Is 47 years of age too late to bridge to RN

Guvner · Jan 7, 2010

Depending on where you are there is a part time program through Centennial College in Toronto. http://www.centennialcollege.ca/rpnbridginghybrid take a look, it might work for you allowing you to work FT.

linzz · Jan 7, 2010

I don't think you are being rediculous at all. Lots of nurses may retire from full time work but if their health holds up, lots of them work as casuals even past age 65. You are not alone, lots of people in their forties are in your exact same position.

petethecanuck · Jan 7, 2010

47 isn't too late! Realize your dreams and go for it! :)

Good luck!

carz · Jan 7, 2010

Thankyou for your help, I am located in Alberta so Athabasca would be my option. I am sure there are many other LPNs who feel the same.

caliotter3 · Jan 7, 2010

From personal experience I can tell you that you will never be content with LPN if you truly want to be an RN. As for the age situation, just forge on. You can get the RN license for your own personal satisfaction to say you have accomplished your goal. The psychological satisfaction obtained will be well worth the time and money you put into reaching your goal. You don't need to work one day as an RN to feel good about yourself because you finally became one. Good luck to you.

Fiona59 · Jan 7, 2010

Fellow Albertan here and yes, the LPNs of this province have been well and truly shafted by both the educational authorities and CLPNA.

The first bridge disappeared in under five years (we could go to McEwan and get the diploma). Athabasca has been around for a while but you have to be an extremely motivated, self monitoring student to succeed. The few that I know that have gone that route have worked less than part time (usually casual) or have already gained a BA in another field and along with their PN papers were able to complete it quickly.

CLPNA keeps lapdogging to the government and health regions by increasing our scope of practice. No one has asked me lately if I want my scope increased. Yet, when we raise the issue of financial compensation, CLPNA quickly shouts, "talk to AUPE" we have nothing to do with your wages.

The PN diploma is basically the old degree RN education. With the in-services provided in Alberta Health Services the gap just isn't there. Read our scope carefully, we can IV push and access central lines. Doing the meds will come within the year (so the rumour mill has it within AHS).

So basically we are only restricted from NICU, some ICUs, and Oncology to a degree.

What we need to do is mount pressure on AUPE, CLPNA and the media to recognize us for the competent, professional nurses that we are.

End of rant, and I'll get off my soapbox.

carz · Jan 7, 2010

Fiona,

Do you truly think that it will ever happen? I think for me that is one of the biggest problems with being a LPN is not being recognized as a nurse. You would think that at 47 I would be over this but... it always comes back to bite you in .....

Fiona59 · Jan 7, 2010

Are you in LTC or Active Treatment?

I've been in Active Treatment for the better part of my working life. I've never felt less than a nurse.

What do you think the N stands for in LPN?

I've only once ever had something rude/nasty said to me about my being an LPN. Look at the source. Then I reported the RN in question to her Manager who apologized profusely.

Yes, I can't pierce a blood or travisol bag, but come on, how many times in a week does an RN do it? On some units NEVER.

Yes there is a difference in the education but when it comes to good hands on care, the majority of LPNs are just as competent as RNs.

CLPNA needs to get off their backsides and use our fees to promote us. Hell, where were they the last couple years when CARNA subjected us and the general public to their ad/billboard campaigns for RNs and basically ticked off the RPNs, Lab Techs, etc? 'cause we all know the only safe care comes from an RN

annadp · Apr 12, 2010

I don't think it's too late for u...My friend she is 48 now and she is finishing year 3 RN program, shell be almost 50 when she is done, also I have some older people in my class (compared to my age), mid 40's and they are doing better than the yonger ones, so go ahead, goodluck :)

Fiona59 · Apr 12, 2010

I don't think it's too late for u...My friend she is 48 now and she is finishing year 3 RN program, shell be almost 50 when she is done, also I have some older people in my class (compared to my age), mid 40's and they are doing better than the yonger ones, so go ahead, goodluck :)

What you have to factor in is the cost of the degree, lost wages incurred during the learning process, and how much longer the OP plans to work.

For me, it's just not worth it. I'd have to work full time until I'm 60 to pay the student loan. My pension wouldn't be that much better and in all honesty I don't want to work full time. My husband will have been retired five years by the time I hit 60. So no, it's not a reality for me.

If I was in my early 40s I'd do it. But 3-4 years of education, student loan repayment and having to work full time holds absolutely no appeal to many LPNs that are my age.

Floor nursing gets harder physcially each year.

annadp · Apr 12, 2010

I was replying as an encouragement, to say that it it possible, my friend the one I mentioned before she works full time as a PSW and she pays the tuition herself, as well as her house mortgage and caring for her 12 year old kid....I know it is tough and you just have to ask yourself if you r willing to work that hard for it, but it is possible...

I also know people in their 30's working full time as PSW and attending university full time...they work night shifts though, but again if you don't have to or don't want to go through it then relax and enjoy life...