In health care since 2003 needing advice PLEASE!

[Louu]

Hello,

I have been in the health care field since 2003. Since then I have been working as a CNA & Med Aide. I really want to step up my career though & further my education. I am 30years old & feel it is really time to make my move.

My experience is working with brain & spinal cord injuries, intellectual disabilities, Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, on a PCU floor in a hospital & ICU. Currently I am working in an acute rehab facility with individuals needing to gain strength in order to go back home (kind of the in-between spot from hospital to home). I truly have loved each one of my positions, the knowledge gained, individuals I have helped, & aspects.

The place that I am currently working at does hire LPN/LVN's and have no plans to discontinue that. Which now has me thinking about attempting to enter the LPN program at a college here in my town.

My fear of becoming a nurse of any kind is getting through the schooling. I recently just withdrew from LMT school (licensed massage therapist), which I loved; yet my withdraw was due to wanting something I personally feel is more stable in the area I live. My grades were very good in the program, example I received an 'A' grade in anatomy in physiology & overall GPA of 3.7 I also have not been in school for 11years, so for me that was pretty good.

I am open to options & thinking outside of the box. What if any advice can any of you offer to me on fields that I could get into that may not be as intimidating as nursing (LPN or RN). As much as I would love to get into the nursing, I am afraid of getting through the schooling.

I am also looking into getting a degree for Professional Health Studies (PHSAS). What opinions does anyone have on that? It would be a degree I can obtain while waiting to get into nursing or any other health care career program.

I really need a change & feel that with my passion I have for others I need to do this. I do not want to leave because feeling I have no other options.

All of your advice is greatly appreciated. I am just very confused & in need of advice, input, & opinions.

Thank you.