For All "NEW" Lpn's Over 50

Published

Hi, have a question for those of you "newbie" Lpn's over the age of 50. How are you physically holding up? Considering I am now 54 and hoping to get into the Fall 07 LPN Program, this is of a big concern to me. What type of nursing are you in and how are you doing?

Blessings to all and thank you so much for your replies.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm still a student, half way through, but I do fit into the age part of the question. It's something I worry about too. I have already decided that the more physical type job will not be for me. Right now I am leaning toward working in an outpatient setting for that reason. Lots less money, unfortunately, but I doubt if I could handle a whole lot of lifting of patients all the time. We'll see. I still have two more clinical rotations. This next one may be a killer for me. It's at a facility for individuals that have brain injuries. I suspect we'll be doing lots of transfers in addition to the nursing duties. My last assignment is in acute medical/surgical. I have always considered this the part that will separate the "men" from the "boys."

Dixie

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I'm 42 and it is killing me, sometimes. I work in a clinic and have a private home case. Large volume of patients coming with many needs. But, it beats the floors.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, hospice, home health.

I'm 50 and halfway through school. I've wondered about how I'll hold up after graduation. I'm determined to not trash either my knees or my back. Also, I recognize that possibly I'll have less stamina than someone half my age. I guess it's all about pacing oneself and trying to find a job that makes sense...?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I can agree with you...you do have to try and pace yourself and make the best attempt to search for a job that you can handle. I think that if a nurse works in administration or management, she may then be able to sit down, but for us in the trenches, it may take time to find the position that does not stress the body. I am really leaning more towards home care. One client, one focus, one headache.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am 41, I have been a LTC nurse for 18 years. I see many "older" nurses doing just great, as far a stamina. One nurse, Sue, is 72 and runs rings around most of us! I think it depends on each person as far as what you can handle.

Good luck and best wishes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm pushing 50 and all I can say thank god for being part time. My knees hurt, my back aches, and I'm just plain tired at the end of that 8 hours.

Where I work seniority plays a large part in what jobs you can move into. So the competition is stiff (no pun intended) for day shift clinic jobs. Unless you have at least 10 years service in, you just keep slogging away. Clinic jobs with day shifts are usually kept for those who need them due to back injuries, the need for light duties, etc.

There are jobs in clinics outside the hospital setting but they are non-unionized and won't do a thing for my pension.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

47 year old new graduate here. Just finished school a few months ago. It was very tough esp. having to work full time while going to school. But yes it can be done. (Easier to say now that its behind me!)

One suggestion however is that you invest in THE BEST SUPPORTIVE SHOES you can. My school required white leather nursing shoes, and while they did not set any fashion style trends, they were extremely supportive and comfortable while on my feet during all those clinical hours.

I was the oldest in my clincial group, and just about the oldest in the graduating class. However that did lend itself to helping the younger students as they wended their way through all that the school and clinical sites threw at us. Your life experience will come in very handy.

I wish you well.

John

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Addiction.

Hi:

I'm 52 years old chronologically (about 12 emotionally) I can keep up with the best of them as long as I pace myself. Right now, I'm teaching in a Medical Assistant Program in a Career School. I have 22 students to watch over and they keep me hopping. Our school is in the process of starting an LPN Program so I'm expecting to be busier than ever.

Hang in there, pacing pacing pacing & GOOD COMFORTABLE SHOES---spend a few extra bucks on good nursing shoes, no clogs, flip flops or sneakers

Tim

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Knuckle Dragging Nurse aka MTA.

72 and running circles around people...that is awesome!! We had people graduate in my class 50, 55, and 59. They did great in the clinicals.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

53. No problems - get shoes that make your feet happy, enough sleep, support socks.

:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was 52 when I graduated last year. I took the year off to travel abroad,,,came home and decided to have a lap band done. Being 5'2" anhd 331 lbs, my poor feet took a beating during clinicals> The surgery was the best thing for me. Had surgery Jan 29th 07,,have lost 35 lbs todate,,got a job in the assisted living part of a great retirement community April 10th. Going to the gym, swimming, walking,,,GOOD SHOES,,all things that have helped me tremendously. Do they make support socks for us fat chicks? I've not looked for them yet,,but sounds like a great idea. Thanks for the post,,I was so glad to see others my age and get their experiences.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion