Nursing Career

live4today, RN · Sep 22, 2003

Girlfriend, why are you feeding yourself that negative stuff about being "too old" at forty to start nursing school? The oldest student in my nursing classes when I was in nursing school happened to be 67!!! Yes, you heard me right, and she graduated and passed her boards, too.

You are in the prime of your life right now. You shouldn't be saying what you "can't do" anymore. You SHOULD be saying "this is what I am going to do, or have plans and goals to do" at your age.

There is nothing wrong with your idea of becoming a CNA. I worked as a nursing assistant before becoming a RN myself. Being a CNA or PCT allows one to gain firsthand exposure to the world of nursing, and may even help define the goal of you becoming a nurse even more. Soooooooo....go see an allied health counselor, and sign up for the nursing program. Going to school is fun, and makes us more creative and stronger as individuals. Grows us up socially and keeps us mentally sharp.

I look forward to helping your "cyber-celebrate" you acceptance into the nursing program! :kiss :balloons: :nurse:

Nurse Robin · Oct 14, 2003

Hi, I didnt go to nursing school until I was 44. Graduated this past July at 45. I attended the Kansas City Kansas Area Technical School and the program wasn't too expensive. It was intense, losts of homework. The class was 7 hours a day, 5 days a week. I am now an LPN working in a nursing home passing meds. The pay isn't that great for an LPN unless you work thru an agency. Then you can make $21.00/hr. Otherewise it is about 11-12.00/hr. GOod luck.. DOnt give up...Robin

Nurse Robin · Oct 14, 2003

Hi again..I think Atchison has a technical school. Not sure of any others tho. :)

kansas mom · Oct 14, 2003

Hi Robin,

I found a technical college here in Wichita. There is a CNA Program starting in December, and an LPN Program starting in January. I have the brochures, but haven't actually talked with the school.

Is there a very big pay difference and duties difference between the two? How do you like working as an LPN? Do you like working where your at, or do you wish you had worked at a hospitol? Please tell me what your definition on Lots of Homework is! I need to be careful not to bite off more than I can chew, then get discouraged and quit.

Thanks

Nurse Robin · Oct 14, 2003

Hi Kansas Mom,

THere is not a big difference in pay in our area. Unless you work for a temp agency. Then my pay doubles. I like where I work. You have the same residents every day since they live there. You can get very attached. If I worked in the hospital I would be constantly getting new patients. Both have their advantage I guess. By alot of homework I mean a few hours a night on most occassions. However if you work ahead you can do some of the work on the weekend and make your weekdays lighter. Our program was divided into 4 blocks, each lasting about 3 months. Level 1 was easy, 2 wasnt much harder, but level 3 was difficult. It was the OB. Hematology and Urinary systems. But then Level 4 was a breeze. Just planning for graduation mostly. Dont give up. If I can do it anyone can. Let me know what you decide to do. I am passing medications only on the weekends right now because we have a weekend program where you work 28 hours and get paid for 42 hours. Which equals out to making the same as time and a half per hour. Then I have the whole week off and it is easier to get my daughter back and forth to school. It is hard working 2 14 hour shifts in two days but it is nice to be off 5. Good luck:nurse:

Nurse Robin · Oct 14, 2003

Kansas Mom, I forgot to mention that being a CNA is a difficult job. Hard on the back and you get stuck with doing a lot of the dirty work. I would go for LPN if I were you. Robin

ExAirBagRN · Oct 14, 2003

Hi to everyone---- I was planning on attending Sanford Brown in NKC, but living in Shawnee; what a drive. I have just recently found out about ATS in KCK (not even 10 minutes from where I live) and am THRILLED with everything about it! I am in the midst of studying for the entrance test. Nurse Robin: Can you give me any pointers for the Workeys test? How was the math? I passed the NET to get into Sanford-Brown, any resemblance? How was the job hunt after graduation? I have SOOO many questions- I can't wait to hear from you!!! THANKS in advance---Dawn

Nurse Robin · Oct 14, 2003

Hi Dawn,

KCKATS would be good and close for you. The entrance test is not hard. There isnt much math on it, thank god. I was really worried about it before I took it. But if you passed the entrance exam for Sanford Brown I dont think you will have a problem. It is an 11 mo course but it just flies by. I wish I would have talked to you sooner as I just sold my books to someone else. DId you apply for the PELL grant, they do accept it. I live in Overland Park so we are neighbors. Are you working in the health field? I had a job offer before graduation but decided not to take it because it was in Leavenworth and I didnt want to drive that far. I wish I had because it was the best paying offer I had at $14.40 an hour. But I work close to home and that is kind of nice. Keep me posted on when you start school and if you have any questions let me know. The teachers there are great except for one :eek: Good luck...By the way how old are you? Just curious. KCKATS is a heck of alot cheaper than Sanford Brown isnt it?

kansas mom · Oct 15, 2003

Thanks Nurse Robin,

Thanks for all your wonderful information. I believe I am leaning towards the LPN program. I need to call them and ask some questions. They had a 100% placement for cna's, but only 58% for LPN's. I'm not sure why. Do you know if there are very many job opportunities for LPNs in Kansas?

Kansas mom

Nurse Robin · Oct 16, 2003

Hi Kansas Mom,

There are not really that many opportunities in hospitals in KC for nurses. Clinics, doctors offices and nursing homes are the main places. Doctors offices and clinics only want to pay approx 10.50/hr. My highest offer was at a retirement home for the nuns in Leavenworth at 14.40/hr. But it was a bit of a drive. I am a single mom so what I am doing right now is working weekends so that I make time and a half. But I am looking for something else because I am working 2 15 hr shifts each weekend and it is a killer. I am passing meds the entire time. Alot of places offer a weekend program so that you work say 28 hrs and get paid for 42. Which equals the same as time and a half per hour worked. I am considering going back for my RN, but not fully decided yet. Have you applied for a pell grant, if not check it out.... Later, RObin

Nurse Robin · Oct 16, 2003

Dawn, did you get my earlier pm? I was having a tough time sending it...Robin:confused: