in your shoes at one time or another in our careers, but the hard work is so worth it in the end. Good luck, I am sure you will do quite well. You have chosen a profession that will offer you so much, and many opportunities for your future. Eat right and stay healthy, you can not do anyone including yourself any good if you do not take care of yourself. Nursing is not easy but it is rewarding. Many heart aches and a great deal of fun and laughter. Remember to have fun. Learning is fun remember that and it will help you through the tough times. Also remember that the more you learn the more you will realize the less you know, and you will have times when you think to yourself that you don't know anything. This is normal. About the middle of each semester everyone starts getting frustrated, tired, short tempered, you name it, but just know this is normal and it will help. Smile and laugh about it, because you know it will come. If you have problems with anything, set up meeting times with your instructors or advisors that is what they are there for. Something that will also help you is understand dimensional analysis, this will help you in pharmacology, and make that class so much easier for you.

[Okie36]

I just graduated from my program and will turn 38 soon. I was the oldest in my class, but I was a much better student this time around than I ever was in my 20's. I have 3 kids and a chaotic life but I planned my meals, laid out clothes ahead of time and delegated tasks that were appropriate for my kids..I did lots of crock pot meals. 1 day a week was family day where I did not study at all...I posted my school calendar so that my family knew what clinical site I was at and when I was having a test. I say go for it!