Should I go for my LVN program? - Need your comments

EastTexasLVN · Nov 14, 2010

By all means you SHOULD continue on with the LVN Program...You wont have a problem finding a job and it will be job security the older you get... Not to mention the rewarding feelings of helping others... Good Luck..

mazy · Nov 14, 2010

It depends on why you want to do it. Nursing is my second career and I was an older student when I got my LPN and I am very happy I did it. I wish I had done it sooner because I feel that this is where I should have been professionally all along. And there were several students in my class who were your age and didn't have any problems.

That being said, the job market for nurses -- LPNs and RNs -- is very bad right now. There are no jobs and there is no job security. It is very hard to find work, although if you do find a job, it can be very rewarding. You have to be creative in your job search though.

I was a CNA before I went into nursing and it was a very helpful experience once I graduated.

I suggest you read some of the new grad and employment-related posts on this site to get a sense of what is out there.

I know that there are always a lot of job postings online but those can be deceptive as many of them are not actual job vacancies, rather simply public announcements that if there were vacancies to the public, those are the positions they would be wanting to fill.

But even knowing what I know now, I still would have decided to go into nursing.

Best of luck in your future career!

Impressive · Nov 14, 2010

I passed PRE VN classes and was accepted as a vn student by an adult school. The cost of this VN program is very attractive comparing with other private schools. However, considering my age (55), I am struggling to go for it or give up. I worry about finding a job after I finish the program. If everything goes smoothly, when I own my LVN license, I will be 56 and almost turn to 57. Age is my most concerned factor.
Could anyone give me your opinions or inputs? Need your comments to help me making final decision. Thanks for your great help!

My grandfather wanted to be come a Doctor at age 54. He is now 65 and he is a doctor. He is very active, healthy and looks to be at his very early 50's.

hope3456, ASN, RN · Nov 14, 2010

Considering the job market, i wouldnt recommend nsg school to anyone.

pymschrs · Nov 14, 2010

Don't do it,

Listen i know that nursing seems like the cool thing to do currently but it is a total waste to go for an LVN right now. BSNs are really struggling to find work, ADNs are relying on a "connections" (whatever that means), and LVNs.....well LVNs make really good waiters and waitresses. If you think nursing is 100% where you want be then go for it. If you are looking for easy job that will last you into retirement, however, look elsewhere. I have been in nsg school for the last three years and have literally watched the job market disolve before my eyes. I'm only 21 so i have a little time to wait for the job market to turn around but it sound like you might not have that benefit.

Best of luck.

RNlvn · Nov 14, 2010

Ok the previous post was kind of negative. I encourage you to look at who's hiring LVNs in your area. Go to the college job services office or the nursing office to see how many students in the VN program how gotten jobs after graduation. If you receive positive review and your comfortable go for it if not I still say go for it. Good Luck; Good Luck. I think the previous poster is sour because of the job market.

Fiona59 · Nov 14, 2010

Don't do it,
Listen i know that nursing seems like the cool thing to do currently but it is a total waste to go for an LVN right now. BSNs are really struggling to find work, ADNs are relying on a "connections" (whatever that means), and LVNs.....well LVNs make really good waiters and waitresses. If you think nursing is 100% where you want be then go for it. If you are looking for easy job that will last you into retirement, however, look elsewhere. I have been in nsg school for the last three years and have literally watched the job market disolve before my eyes. I'm only 21 so i have a little time to wait for the job market to turn around but it sound like you might not have that benefit.
Best of luck.

Uhm, I'm a "waitress" in your eyes.

The job market is tight, no denying it. I'm in my 50s and if I had to do it again, I would bypass nursing and go into healthcare administration. You won't blow your back or knees, have to deal with crazy patients and families and won't run the risk of going home covered in bodily fluids. Oh, and if you like regular breaks, forget nursing.

If you really want to nurse go ahead and get the education. If you are doing it for job security think again and like others have said research your areas job market.

valzRN, ASN, RN · Nov 14, 2010

Have you done research in your area about the kind of jobs that are out there for you? I am thinking more like physician's offices or clinics. Im not saying that it's easy to get out there. The economy is not very good right now and that applies to everyone, not just nurses. If you feel that nursing is your thing and you want to do it, then go for it! LVN/LPN school is only 18 months so it's not that long. Check with the school and see if they help you with job placement and what their hiring stats are after graduation. If you are so close to retirement age, maybe something in administration. Assisted living facilities will hire LPNs for management and other administrative duties. Just check around before you make the commitment for school. It's not easy. Best of luck to you!

tyvin, BSN, RN · Nov 14, 2010

IMO your age is not a factor as the retirement age will soon be 68; and if you think it will end there - wrong - they won't stop until it's up to 76 (lol). Anyway not matter what happens you have lots of time left on your life clock.

When I went to nursing school years ago there were 4 students who were over 54. Where I work the oldest nurse is 73 and isn't planning on retiring soon. Age is an attitude. If you think you're too old then so be it but if you are like me, I have to look at my ID whenever my age comes up because I can't believe I'm as old as I am.

According to many people I should be left for the Polar Bears but I don't see it coming anytime soon. My metabolism is strong, I feel great, and I love life.

There you go; don't make decisions based on your age unless you have a terminal illness. People in there 50's are going to be around for a long time in the work force. Come! join us if you think nursing is for you.

tennisgirl · Nov 14, 2010

If you live in a metropolitan area there are a lot of options for an LVN. I worked for a major insurance company, home health agency and pediatric office. Most hospitals do not hire LVN's so be prepared to work in a Dr's office or maybe do some agency work out of school. I would go back to LVN school if I had to do it over again but I will say it will take over your life. Don't plan on any down time while you are in school because you are learning a lot in a short time span. Good luck in whatever you choose. :)

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Nov 14, 2010

I must say that I have seen a downward spiral regarding employment of LVNs in my state. If you will look at some community colleges in your area, you will see that it will only take a few more semesters to become an RN. I would suggest going that route if the opportunity is there for you.

Your age has little to no bearing on your employment opportunities. I have seen several nurses on my unit that have chosen nursing as a second career, and because of their life experiences, they have done VERY well in nursing.

If money is a concern, look into state grants and hospital based scholarships. I signed a contract when I entered nursing school to work for a well known university hospital for 2 years in return for complete tuition forgiveness. I also had a few small state sponsored scholarships, and ended up not only going to school for free, but was able to float on the money that I earned with the small scholarships.

I commend you for following your heart to enter the tough road ahead of you in nursing school. It is so different for more experienced people, and it was also a second career for me. I found that I was much more focused and more determined as an adult learner. I wish you well and hope that you find the right path to take.