Opportunities for Teaching/Counselling as a LPN?

[Guest233447]

Thank you for reading my post.

I am currently enrolled in a PN training program, with only a month to go before the end of the first semester. I am really enjoying the challenges so far - and my grades are "A" level at this point.

I am in my 30's with 3 kids (as previous posts have mentioned). The choice to go back to school and get my PN diploma was made nearly 2 years ago, and I had to do some adult upgrading to bring my grades up. My high school years were not spent focusing on academics, so it wasn't inability, it was attitude.

I have already completed my Psychology course, and I am taking my Communications course. I am REALLY drawn to the area of counselling/psychology. According to the Myers-Brigg's personality profile and another Emotional Intelligence test we did as part of Communications I scored very highly in the areas of teaching/counselling and interpersonal relations. Throughout my life, I have tended to gravitate/be elected to Leadership roles, and I truly enjoy public speaking. There are numbers of different career paths recommended for my personality type (ENFJ Teacher/Idealist) however, none of them are nursing!!

I chose Nursing because I enjoy the opportunity to help people, and I dislike a lot of paperwork/administration. Medicine is fascinating for me, as are the workings of the human body. I am drawn to opportunities to help people help themselves. I am wondering if there are opportunities to use my strengths within Nursing in such areas? I am concerned that perhaps though I may enjoy nursing and graduate with high marks from the program, I may not be entering a field that is truly going to afford me opportunity in the areas that I truly excel in?

My other concern is more practical as well - a PN program is only 2 years. This lets me still focus on my primary role which is Mom as well as being affordable - we can afford the tuition for only these two years - then I need to get back to the workforce.

What are some areas that Nursing can branch into, and how old is "too old" to go down certain career paths (assuming I finish my PN program successfully I'll be 35 at graduation)?

I read this board nearly daily, if there are any questions you have that would help you give me a more detailed reply, I would be happy to answer them!

[Fiona59]

Well, I know of LPNs who after gaining experience teach at Norquest and in various Nursing Assistant programmes. I know of one, who is a Diabetes Educator.

In the Psychiatric Units, LPNs also "lead" some of the therapy sessions.

Teaching in a basic part of nursing. We teach every patient we interact with.

[loriangel14, RN]

Congratulations on starting this exciting journey. I am a mom of two who went back to school at 38.

My only advice would be to try out mental health nursing. I am in Ontario and when I was in school I did a placement in a large mental health facility. If you are interested in counselling/psychology and helping others to help themselves then this area may interest you. While I did not end up working in mental health I found the expereince very rewarding and a good learning opportunity. Aso there seemed to be plenty of opportunities for PNs in this field.

best of luck.