Need advice - am I too old?

[AmMit]

Hello!

I just joined this community as I am seeking a career change and have been researching an LVN certification. I have a Bachelor's degree (humanities) and a PhD (again, non-medical) and have worked in website development for several years. I am now 46, tired of sitting in front of a screen all day as a freelance web/electronic communications developer, and am craving a job that will contribute something meaningful to other people's lives, not just to a company's ($$$) bottom line. I am looking for a work-life balance - making some money but contributing something useful and significant to my community. So, wise LPN/LVNs could you please advise me: is an LVN certification for me? And, at 46 years old, is it too late to start down this path?

I live in California, the course I am looking at is 11 months in length, so theoretically this time next year I could be in a job. (And $35k in debt to the nursing school - but that's a whole other issue!)

I hope this is an appropriate forum in which to ask my question and am grateful for any feedback and insight.

Warmest wishes,

AmMit

[loriangel14, RN]

Nope you're not too old. I was 38. The oldest in my class was 52. Go for it.

[AmMit]

Thank you, Loriangel14 - especially for such a fast response! :)

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I must warn you that the LVN employment market in California has been horrible for the past six or seven years. Be careful about obtaining $30K in student loan debt...it might take longer than a year after graduation to actually secure a job.

Good luck to you!

[nachita]

Never too old! There were people in their 40s and 50s in my class. I'd recommend finding a program at a community college. Tuition is far cheaper and often times you get a better education than at the private places that charge you an arm and a leg (at least that is what I've observed in SF Bay Area, CA). Also, LVNs usually get stuck working in SNFs, so keep that in mind. Best of luck to you! :)

[Lovemysugar]

I'm your age and in an LPN program.

It's $34K but I qualify for grants and some credits (not much). If you have a degree you might want to look at an accelerated RN program, though.

[snorkledorf]

I am 1 of 4 "fifty-something year olds" currently in our LPN program. I left the IT world for similar reasons but before committing to nursing as a career, I worked for several months as a CNA to see if I had the stomach and stamina for it.

[caliotter3]

If you have no qualms about a saturated job market for LVNs in CA, and age discrimination doesn't faze you, sure, go for it. But if you need income to support yourself and/or a family, think three times.

[db2xs]

Are you too old to become an LVN? Never. Are you too old to party until 3 am and then go back to work at 8 am without a problem? Probably.

[AmMit]

Thank you for the sage advice, TheCommuter - I appreciate it. Am taking a long time to think this all through.

[AmMit]

Thanks Nachita - I really need to understand the scope of work available and longer term prospects. Although I would be interested in spending some time in an SNF, I don't want to be 'stuck' anywhere. I don't feel like I have the time to go the community college route, although I know it would be cheaper. I kind of feel the pressure to get in, get out, and get a job. Also, I am wanting something that I can get fully immersed in full-time - have been involved in several part-time gigs for years now and can't stand it much longer. Have an interview again tomorrow, we'll see what it brings. :)

[AmMit]

Thanks Lovemysugar - I will also ask about the accelerated RN program too. From my first interview at the school, I learned that I will be able to access federal and private loans for the cost of the course - which is $35, excluding the $3 for the pre-reqs. It's a lot to take on but if the school's job placement is good.... So, if I may ask, where are you studying? The school I am considering is Unitek College, Concord, CA.