CNA/EMT-B to LVN at 50+ in S Texas?

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I am a 50+ female with a variety of college, grad school, and job experiences in several fields. I took EMT-B training in fall 2011 with the intent of staying in the Austin/San Antonio corridor. Along with my disabled husband, I relocated to S Texas from San Marcos/Austin 2 years ago to take care of my elderly mom, who passed last Dec 2013.

I am discovering that it is difficult to find any employment as an EMT-B, even driving for non-emergency transport companies. I recently completed a program at a nearby career school to refresh my CNA skills, and also got certified in EKG, phlebotomy, and Patient Care Technician. I had not planned to ever live here, but mom's small house is paid for. I became employed in home health for 10/hrs/wk, but both clients decided, after a few weeks, they wanted a different provider, so now I have zero hours. I do speak enough Spanish for basic conversations, having taken Medical Conversational Spanish back in Austin.

Can anyone provide some constructive criticism or career advice? My thoughts are to apply for LVN school, there are 6 accredited programs here. I intend to work past 65, and my husband cannot work. I also think I would like hands-on technical duties such as EKG and telemetry (any aptitude test I take states that "I have a wide variety of interests"--gee, tell me something I don't know). I have a brain, 2 hands, and am willing to work.

We will be in South Texas for a while, and hope to relocate to the Houston area, where my husband can get the specialists he needs. I tried an ADN program in the early 1990s but was not able to stay in for various reasons.

Thank you in advance for your feedback:)

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Your biggest problem is probably age discrimination. Getting more qualifications should help because then there is less for them to criticize. But your lack of experience is the big red flag. Look for private duty positions on job boards such as craigslist if you can't get enough hours with the agency. If there is another agency around, then go sign up with them. Not enough agency work? Then go to the LTC facilities. You need to get some substantial experience somewhere. If you can afford it and want to attend the LVN program, then do so. Afterward, if you need to, then look in another area. A lot easier to relocate if you can obtain a job with your new qualifications. Good luck.

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Thank you. I do have previous experience, however, it is scattered between retail jobs and a seminary library job while I was there as a grad student. Most of my references are no longer available. The economic downturn took its toll on my retail job at an outlet mall, so I decided to return to the medical field. I have also worked as a pharmacy technician (hospital and retail), dietary manager (LTC, hospital, and public schools), CNA in LTC and home health, certified massage therapist, WIC nutritionist, and dialysis technician trainee. I regret not completing the ADN program years ago, but it was a different time and I can only move forward...

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Not to be mean or anything but you should look into getting away from the bedside ASAP if you become a CNA. You need to take care of your body, and your back if you plan on working past 65. Why dont you go back to be being a pharmacy tech? They entry level pay is comparable. Even if your goal is to become an LVN there are better ways to go about working through nursing school. Ask about pay rates in your area you may be surprised how little LVNs can start out. If you want to be an EMT-B volunteer for a rescue squad/fire department. Work as a first responder then apply in 6 months. Usually volunteers dont have a problem finding EMT jobs.

You have to ask yourself what sort of work you want to be doing in the future say 5 years time. Outpatient/ambulatory care settings would be best for you since they require the least amount of physical labor. Again not trying to be mean or anything but I've seen many back injuries occur both in and out of the hospital to nursing staff.

If you are still hell bent on being a bedside nursing then here are some things you should do. Get a physical, make sure your bones are okay. I'm sure you've already heard lots about osteoporosis by now, but if you have not start reading up on it. Get your labs drawn and correct any problems there. Get the okay from your doctor to work as a CNA in other words. Work as a CNA in a restorative aide program, or work in a critical care unit, or work as a unit secretary. You may need to volunteer some at your local hospital, but you should get in fast. Do not stay at LTC outside of restorative nurses aide for very long, or I wouldn't recommend it.

Like I said earlier I'm not trying to be mean, I've seen A LOT of 50+ run circles around younger staff so it can be done, just be safe about it is all I'm asking.

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Specializes in Pediatric Home Care, Dr Office/Clinic.

I also concur that LTC or SNF nursing may be a little rough on you physically over the age of 55+. However, with your experience in LTC & SNF after you get your LVN, you could work as an LVN for a year at a facility & then you could probably become a charge nurse at the LTC or SNF, which would lower your physical demands quite a bit. I am a 40+ gal just starting in nursing, so I have been trying to plan out the best nursing career path for myself that will allow me to work safely & happily in nursing well into my late 60s.

You also mentioned being interested in EKG & telemetry, usually telemetry & EKG nursing is in a hospital setting and a lot of hospitals are no longer using LVNs only RNs. But I do know there are some SNF & hospice that may need telemetry & EKG nurses, so that may be an option for you but rare.

Feel free to PM me anytime!

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Where in south Texas are you? Because I know there are hospitals in this area that do indeed hire LVNs.

Take a look on craigslist, there are always jobs on there for LVNs. Good luck!

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EMS is a hard field to get into if you are older, unless you have a Paramedic license, which isn't worth the time, money and trouble. EMTs make horrible pay anyway and the chance for injury is good, especially if you are older.

MA would be another thing to look into besides LVN.

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Specializes in Long term care.

I am 47 and have been a CNA for more than 20 years. I have co workers who are over 50 and have been doing this longer than I have.

If you take care of your back and use proper body mechanics (even if it takes a few extra seconds to crank the bed up...) you will be fine.

If you can afford to get more education then GO FOR IT!!! Even if you work per diem to get some experience in.

Consider working as a dialysis tech. Most dialysis centers will provide the additional training if you are already a CNA/PCT.

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Thanks! I've met paramedics who went to RN school for the better pay...but less autonomy than they were used to out in the field. A Patient Care Technician is pretty much like an MA except for the computer/office stuff, just waiting for my certs in the mail. EMT-B's start at $9.00/hr, and home health is about $8.15/hr (I was making $9-10/hr in Austin/San Marcos). I may look into volunteer EMT shifts...hate to lose my certification...

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Thanks! No, I'm not "hell bent" to bedside ANYthing...I hurt my back as a CNA in the early 1990s when Head Nurse Ratchet didn't like the way I made the beds, and had me re-make all the beds on the hallway, my back was never the same after that. No offense taken. My bones are OK except for some disc issues around L4-L5. Had some pain relief procedures done on my back recently, no restrictions on working (I do swim and work out regularly). We trained in restorative care as part of my PCT program. Rx tech has become more complex, although I liked working in hospitals making IV solutions, and took an extra class for that.

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When I finish my CNA program I will be 50. If I don't finish the CNA program I will still be 50. I'm an active jogger/crossfit enthusiast. If you can handle the work then go for it!

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I'm a CNA and a certified phlebotomist I'm wanting to get a job with dialysis patients I've applied at DaVita website and had an email stating that I needed to take the assessment test, I have tried everything to take the assessment test and I've even emailed the link for technical support I've had no luck with help. Then I was reading an email and at the bottom it stated that the email was not intended for DaVita so I'm not sure if this is really the link I'm supposed to have or if it's a scam. I'm very interested in going to work for DaVita. Could someone please guide me in the right direction please. I'm applying for the Beaumont Texas, Orange,Tx, or Port Arthur, Tx. I live in South East Texas, I would also relocate if hired for Louisiana location it's very close to me. Lake Charles, Louisiana. Also Houston, TX. If anyone could help me with this, I would be so grateful.

Thanks, 

Kimberly Chance

Email: [email protected]

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