I must be crazy!

Fiona59 · Aug 10, 2011

I've been wondering where you've been!

Good luck with your choices, chances are your current employer will hire you.

Me, I figure by 58, I'll be working casual with one foot out the door.

How are you financing it? Will you re-coup the fees and lost income? Do you really think 6-8 years extra wages will cover your expenses and give you that big a pension boost?

Those were all my reasons for not doing it. Graduating at roughly 54, nearly a $25K loan, three years reduced wages without pension contributions. I worked it out that I'd have to work full time until 65 to break even.

Guest505077 · Aug 11, 2011

hi there

I'm your age now, been nursing for over 25years... It certainly has changed a lot over the years...

I say, if it's what you want- go for it!

I wish you well, best of luck :)

carz · Aug 11, 2011

I dont know, I have been toying with the idea for so many years, and I am concerned that if I dont at least try, I might regret it. Fiona, you are probably right. I dont know if it will be worth it in the long run, but I have heard from some of my friends who are lifer LPNs that say when they go for job interviews they are being passed over . Not for lack of experience, or competence, but because they are at the top of their pay grid. (wow big deal) I do not want that to happen to me, RNs always seem to be in demand. That being said..... I may a take a few courses and realize it is just not worth the aggravation. Be kind I am fagile and battling early menopause!

Fiona59 · Aug 11, 2011

Well, your friends should be grieving their pass overs. That's what we pay all those union dues for.

AUPE is very aware of this issue and the other creeping issue that has arisen. Namely "do you have a PN diploma or certificate?". That question has resulted in more than one grievance.

Now go fan yourself. I always found opening the freezer helped.

carz · Aug 11, 2011

["]Thanks, yes I will try the ice, as for my friends it seems we are always fighting some sort of battle for equality after all these years! As far as the certificate vs the diploma , well, thats just plain garbage! I cant begin to count how many continuing ed courses I have lumped on to my certificate. I bet if I were to calculate I would equal a 3 year diploma.