Too old to become an LNA?

U.S.A. New Hampshire

Published

I am seriously considering taking the LNA training but am a little worried because of my age - I am 57. Do you think I am too old for a career change? I am already volunteering at a hospital and love it. Any input would be really appreciated.

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I became an LPN at 52 and am now an RN.

It is physically demanding work. VERY demanding. But if you feel a pull towards it give it a shot. There's no reason you can't chuck it it it doesn't work.

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You can do it if you want. If traditional LTC work is too much, you can always do home health. Most people can handle working with one patient. We had a CNA who was working in her 70s in a LTC facility. She garnered a lot of assistance from her coworkers, but you really should be working in pairs anyway, so there is no reason why you should not try. You should, however, make every effort to make certain you are physically fit, whether you work in LTC or one on one in home health. If you are fit, the work is more manageable.

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Thank you for your input. It is always good to get someone else's perspective. I really do feel a pull to doing this though I have been a little concerned over the demand it would be on me physically. Any suggestions on what I can do to prepare physically?

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Start with proper rest and proper eating if you are not already doing so. Weight loss program if you need it. Start walking for exercise, over and beyond what you do on a daily basis. There are walking programs that you can find online, and really you can do this yourelf. Just make yourself a schedule and don't overdo it. Situps if you don't do them. I have found that most of my problems with lifting and moving patients has to do with weak abdominal muscles which put a strain on your lower back muscles. Work on those abdominals. If you need some advice, look online or visit a gym and get with a trainer for a session or two. You will feel better all the way around if you work on getting and staying in shape and you won't be prone to workplace injuries.

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Thank you caliotter3 for your all of your helpful ideas. I do have the good diet and weight loss covered as I recently lost 40#. I had started the sit-ups already but this is good motivation to keep at them. I do like your idea of a schedule. And I am trying to be more diligent on walking more even if ti means that I park further away from the door at the stores and walk further. It has also been good practice for me to be a volunteer at the hospital as it keeps me moving and on my feet more. You have really been an encouragement to me.:yeah:

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And my last tip is, after you have been on the job for 6 to 9 months, and find you can handle it and like what you are doing, look into your local LPN or RN programs. LPNs and RNs do less of the physical work, although they will at times help the LNAs.

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Thank you again for your encouragement. :)

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Your never too old to do anything...it's all up to you.

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:yeah:Your reply couldn't have come at a better time. THANK YOU!

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Specializes in cardiac-telemetry, hospice, ICU.

I hope you are not too old! I started pre nursing this year and I'm 58. I feel great and am looking forward to the challenge.

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You can do anything you set your mind to do, but I have one thing to say...be in good health. I am 56, diabetic, with other medical problems, and I have to find work as a nurse not so taxing or stressful. I have to find time to test my blood sugar, watch out for the highs and lows and take time to take care of myself. The running days on the floor is out for me and If I was to work on the floor, my blood sugar would be high as a kite and I would have complications down the road.

Look outself for yourself first, and if you're in great health, you can do anything. But I myself, am limited.

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