OPINIONS PLEASE???

[nurse2211]

A neighbor from my complex asked me a question and I really didn't have an informed answer so I'd like to ask it here:

He's 56 years old and retired from the NYPD for about 10 years. He has no medical training but has always been intrigued by the field, and in the past has spoken glowingly about the nurses he encountered while in various hospitals during his official duties over the years. He's thinking of re-entering the job market and is considering taking a 1-year course to become an LPN.

His only concern is if he will be viable in terms of getting a full-time job in a hospital or private medical office, especially given his age and the fact that he's male.

I'd like to get a consensus from this site and pass it on to him.

Thanks in advance,

Patty

[firstinfamily, RN]

I think the age factor would play a major part versus his gender. Medical offices still use LPNs but as we all know they are under constant threat of being phased out. I found with my last Job Search that age was more of a factor than ever before. He might try doing phlebotomy, or something that does not just rely on one aspect of healthcare. However, if this is something he really has his heart on and is willing to do the education then he should go for it. As we all know in nursing, nothing is guaranteed.

[nurse2211]

I tend to agree. I believe his age may be an issue. Although, in light of SOME of the people working in nursing today (lazy, late to work, whining, bad attitudes, ect) a hospital or doctor's office would do well to hire someone who is from the "old school."

[RunBabyRN]

I agree that his age and degree would work against him. Gender isn't really much of an issue, from what I've seen.

[JBudd, MSN]

I had a student who was 62 when he graduated our Assoc. RN program. Got a job at our local hospital upon graduation (did a lot of clinicals there).

[Vwpenn]

I went to nursing school with a lady that was 55 years old and received employment right out of school. She still working there to this day 14 years later! Nothing is impossible.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I've known people who graduated in their late 50s. However, they tend to be working in areas such as inpatient hospice or night shift at nursing homes.

As long as your neighbor does not have his heart set on working in an acute care hospital, and as long as he does not spend $20,000+ in tuition on his schooling, he should do fine with realistic expectations in today's employment market.