LPN vs. RN Schooling - First time student

Floor_Nurse · Feb 25, 2019

If you feel that you're able to go through an RN program, then you might have more gratification upon completion than the LPN route. You've already proven to yourself that you can complete a 4 year degree. In nursing, sometimes a higher level equates to more headaches plus increased workload. As for employment, most nurses find employment regardless of ranking.

Golden_RN, MSN · Feb 28, 2019

I suggest looking for a community college near you that offers both an RN and LVN program and making an appointment to talk to a counselor. Compare the requirements of the LVN and RN programs and a realistic timetable of how long each route would take you. Also look at job openings in your area at hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

If I was over 60 I personally would not take the RN route.

Sour Lemon · Mar 2, 2019

On 2/24/2019 at 5:52 PM, Ms. Patient said:
Hello everyone,
I have a 4 yr degree in Public Administration. I'm over 60, retired, bored and want to go to nursing school. I took care of my mom for 21 years (diabetic) who was also on dialysis. I worked the night shift on my job AND had a 4 year old!! The conflict is, do I apply to LPN school to get experience with clinicals, or do an RN program and sit for my NCLEX. I've heard from both sides who are nurses who contradict each other. Also, I hear most hospitals don't hire LPNs, and most want current RNs to get their BSN. I don't want to be in school forever, or waste time and money on a program that won't prove beneficial. I'm a former flight attendant who wants to be a traveling nurse. HELP!!!!!

Nursing is not a great hobby for someone over 60 who's "bored".
I recommend you get certified and work as a nursing assistant to get a good idea what the physical requirements of bedside nursing are. As a nurse, you'll be doing all the things a nursing assistant does, plus a lot more.

Wuzzie · Mar 2, 2019

If you decide to pursue this please be aware that ageism is alive and thriving in nursing. You may very well have a great deal of difficulty finding a job. Also, I’m not that far behind you age wise. I personally wouldn’t do either. Find a hobby. Be a docent. Cuddle babies in the local NICU. Join a club. Learn how to do something new. Trust me, nursing isn’t something to cure boredom with. Becoming a nurse for that reason would be like driving a thumbtack in with a sledgehammer. Total overkill and the thumbtack is going to be damaged. Don’t be the thumbtack.

2Ask · Mar 3, 2019

3 hours ago, Sour Lemon said:
Nursing is not a great hobby for someone over 60 who's "bored".
I recommend you get certified and work as a nursing assistant to get a good idea what the physical requirements of bedside nursing are. As a nurse, you'll be doing all the things a nursing assistant does, plus a lot more.

Agree.

OP, I went to nursing school at age 50 but worked as a CNA first for a year or two to make sure it was a good fit. The RN will take you at least two years to complete so factor that in. With your previous Bachelor's you could go through an accelerated program. I have a previous bachelor's but lived in the middle of nowhere so I did did the ADN in two years at a community college (lots of credit from my BS transferred). With a previous bachelor's, you don't qualify for financial aid but the total cost for community college was $15,000 from start to finish. Then I completed a BSN over the next 4 years part time online (while working as a nurse and with tuition reimbursement from employer). I don't regret becoming a nurse (I love it!) but if I was your age, I wouldn't- too much blood sweat and tears for a very short career once you are done with the preparation.

wussie is probably right about ageism too. While I have had no problem getting jobs since graduating in 2012, I am the oldest one at the bedside and sometimes the younger bedside nurses and young charge nurses are condescending. I noticed ageism on video interviews too. If the person interviewing me was half my age, I did not get called back. Only the units with older nurse managers were interested.