Nursing Career

kansas mom · Oct 17, 2003

Hi Nurse Robin

I finally called and wouldn't you know it, it's full. The next opening isn't until August of 2004. I then checked with many of the local colleges, but they only have a 4 year program. (That must be an RN program??) Now I don't know what I'm going to do. I wouldn't think they could teach something like this online? Don't you need hands on?

Nurse Robin · Oct 17, 2003

Hi, Kansas Mom. I know there a few online courses for RN, I am not sure obout LPN> They still set you up for some clinical hands on time somehow. I really dont know much about it. Was there a waiting list? Usually everyone who is signed up doesnt show up..At least that is the history at KCK Technical school. Dont give up yet.. Robin

J. B. · Nov 26, 2003

I went to Nursing school there in Wichita Ka back in 1978 1980 Wesley Medical Center.

Dont give up. There were 40+year old ladies in my class too even at that time. My only suggestion would be to go for your RN It may cost more but it opens more doors for you and at 45 or so it will help. The other thing is to try your best to keep your debt down while you are going. I went back for mt BSN and compoleted it in 1995 and still paying that off. Could have dont it sooner but with growing kids I have not been able to.

Also find any tax shelters you can ...own your own business.. Even though I am a full time RN the business I own saves me more each year in taxes than the raise I got this year from my employer.

But most of all I commend you for your guts. Dont ever give up on your dreams. They are the fire that moves your engine. You will find a way and I myself know you will find the fire in you.

Oh BTW should check out Dental Hygenist program too Here in Colorado Springs they make 60K a year working 3days a week as new grads. Of course a lot of applicants too but to tell you the truth if my wife and I didnt have the kids right now she would be pursuring that at the age of 50yrs and having been an ICU RN for the last 28yrs. I mean we both love nursing but you cant beet the hours and less stress and exposure risk.

You can check out my web page for contact information if you have any questions.

Betty_SPN_KS, LPN · Nov 27, 2003

I just wanted to say hello. I'm a full-time LPN student in the program at McPherson. I'll be 40 in just a few weeks. I've been a CNA for several years.

It is very intense, being a student nurse. Very much homework and some nights I don't get much sleep at all.

They have a part-time program that takes 2 years, but it will be another 2 years before they select another class because they are starting a new one in January. The full-time program starts every year and I think the deadline for applying is March 1. If you have to work much and go to school at the same time, I strongly suggest the part-time program.

I would suggest becoming a CNA first. It takes a much shorter time than LPN school and it can give you a taste for it. You can take a few pre-nursing classes in the meantime. Also, you can work with nurses who might offer suggestions.

Nurse Robin · Nov 27, 2003

Thanks for your email. I graduated from LPN school at the age of 45. I am contemplating going back to RN. It is a bridge over program that takes about 10 months. I did not go to CNA first but was familiar with the field by working in it for many years. Keep me posted how you are doing. It is alot of homework. How many clinical days do you have a week? Do you go all day long. We did. Good luck. Robin

CCU NRS · Nov 27, 2003

I would definatley urge you to go to college and make a career for yourself. I think you should know that CNA is much harder than nursing from physical point of view. Nursing is good too if you really feel called and feel like you can manage the stress.

I would suggest some options that you may want to consider. I of course do not know your financial situation or how long you would look at going to school.

There are many other careers in the medical field that are not as physically demanding but require a degree. Respiratory therapy, dieticians, ultrasonographor, radialogy tech, Speech therapy, social worker, all of these can be done and the annual salaries are equal to or greater than for RN.

Betty_SPN_KS, LPN · Nov 27, 2003

Nurse Robin,

I go all day five days a week. 2 of those are clinical days.

cna2lvn2rn · Jan 20, 2004

Kansas Mom,

I hope 40 isn't too old! I'm 51 and just getting ready to take my state certification for CNA.

I am earning my CNA and LVN through community college. The costs are much less than a university although the cost of the text books outways the tuition costs.

I am currently applying for CNA positions. It has only been a week since I've started submitting applications and I'm anxious to get a response.

Go for it, Kansas Mom! :roll

cna2lvn2rn

mommyof2grls · Feb 3, 2004

Hello Mom, I am from Wichita, Andover actually. Just moved last April. I got my BSn from WSU, had several people in my class who were Over 40. One was 48. Now, if you want to make decent money, and think you would enjoy nursing,. i would recommend getting your ADN. It takes 2 years, plus some pre-requisites. Butler County has an excellent program. Also, there are alot of nursing online option coming avail. Check Excelsior, I am not sure how it all works, but if you are determined, and disciplined... online might be good. You might also call WSU. There are about 2-4 semesters of pre-recs there, but you would get a BSN if that is important to you. Honestly, the difference in pay is not seen in most hospitals, i worked with ADN's who made what I did, just were not ellig. for Supervisory jobs. Another thing, get ADN, then if you wanted to get BSN, you will be working as an RN, amking good money, and can get reimbursement for tuition expenses. I think Via Christi was 1000/year. Not sure. I know we were always looking for good nurses!

hope this helps. PM me if you have any more Q's.

Nurse Robin · Feb 3, 2004

Hi, I am applying to Park University in Parkville, MO for their bridge program. Since I am already an LPN it will only take 10 months to become an RN. It is 5 days a week from 8 am to 2 pm. I wish I would have started last August right after graduation from LPN and I would have almost been done. Geez.. how time flies. I am applying for financial aid and then we have to take a test because they only accept the top 40. We will see...Thanks for the info. Robin