I'm 54, male just going to CNA to start am I nuts

Lala27poodles · Sep 7, 2009

Of course you're not too old!

Why do you think you're too old to go to LPN school? Go for it, you can do it. 56 is coming, and you will be no worse for wear then than you are now. Would you rather be 56 and still wondering if it's a good idea or 56 and there/on your way?

Take the CNA course, you have nothing to lose but the cost of the program...and they're pretty cheap. You only have one life, might as well do the things you want to do...

oneLoneNurse · Sep 7, 2009

No, you are fine. My best buddy graduated as an RN when he was 60. He was in the trucking industry for many years.

Good luck.

classykaren · Sep 7, 2009

I am a new CNA and I am 60 I am trying to go to LPN school also You will be great

Byatt · Sep 7, 2009

I'm 56, live in the UK and thinking, well more than thinking, have applied, for nursing training. I have just graduated with a degree in Health & Social Care Management because I thought I had to be practical, but realise my dream is nursing. I don't think you're nuts :wink2:, as another poster said, you will be 56 one day and looking back, wondering why you didn't do it when you were 54! (paraphrased).

Good luck!!

edited to add, don't underestimate your capabilities. I didn't think I was able enough to get a degree but here I am. And done going through an awful divorce, bringing up my autistic daughter and selling and moving house twice, by myself! Go for it!!

Workedhard2bRN · Sep 8, 2009

Go for whatever your heart desires. Don't ever limit yourself or you will be miserable. You're young compared to many of my classmates from RN school. You've obviously got the right heart for it. To me that's 99% of what it takes. You've got my vote! :up:

Ronald Danneman · Sep 8, 2009

Thank you all for the words of encouragement. I appreciate it. I just do not know if I have the smarts for LPN School. I only have a GED and did make it thru IT Technician certifications but nursing is far more dificult.

I also do not qualify for student aid financial assistance due to we unfortunately fell on hard times like a lot of others in our country and had to file a chapter 13 bankruptcy two years ago and have two more years of payments to make to finish it and do not think I can get a student loan for LPN school till that is over and dont have the finances to pay for it now.

If I could I would work part time as a CNA and go to school for LPN but till finances permit I won't be able to attend any LPN training.

Again you all are kind with the words of encouragement.

Sincerely

Ronald Danneman

tuttle13 · Sep 9, 2009

Hi Ronald,

If you work as a CNA in a hospital or even in a LTC facility, many offer tuition reimbursement. So if you want to become an LPN, your employer will most likely pay for a good chunk of it. Just check out the employee benefits for the facilities you are interested in working for. I would be surprised if they didn't offer it. You may have to commit to working there for a period of time after you get your LPN license, but it would be worth it if it saves you some money.

And no - you are not too old! I know a man who was a dental assitant, and then he became a CNA. He is about your age as well and he is the most AWESOME CNA I ever had the honor of working with when I was a student nurse. I think that those of us who go into the health care field once we are older, with real life experience, and open eyes, tend to be better equipt to deal with all the BS we need to swim through in order to reap the rewards of our chosen field. Good luck to you!

Ronald Danneman · Sep 9, 2009

Thank you Tuttle for that kind reply and I feel this is going to be the best choice I made. I even feel if I do not go forth with the lpn I will make the best CNA I possibly can.

Thank you

Ronald Danneman

sameasalways, ASN, RN · Sep 9, 2009

#1. You are not too old (You will see that once you get into the field...there are every shape, size and age)

#2. When you finish school, try to get a job at a hospital that offers educational incentives (I know you don't think your smart enough just yet, but don't cut yourself short). The hospital here will pay you 60% of your wages while you go to school full time as long as you worked for them a full year prior to applying for their program.

#3. If/when you decide to go to school, start out slow!!!! Take prerequisites or ANY class that can be taken prior to applying for admission to the nursing program.

#4. When you start the process, you WILL feel overwhelmed, don't allow that to make you feel inadequate. Everyone feels that way when they are going through nursing school.

Ronald Danneman · Sep 9, 2009

Thank you for the reply, I was told out here in Phoenix Arizona area I live in a suburb Mesa that it is the most dificult to get into a hospital as a CNA that is the hardest, then hospice is second hardest to get into and least is a skilled nusring home.

I told my wife one page at a time here, I start on the 28th of this month for the CNA and even reading the test in front of the RN to get licensed will make me nervous at my age testing out is something I have not done in years.

Thank you thou for the information on how to go about this.

Sincerely

Ronald Danneman

sunflower777 · Sep 14, 2009

No!..Always follow your dreams!!!