Please help, I need advice on a new career!

[Viking Bridge Burner]

I really need help please don't leave negative or vague responses. I am a PCT at a hospital making about $23 an hour because I work nights and weekends. I was left by my husband for another woman, and stayed at home for many years as a housewife. I was going to get my RN but by the time I finish all the classes I will be old enough to retire! I am not good at math or science to be honest. Should I become an LVN instead?? Everyone says not to do it, I'll be sorry. I was in an abusive marriage, I am interested also in something to do with victim advocacy. I've been all over the internet and asked everyone and can't get any satisfactory responses.

[FutureNurseInfo]

How old is old? If you do not mind me asking, how old are you? Recently I read a thread by a person who was asking if she should go to school to become a nurse at 63! Everyone suggested that she did! I think going for an RN is a better route than LVN. I mean, it will take you on average 2 years and then you can do a bridge RN-BSN. If you get hired as an ADN, your hospital may pay for your BSN.

[Darkstar1485, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

Don't let age stop you. Nursing isn't easy, but if you put your kind to it, you will succeed. I'm not good at math and science either, and I graduated with a 3.6. Nursing school is not:

What is the definition of bipolar disorder?

It's more like: During an admission, your patient states that he has not slept in 3 nights and has not had anything to eat or drink in 24 hours. His wife states he has cheated on her repeatedly and spent all their savings. As the RN, what would you do first A) ask the patient about his HIV status B) take his vital signs C) offer him fluids and snacks D) stop the assessment so the patient can sleep

If you have a mind that can apply knowledge rather than memorize facts, you will do well. Go for your LPN first and see how it goes. You can always keep going!!

Nursing is one of those careers where you don't have to retire. You can find a job less stressful and do that until you don't want to anymore. My school nurse was 70 years old easy. She was not planning on retiring. Lol

[Davey Do]

Welcome to AN.com, Viking Bridge Burner!

I appreciate your gathering of data before making a decision, the second step in any problem-solving process.

A bird in the hand as a PCT is not a bad place to be. Any furthering of your education is a worthy endeavor. For example, if you can work and go through a nursing program, that's great. But if you have to give up your bird in the hand for the LPN or RN in the bush, it could result in additional problems.

If you were younger, LPN would be a good choice to bridge to RN if you wanted. One student in my LPN program was 58 years old, so really, you're never too old. It's all up to you. The best we can do is to give you information so you can be comfortable with your decision.

There's one other point that I wish to make regarding your interest in victim advocacy: Many go into an area where they themselves have had problems in, hoping to help themselves as they help others.

We need to fix ourselves first. Some of the best professionals I've ever worked with were recovering and worked with others just like them- but they went through therapy and became stabilized before working with those whose problems were just like they had.

Charity begins at home. Take care of yourself first.

Good luck and the very best to you, Viking Bridge Burner!

[RNperdiem, RN]

I don't know what the cost of living in your area is like, but $23 per hour (is that real or a typo?) is some good money. LPNs around here make a good deal less than that.

[nutella, MSN, RN]

It might be best to make a list / grid with pros and cons and write down everything that is relevant. Having some visual can help you to make a decision.

It works in your favor that you know your weakness (math) and are aware that nursing school will be a challenge academically. In terms of your idea victim advocacy - I agree with Davey Do fully.

Do some research first and find out:

What are the options of becoming an LVN /LPN (wait time? costs? flexible programs ? ) - how would you finance school? Do you have children that still need a lot of attention or are younger and get sick more often? How would you go to nursing school or work and school ?

Are you in a personal good place and resilient enough to start nursing school that will add stress ? If you are still recovering from your abusive marriage or have other significant "problems" it might be better to stabilize your life further first and keep your CNA job for a while until things are more stable.

What are the job prospects in your area? In my area the market for RN is totally saturated and people have a hard time finding a job after they graduate unless they are willing to move. But the market for LPN is better - they mostly work in long term care, home care and perhaps MD offices/clinics. Many long-term care and rehab facilities do "on the spot interviews" where people just walk into the manager's office for "ad hoc" considerations. Check out what the pay rate is.

In my area, the community college offer 10 months LPN courses - the students I have talked to in the past choose this option because they cannot afford a 2 year degree and/or are not sure that they would be successful in school for a ADN degree. For most of them it is more important that they are able to finish something that is affordable and that they are ready to work within a year. I know quiet a few who go back to school while working and use their employers tuition reimbursement for part of their education. If you are close to retirement of course you want to consider how many years you will work as a nurse.

I do not agree with people who tell everybody not to become a LPN/LVN and instead to go for an ADN program. Yes, you work under a RN and you are restricted in your scope, which is based on your education level - BUT LPN/LVN are an important member of the care team and seem well equipped to work in longterm care where most residents are stable or in a clinic / office. Not everybody wants to go to school for a 2 year degree or has the necessary skills. There is nothing wrong with that and looking for an option that fits your needs.

It is different from being a CNA in terms of responsibilities - of course there is also nothing wrong with staying a CNA if this works best for you right now and to consider other options later.

If you are looking for something "more skilled" you can also look into options like pharmacy technician or similar - they provide on the job training and often courses to get certified. Or phlebotomy if you have a hand for that.

Good luck!

[Aunt Slappy]

I don't know what the cost of living in your area is like, but $23 per hour (is that real or a typo?) is some good money. LPNs around here make a good deal less than that.

Yeah, my starting wage as a LPN was $19 an hour. I'll be making slightly more than that at my new job, and my pool rate was $22 an hour. For someone who's been a CNA/PCT for a long time, you may actually not make more money as a LPN at first.

Not to discourage you. Just be prepared.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Moved to the Nursing Career Advice forum.