Not sure what to do??

Published

Specializes in Psych, Geriatric.

I 48 yrs. old and planning on going to LPN school in the Fall of 2006. Until then I have to take pre-req. courses. When I spoke to my counselor she is encourarging me to go for the RN. Being that I am pushing 50 I am not sure if that would be the right thing to do. Nursing has always been my dream. Even when I was a little girl. So all of you who has been down this road, what would your suggestions be? Do I go for it? There is one thing I know for sure and that is I want to be a nurse and work in L&D. That's my goal.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you'd have a better shot at working in L/D if you became an RN. Maybe the route for you to go is to get your LPN first, start working, and finish your RN after that with one of the LPN to RN bridge programs. Both of my parents went back to nursing school (dad got a BSN, mom got an ASN) when they were in their 40's...it can be done! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU,Oncology,School,.

I'm 39 & taking pre-reqs. Will hopefully start a three year BSN program this fall.

The way I look at it, you'll continue to get older whether you complete an LPN or an RN program. Do whichever will get you where you want to be career-wise. And whichever makes you happy:wink2:

You are never too old to further your education!

Best wishes,

Heather

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Urgent Care.

There is a woman in my LPN class who is 54

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ..

Dont let age stop you!!! In my pre-req A&P class there were 2 people in there 50's making career changes to become an RN!

Heres how i look at AGE:

Okay,,your 48 years old....how old are you going to be in 3 years if you go through the RN portion of the program? 51

How old are you going to be if you DONT go through the RN program? 51!

Theres such a shortage for nurses out there....its one of the very few occupations left that dont age discriminate...they need NURSES NOW! Whether your 21 or 60!!!!!

Or you can just take it one semester at a time..get your LPN...then maybe go to work for a year..then go back to finish the RN portion!

Dont let age stop ya from becoming an RN.

Healthcare NEEDS NURSES BAD!!!!!!!! go for it!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nothing against LPNs, but the willingness of many hospitals to hire them seems to be decreasing in many areas. (not all areas, like Texas apparenlty). If you look at the LPN section there are some posts regarding frustration about job opportunitites being limited to certain scopes- though there are always exceptions.

If you really want to do L and D, I think getting in to an RN program will be more beneficial to your goal.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Personally, at least in Illinois, Indiana and Nevada (where I've been licensed) LPN's have a much more restrictive environment in which to work - the hospitals can pay an RN to do more and the bottom line is what is important to the hospitals.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You're very lucky if you're a BSN and can get into labor and delivery fairly fresh out of school. There's a nursing shortage, nut not in labor and delivery. A lot of hospitals don't hire LPNs. If I were you, I'd start doing job searches and see what the job market in your area looks like.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

definitely go straight for the RN-you'll thank yourself afterwards. I had the choice of LPN w/bridge or RN-I chose the RN and am very happy for it!! RN opens more doors.;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family.

I say go for the RN!!! I'm an LPN, and there just aren't any hospital jobs available in my area (SC).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

Good luck in whatever you do. I'd say go for the RN now while you're young. wink... You won't regret it.

Our L&D department does not hire LPNs. You will find more job opportunities as an RN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion