Need LPN advice

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2006

Age is definitely not a factor. I know an LVN who attended nursing school at age 56 and became licensed at age 57. Older students tend to do well in nursing programs, and you will get a lot out of school if you put the wholehearted effort into it.

Salaries depend on where you reside. California, New York, and New England LPNs/LVNs are paid very well since the cost of living is outrageous. Rural areas with cheaper costs of livings might pay below average. Average LPN pay is about $15 to $20 per hour.

You can work as an NA (nursing assistant) or PCT (patient care technician) part time while in school.

CHATSDALE · Feb 1, 2006

Go For It

oh2beinxtc · Feb 1, 2006

Hi Vicki,

Dont worry about your age.I have worked with nurses that are older that you.You are still young.Im sure you will be a fantastic nurse,dont get cold feet before you get started.You will get the hang of it,jus rely on your training and your good nursing judgement.Remember no one will get mad if you ask a question,all nurses as new grads have been in your shoes.In Tn and Ms LPNs and MAs in Dr office do basically the same.I have worked with some of the best MAs,but dont sell your self short you are an LPN...Good luck hun

Lorie P. · Feb 1, 2006

go for it!!..at the rehab center where i work there charge nurse for 11-7 is 75 and still working, she went nursing school at age 65!!!!!

also found out that older nursing students do great because of their maturity. usually the younger ones straight from high( no offence here) don't want to put in the time and effort needed to study.

Kate28 · Feb 3, 2006

go for it!!..at the rehab center where i work there charge nurse for 11-7 is 75 and still working, she went nursing school at age 65!!!!!
also found out that older nursing students do great because of their maturity. usually the younger ones straight from high( no offence here) don't want to put in the time and effort needed to study.

congratulations for deciding to go back! age is definately not a factor, it's the love and the will to take care of the patient you have to have.

nananurse2 · Feb 4, 2006

I am planning on entering a nursing program in 2 weeks.
I am worried that my age will be factor once I graduate in securing an LPN position. I am 60 yrs. old. I am in good health, have no aches or pains. Is age a factor. Is there a mandatory retirement age in certain nursing fields. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth it.
I am really scared that after going through the rigourous program for a year I will meet a dead end in employemnt. What are the beginning salaries? Could I just work part time when I get my license? And can LPN's work as MA's. I see some job ads that say either or or.
I need cold turkey advice.
Thanks, Vicki

Hi Vicki: I'm 52 and in my 2nd semester. I'm having a ball. Yes, I'm tired after getting up at 5 for clinicals and then class after that, but the 20 yr olds are tired also. I'm having no trouble with the classwork at all....fewer distractions at home.

I've worked in a clinic for 4 years and they are holding a position for me when I graduate. Clinics, long term care, wound care centers....all have a need for LPN's.

You will be fine. Get plenty of sleep and don't over stress. And congratulations on your initiative....you're going to love it!!

Rhonda

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 13, 2006

Go for it! It can be rigorous, but you already have the interest, and that is most important. Maybe you can consider borrowing some LPN books from the library to get a jump start on reading. I'd get a fundamentals of nursing and anatomy book.

Good luck!

HannasMom · Feb 13, 2006

I currently work with a LPN who is 81 years old and she is healthier than some of the younger caregivers at my facility. Also, boy can she walk fast! She's a fantastic nurse with some great nursing stories from the past!

blynn · Feb 16, 2006

I went to LPN school straight out of high school, but somewhere around half of the people in my class had kids my age. There was a retired Navy vet who used to own a pet store, and a retired woman who worked in a shoe factory for over thirty years. There was a married couple both attending the program with three young children. People from all different walks of life. You're never to old for a change of pace. If you want to do it, then you should do it!