I'm 53 and want to be an LVN (Clock is ticking)

Motivated grandma · Dec 29, 2010

I'm definitely going for it, but all of your replies have given me the confidence that I have a good chance of getting accepted. I KNOW I will do well once in the program, since have confidence in my abilities.

Nursing would be a great career at this time of my life. I wouldn't mind working weekends since I like to run around with friends and visit my two grandbabies during the week. And I'd love to take some of the load off of hubby's back in the future. He really does deserve that.

sheobr · Dec 29, 2010

I'm 58 and am in the RN program. I love it. I don't feel any prejudice toward my age. Everyone is great.....However, there are times I ask myself what and why am I doing this again? Good luck with it...you'll have a blast

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · Dec 29, 2010

Sounds like you're an excellent candidate.

frodo-dog · Dec 29, 2010

Why not an RN? In my class of 40 students we have about 15% in their 50's. My friend is 57.

I had to go to the community college to take placement testing to start my pre-reqs at 49. I had to start from scratch. Luckily I did not have to do the zero classes.

I will be 52 when I graduate as long as I pass each of the 4 semesters first go: I start my 3rd semester in Jan.

The requirements for LVN are dwindling, better job security and pay with an RN.

bradleau · Dec 29, 2010

Go for it. I was in a LVN/LPN class that had one guy, and one older lady in her 50's. Though I was in my mid 20s she was my best friend. I do not know what happened to her as I had to move a few hundred miles away and pick up at another LVN program. BTW, the first school I attended was the best of the two. Many years later I got my ADN in nursing. Many of my Assoc. Degree classed helped with removing one year of the prereqs. I did graduate in 78 with a general degree...associate in Science. That allowed me NOT to lose those credits. The nursing ones I challenged...in fact I challenged AP,MICRO, English Comp. and all the nursing classes. I was happy to receive a pass grade on a pass/fail grading. So go ahead and get your LVN/LPN or if you feel able to do so, go for the RN. Being overweight can affect your ability to do your job, so try to get those pounds off. 20- or 30 lbs overweight isn't too bad, but if you are in the 75-100 lb overweight range it can be difficult to walk those hall ways. Very few doctors use nurses of any kind in their office. Just techs. I notice the difference when I get treated by a doctor who does not employ well educated staff. It actually makes for more work by that MD than saving money. I am at an age that I would love to work in a doctors office, but I am too well qualified. And they say they can't afford me. I say, lets make a deal.

Punch · Dec 30, 2010

I graduated in May 2010 at the age of 58! I graduated with honors and am now working as an RN! You don't have to "convince" the community college of your ability to become a nurse....you have to convince YOURSELF! Go for it! :nurse:

Motivated grandma · Dec 30, 2010

Why not an RN? In my class of 40 students we have about 15% in their 50's. My friend is 57.
I had to go to the community college to take placement testing to start my pre-reqs at 49. I had to start from scratch. Luckily I did not have to do the zero classes.
I will be 52 when I graduate as long as I pass each of the 4 semesters first go: I start my 3rd semester in Jan.
The requirements for LVN are dwindling, better job security and pay with an RN.

I've been thinking of doing the RN program, but it would be a couple of years before I could "start" a program. By the time I get my pre-reqs taken and meet the ridiculously early deadlines, it would seem like forever before I could start.

This way, I can finish an LVN program a year from this fall (assuming I get in), take some time to get my pre-reqs and then apply to a lvn-adn program. I really don't think I would lose that much time, but I would have a career in the meantime.

Did I mention that I have two kids in college right now? :grn:

Money, money, money, money...whereever shall I get it all? :anbd:

janluvscats · Jan 2, 2011

Hi..i am 56 and just graduated PN school in Dec. /10. Will take NCLEX in Feb.. and get my license to be LPN.. go for it !! I went to school after getting laid off from job.. good luck!

Wanna_BA_Nurse · Jan 2, 2011

They can't count you out due to age! If they did, they'd better get ready for some lawsuits!

Anyway, congratulations on your decision! You can do whatever you like whenever you like! It is never too late to make a positive change in your life! Don't forget it! :yeah:

laxwirn75 · Jan 2, 2011

My friend,

Yes, the clock is ticking, for those that wait for your skill and compasion as a nurse. Age doesnt not matter to any patient, they see a person there to help and support them during their time of need. Your written words already show your heart is in the right, and you have the right stuff to be a GOOD nurse. I started back in school at age 50, and I have enjoyed the challange, and have learned much more than numbers.

Good luck!

Motivated grandma · Jan 2, 2011

Love this place.

Thanks so much to all.

I will be visiting the school tomorrow to sign up for pre-reqs. :) I was so impatient for Christmas break to finish! :)

gapeacheykeen · Jan 3, 2011

I am a 40 year old pre-nursing student...working on ADN degree. I overheard two professors at my college discussing the age differences in their classes. They commented positively on the older students "non-traditional". They are more involved and take assignments seriously. I advise starting with your PCT instead of going for a LVN program. I just jumped into it and really wish I had done the PCT first then worked slowly on a two year RN (ADN), instead of a LVN program.