I am an LPN, but drove a truck last 11 years Advice?

allnurses Guide · Jun 23, 2013

Hi fieldnurse, welcome! First of all you are not alone in this - people take time off for a variety of reasons and then successfully return to nursing. Do you need to retake the NCLEX-PN? I believe most people's advice would be different depending on the answer to that, for there is a lot more to review in that case. We have an entire section just devoted to taking and retaking the NCLEX here.

If you hold an inactive license and don't need the extensive NCLEX review process, I would first assess your current local job market for LPNs and determine where you want to work and are most likely to be hired. For example, in my state the jobs are mostly in LTC, rehab and home health/private duty for LPNs so I would focus on that patient population, common conditions, meds, etc, and for home health pediatrics or one of many Continuing Education courses offered in those areas.

Reviewing your med-dosage calculation math will be tops on the list as well as almost every new hire is required to pass a test there.

Having done it myself, I will say that your prior almost 5 years experience is not gone, and it takes less time to get your "sea legs" than it did the first time by far! Once you've narrowed your focus somewhat please feel free to join in our discussions and ask questions as they come up and advice from those who currently face a similar situation. Best wishes!

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Jun 23, 2013

I would see if there's some local community college courses on pharmacology, and whatever else you might think you need to brush up on. Sometimes local adult ed schools have these things as well. Worst case is that if you ever decide to go RN, you have some classes done. Sometimes they are online courses--which is great too. Or pharmacology and take an EMT course--as an EMT it is different than nursing, but has somewhat of the same foundation. Then it opens other job opportunities, and you could also be a shoo in to drive the ambulance as well. Then you could try some per diem LPN position. I would also see if the LPN school you graduated from has a refresher, or has the ability to let you sit it and audit (observe) some of the classes.

Take out your LPN book, and start reviewing.

I think that one of the most interesting aspects of your return to work is that being a truck driver brings to the table a variety of skills that make a good nurse. You are under pressure to complete your job being tired but having to pay attention, bad weather, horrible traffic, manuvering a huge truck under various circumstances. That says to me graceful under pressure, and a calm steady thinker that can problem solve well.

Best of luck in this endevour!!

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jun 23, 2013

Can I have your CDL license????? :sneaky: This nursing thing was my dad's idea a hundred years ago, so this is where I've been all that time. I have always been fascinated by big rigs. I actually know a trucker who stopped driving to go to nursing school back in 2007 when I was about to walk away from nursing to become a trucker. Good luck with your re-introduction to nursing. :yes:

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Jun 23, 2013

I'm curious what they pay for driver, I bet its more than for an LPN. Check it out, what do you have to lose.

fieldnurse · Jun 23, 2013

Hello,

and thank you for your input. I do have my license it was renewed after 17 years (missouri gives you a long leash - thankfully). I purchased some books on amazon after I posted earlier and I am watching youtube videos etc.. concerning proper care technique. I do remember in PN school that half the battle was understanding medical terminology. Not using those terms for many years has taken it's toll.

I do believe that I will have to just dive in with about anyone that will take me on.

My wife and I team truck drove together and we each made about $45-50,000 per year (as a team $90,000 +). It is less pay to work in my area as a LPN, but my wife is not able to work and she been taking care of her mother (IV breast cancer) 24/7 now that her mother is no longer able to take care of herself. I could go back to driving solo, but my wife would like me to settle in on nursing and be around to help with her mother - she is right about this. Really we should have never entered into truck driving. Yes, you can make more money, but it is a total life style change with many, many different bosses (company supervisors, law enforcement, customers etc.) Should have found a good employer and stayed in nursing for less pay over the "long haul" pun intended!!! I have a friend that has worked at the same hospital for 39 years out of RN school - best decision she ever made - I admire people who stick to it.

God is good all the time and I will post what happens in the near future. I still value the input and suggestions - I need them.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Jun 24, 2013

Get online and see if there's a medical terminology course you can take online. Most community schools/adult ed have them/

online.missouriwestern.edu/prospective.asp?p...section=courses...

online.missouri.edu/mizzouathome/coursedetail.aspx?cid=310371...‎[COLOR=#1122cc]

fieldnurse · Dec 29, 2015

It has been over 2 1/2 years since I posted but since this post I went back to school and recently graduated with an ASN in nursing. I will take NCLEX in the next month or so and hopefully I will be an RN by February.

elkpark · Dec 29, 2015

It has been over 2 1/2 years since I posted but since this post I went back to school and recently graduated with an ASN in nursing. I will take NCLEX in the next month or so and hopefully I will be an RN by February.

Congratulations!

didi768 · Dec 31, 2015

That is too funny. I too thought about changing from an LPN to a truck driver cause I love driving!! What did you think of it? Are the girls all kind of rough around the edges?

I want to get my RN but just can't pass A&P with my 50 yr. old memory :-(

Would love to talk to you. PM me if you'd like, we can Facebook too if you want, might be easier than coming back here.

Thanks!

didi768 · Dec 31, 2015

In Tampa, not sure about the rest of FL, you have to now have your 4 yr. RN to be able to work in a hospital which sucks man.

fieldnurse · May 29, 2016

Hello,

I know my previous post is almost 3 years old and another is 6 months, but to give a more complete update (primarily for didi768 sake)- I went on to complete my prerequisites and then on to nursing school. I graduated in Dec, 2015 with a ASN in nursing and passed boards in Feb 2016. I am now an RN working on a Specialty/Med-surg floor and it is a drastic change in my life. Learning to become a competent nurse is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. There is a lot of stress, but I have great co-workers to help me. Every shift is a challenge. In school (of which I loved going to) I had great classmates and am so glad to have completed the LPN bridge program in one year.

Find a good A&P book and study before you sign up for a class ( a good visual one). I am not a big science person but if you find the right school you can make A's. I turned 48 this year and if I can graduate, pass boards and work on a very difficult floor (with lots of help and support along the way etc...) then most anyone can. God bless.