Choosing a New Career

[Country bumpkin]

I've been an LPN for 20 years. But I took some time off to be a stay at home mom, then returned only part time. I haven't done any nursing for over a year. I am currently working as a janitor but not satisfied in this position. I like being around other people and my job is pretty solitary most of the time.

I still have my license but it will lapse soon (as I don't have enough work hours or CEU's, and I am not enrolled in school).

I am thinking about going back to school but not nursing. I was always stressed out as a nurse. I loved it and hated it at the same time. I couldn't handle the stress and I hated missing family events because of work.

I have thought about being a dental assistant or phlebotomist. I know as a phlebotomist, I might still work different shifts, holidays, & weekends. But I don't think I would have the same stress level as I did in nursing.

Has anyone done this? Would there be any reason I couldn't or shouldn't?

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

"Would there be any reason I couldn't or shouldn't?"

How can we answer that for a total stranger on the internet?

my suggestion would be to contact your community college for information on their programs. What's the job market, pay, work requirements & conditions? Can you bend forward 50 times a day, do you have the proper manual dexterity?

Are there different types of LPN work settings that might be less stressful to you? Maybe some 1:1 career counseling may be beneficial.

good luck