Applying at 34...35

Published

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!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, first congrats to you wanting to be in healthcare I think you already have a heads start knowing a little about the legal field. I am 45 and just got accepted into a BSN program and start in June. I think its great being a little older that we are wiser and more determined for the program. I don't have kids so I can manage my time better, but I do have friends that have kids and like the nursing program you just have to manage your time and be organized. It is being done and you can do it too. Good luck with your journey I'm excited to start mine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congrats! I was a single mom (son started kindergarten when I started the program) and nearly 30. I was one of the youngest in my class. I found that I was much more focused and driven because I knew I had my son depending on me to do well and I graduated with high honors and the National Honor Society membership. Good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm 36 and I have four children ages 2, 4, 13, and 14. I also work. So, it is very doable. I go to school full time though. You just have to committed and manage your time. I get out of school at 4. I spend time with my kids, cook, laundry, etc. until about 7ish. I then study, do care plans, med sheets during that time. I also get up at like 6 am to study and do other things for school. I work on the weekends. You have to remember that school only lasts for one year but the benefits lasts a lifetime.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't believe in age limits when it comes to going back to school. I commend you for going back...best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

I'm the oldest in my cohort in the ADN program I attend. (I'm 50) I started my pre reqs when I was 47, what the heck was I thinking?! Lol I worked as an admin asst, a legal asst, and I just passed my CNA exam and I will be working as a CNA while I finish my program. ONE MORE YEAR!:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Join the club.......I'm 37 and midway in my LPN program. I'm also in Fl and have 3 boys 19, 10, & 4......so you can do it!

Age isn't the factor.....determination is!

Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi, I think it's never to late to chase your dreams! I just started nursing school at 34. I do not have children, so I can't help with that sorry :( Im sure there will be times it is hard for you to balance, but keep in mind that when you are done, you will be able to provide a better life for your boys and yourself.

Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am older than you, in my early 40's with a husband, children, and a job. I plan to start full time LPN program in September. We will be crazy together!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I started when I was 40 and turned 41 a few months later. I am just over 6 months into my 1 year program. I don't have the energy that I had when I was in college at the age of 20 but I do have more motivation. I have one child who is 18 and in college but lives at home. You will want to have the 19 year old help out if he still lives at home. It helps with the lower energy level to keep up with your younger classmates and all the studying. I do fairly well in class with an avg so far of 90% overall but I have found that info has a harder time sticking in my head and staying there than it used to when I was younger. I also worked on weekends 2 12 hour shifts as a CNA until about 3 1/2 months into classes then I dropped down to one 12 hours on the weekend. I decided to be a CNA before I went to LPN school and I might have been too old to start that but oh well..just had my one year review and got mostly excellent so I can't be that bad..just killing myself doing it ;) I don't have to work though, I just love my residents and don't want to quit completely. The biggest problem I have is my house is getting very dirty very fast. I have my daughter and my husband but my daughter works part time and goes to school full time and hubby works full time so we get done what we can so it isn't nasty so you have to learn to let some things go while in nursing school. Passing is more important than a vacuumed floor. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow...reading this is almost exactly my situation!! I'm 34....just got accepted to an LPN program in august which I will just turn 35. I also have 2 boys, 9 and 5, and also work as a paralegal:) I was a medical assistant years ago and twist of fate....along with more money....took me in the legal profession. Now 13 years later and I'm going back...FINALLY!!! I'm so excited! I wish I would've done it years ago, but it's never too late! I've worked full time and went to school part time for the last 2 years. It's definitely not easy, but if you want it bad enough you'll make it work! Do it. Don't wait any longer!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm 44 and just finished enrolling into an LVN program starting August 2014. We have an advantage being older with more life experience and wisdom under our belts!! Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion