DTC

I worked in the health insurance industry for 26 years before becoming an LPN at age 52. My child was grown and out on her own, I was divorced with no obligations and was able to sail through school. It requires alot of studing and out of the starting class of 53, 22 of us graduated and the two "oldeis", me and another woman aged 51 both graduated near the top(well,,,she WAS at the top of the class!). If the desire is there,,age should not be a factor! Go for it! It's one year of your life, and where will you be in one year if you DON'T go to LPN school and get your degree?

Trust me,,in my area,,,9 bucks is standard for most doctors offices, unless its a surgical clinic, then its more like 14. Hospitals, as I said, the 2 still hiring LPNs,,,10-12. LTC is where the money is,,,16-18 with shift diff, if LTC is something one is willing to do. Relocating is a consideration altho from the posts I've read from my state on this site,,,it seems to be the same in other areas in the state. The hospitals are buying up alot of clinics and the pay has changed, benefits are changed and the nurses are not happy. I went back to school at age 52 and was fortunate to be able to not work for 12 months until I graduated. I regret not going directly into a hospital setting quickly to gain experience and learn more skills. Perhaps my options would have been more varied. Economic times are tough for alot of clinics and assurance of my continued employment there is uncertain. Now, my behind is sore from sitting on my pity pot, so I'll just say, keep me in your prayers as I decide if nursing is where I am supposed to be. Thanks,,I know this thread didn't start out as a whining session but appreciate the chance to vent.

Why Mars and Venus Collide: Improving Relationships by Understanding How Men and Women Cope Differently with Stress by John Gray, PhD. It's true,,I let it add stress to MY life until I finally accepted that men and women are DIFFERENT in most evey way. BTW, I'm female, 54 years young, worked outside nursing until I went back to school at 52, and there is nothing any different from the way my fellow students or current coworkers are in the nursing profession than there was in my previous profession. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. All that and $5 will get ya a cuppa coffee,,,,but I DO feel your pain!

This is simply my opinion,,,,and not intended to seem degrading to either the LPN nor the RN: LPNs are vital to doctors offices, LTC, assisted living because RNs are not going to work at lesser paying jobs beneath their educational level. Alot ot RNs were terminated one particular hospital here and I imagine they are finding it harder to find a new job than an LPN. LTC here is BEGGING for LPNs, BEGGING! The pay is good and if LTC is your 'thing', goodonya. LTC, assisted living pays well but most non-surgical doctors offices, "Doc-in_the_box" and the one or two hospitals here that still emply LPNs pay about the same as working the drive-thru window at Wendy's. Seriously. As a single middle-aged woman, if I lose my job and have to take a new one at less pay,,I'd have to find a second job, which at this point in life I reallyyyyyyyyyy don't want to do. That's with a paid off car, no credit card debt, just rent, basic cable, internet and an cellphone and utilities. Not an extravagant lifestyle. Scarey at my age. Glad I own a stationwagon so if I become homeless,,at least I can park it down by the river and lock the doors and live in it! Nothing in life is constant but change. Just hope this chameleon can keep up!

caliotter3,,,wow,,,,,,my situation is about the same as Medsport,,,one year on the job,,clinic setting,,no one said anything until I got my "First Warning" meeting where they basically said I didn't do anything right ecept show up on time each day, didn't take off too often and wasn't looking for another job. I was stunned. 3 months later I get called in,,my doctor is now hitting his growth spurt in his practice(multi-physician practice)and the supervisor is now trying to see where and how we can make if flow smoother, as I'm obviously not up to par. I was nervous and upset at the first meeting,,now I'm even more stressed. I like everything about the job, people, etc, but maybe it's just not the right place for me. This is my first clinic job, thought I'd found my niche' after a few different type settings, but I guess it's time to start looking for a new job. Thanks,,,,i think!? Anyone want to recommend a resume' writer for me? *sobs*

Ahem,,,,,I consider my position "a real nursing job". Just because I don't work in an acute care setting doesn't mean I'm any less a nurse than those LPNs who who do work in those settings. That's the beauty of nursing, there is a niche' for everyones talents. It's enough of a pain dealing with the people who already don't think I'm a "real nurse" since I'm not a RN without fellow LPNs follwoing suit. That comment was harmless in intent, I'm sure,,it just rubbed me the wrong way.

I graduated and went into LTC and hated it. I went to assisted living,,hated that. Hospital work didn't interest me. I had 26 years of office based experience and looked for an office setting. Got a great job at an ENT surgical clinic and LOVE IT! It gives me Mon-Fri, 8-4:30, no holidays or weekends and half a day Fri off. I do alot of computer work, scheduling tests, injections, no blood drawing, and thats fine with me. The pay is alot less(14 vs 16-18 at the other jobs)but it's worth it for me. Each of us has our priorities and our likes and dislikes. This works,,for me. Good luck in finding your place in the profession.

Heck,,,I was 52 when I went to LPN school,,lol,,,I was one of two 52 year young women in our class and we both did very well. I was fat, used to a desk job and insecure,,lol,,but I put on foot in front of the other and passed my boards and am working at a job I enjoy now. Don't let fear stop youi from reaching for your goals. Youre maturity, self-discipline and life experiences will help yoiu also. GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here in central Mississippi, a new grad LPN can make $18/per hr evenings at an assisted living facility or nursing home, $16 days, and $14/per hr in most good clinics. Those Doc-in-the-box corner after hours clinics pay $8-$11/per hr. Hospitals,,if it's money that is your primary goal, don't bother. I could be 17 yrs old, a high school drop out and make the same amount of money working the french fryer at Mickey Dees. I tried the higher paying ASL job but hated it, finally settling in at a nice specialty clinic and love every day! There is always some give adn take ina job, you simply have to find YOUR niche'! Good luck!

I feel your pain! I became and LPN at teh age of 52 and went through4 jobs(1 LTC;2 ASF and 1 addiction center) before discovering a great clinic position. It suits my business/computer skills background and I love the hours. Granted the pay is less than the other jobs, but it works for me. Good luck in finding what suits you best. There is no shame in giving something a try and not liking it. There is a niche' for everyone!

I couldnt have been more nervous if you had your foot in my back trying to push me out of an airplane at 40,000 feet with no parachute,,hahaha. Logically, I know its normal to be nervous as heck,,but emotionally I was not grasping the concept. Welcome to nursing! This too shall pass~

White leather New Balance works for me. Having high arches, it can be hard to find comfy shoes but my feet or legs never feel fatigued. I"ve not worked anywhere where they allowed Crocs but I'll wear them to the pool or around the house. I used to work with a woman who always wore those Coil things,,they look strange, but she swore by them.

:welcome: Congrats on your dedication to obtaining your LPN as a "non-traditional" student! I graduated LPN school at 52 and live in Mississippi and was morbidly obese. Getting a job was a breeze, but between hating the jobs and feeling like I was gonna die after each shift, I made some life changes. I had a lap band, have so far lost 65 pounds and have a job I love. I"ve never felt discriminated against for my age nor my weight. While I graduated in the top 2% of my class,,I think they're so desperate for nurses having a pulse and not being a convicted felon are the only requirements,,lol I like ALF because, 1) It's not as hard, physically,,2) The pay was the same as at a nursing home for the same shifts, 3) I love interacting with seniors,,I come away each day with a profound appreciation of life, and 4) Less stress. Nothing in life is constant but change. I'll go where I feel my calling leads me. Right now,,I see ALF as a long-term position. Don't allow yourself to get spooked if you go through a few jobs before finding your niche'. The world is your oyster! :balloons:

Working ALF, I hear terms of endearment from our residents all the time. Doesn't bother me in the least. Being raised in Mississippi, it's a common thing and usually doesn't show disrespect. Like all things, I take them in context. I'm too old to sweat the small stuff, which for me,,this falls under that catagory. :-)

*Welcome to nursing school* I feel your pain. Been there, done that, got the license to show for it. The one thing I had to keep reminding myself was,,,,Nursing School is the most important thing in my life right now. I can't be thinking about dating, shopping, hanging out, whatever. Significant others, kids and other family all realize it is best for you to devote all yor time to studying and hopefully rearrange things to help relieve you. If I keep my eye on the prize,,I will suceed. Repeat a bazillion times daily, BELIEVE IT. You CAN do it! Good luck! You are NOT alone.

When I get super stressed out (which happens quite often) these are the calming things i repeat in my head and sometimes out loud!: LIFE is what happens when you're busy making plans. Nothing in life is constant but change. Life is NOT a wheel and I am NOT a hamster, and my fav chill out mantra: It's best to be as the young willow, swaying in the winds of turmoil than to be as the old oak, branches ridgid against the storm. Good luck. You are NOT alone.

WOW anonymurse,,,,,,,,you will never fully realize how desperately I needed to hear what you said. YES,,I was feeling the same way as the original poster. I"m 53 and have worked hard all my life and was good at what I did. Two jobs, about 13 years each. I was let go when the last company folded and I was in shock. Within the next four years I had worked at two different companies,,watched my Mom die a painful death, gave up my apartment and moved in with my Dad who was developing dementia and took care of him until he died March 2006. I know he didnt mean the things he said or did to me during that time, but it still wounded me deeply. Still, I went to nursing school trying to feel confident. I sailed through and passed my state boards, easy peasy. My first LTC job was awful. I was scared to death and overwhelmed. I quit after my first night. A few months later I worked for an OP Rehab Facility and stayed there a month, got pneumonia, they had a problem with me taking cough medicine with codeine, I was sick, so I quit. Months went by and I decided to have bariatric surgery Jan 29, 2007. Adter losing 40 pounds I got a job at a ALF. Wonderful place,,people were ok,,then one day my 13 year old chihuahua got mauled and I had to put her to sleep,,then 2 hours later, go to work. That night, I gave meds to the wrong resident. Adter all was done that night, I walked out and never went back. SO,,here I sit, no job because I'm too scared to try again. I've been in therapy to help me learn how to overcome my fear of failure. SOOOOOOOOOO,,,having said all that,,,,just reading your post made me realize that I AM strong and I CAN do anything to which I set my mind. Time to get off the 'Pity Pot' and retake control of my destiny. Bless you for being honest and forthright.

shirleyjt2003,,, I got my information about the low pay scale from having been interviewed by the prospective employer, whom I doubt was 'feeding me' a bunch of crap. As I stated in my previous post, I've made between $16-$18-that includes diff for evenings and or nights. I've worked ALF, OP Rehab Facility and LTC. Yes, I too have ''friends' that tell me they started out new making $11-$13 in a medical clinic.Tupelo, Biloxi, Meridian, Jackson, everyone pays differently. Maybe I need to move to Tupelo. Beautiful trip up the Trace in the Fall.

I forgot to mention,,,I saw an advert for an LPN job at a local clinic associated with one of the hospitals,,base pay,,,,,,$8.40!!!!!!!!!! While it's not all about the money,,deargawddddddd,,how is one supposed to survive on that? I suppose if one was not the breadwinner of the family it might be ok,,but still.:uhoh21:

I graduated last May and have worked in the Jackson area,,3p-11p in LTC, ALF and an OP addiction facility and all of them paid $16 per hour. Too bad I havent found my 'niche' yet, so the money hasn't mattered,,I just want to find something I enjoy.

I worked ALF for one month. It was a wonderful facility, it just wanst't my calling. My normal 3-11 shift consisted of: Take report, count narcs, spend the next 2/12 hours pulling the whole shifts meds for 50 residents. If your lucky, you might have another nurse there til 7p or a CNA that will help with answering the intercom, etc. Each of the residents had at least 5 meds. Put meds in their bin and wait til suppertime when they come by and pick up their meds/eye drops/finger sticks/insulin etc. Those that didn't come by I took to their rooms at 7p and 9p. Inbetween you chart, balance narcs, paperwork, there are calls on the intercom, 'what time is it?',,'i want a peanut butter sandwich instead of going to the dining room'..'i want my pain meds',,,those calls come in while youre trying to pull meds and deal with mrs soandso who just fell in her bathroom. I'm NOT trying to make it sound terrible or anything,,its really a great job if that's your calling. It just wasnt mine. Good luck.

Do home health care and hospice hire new grads? I know you cant answer for the whole industry,,just curious how many people went straight from school to hh/hospice. Thanks

Gosh,,,I really needed to hear what everyone had to say. I graduated March 06, passed boards April 06. Got my first job in LTC in August. Quit after one month. No doubt,,LTC is NOT my calling. So,,about 2 months later, I went to an OP Long Term addiction center. Stayed there one month. All I did was hand the residents their drugs and make sure they swallowed them. I was so down on myself for not liking each job,,something must be wrong with me. I was morbidly obese and 52. Not in a good space in my life. Had lap band surgery Jan 29th 07, lost 40 pounds in 3 months and got anotehr job. This time it was assisted living. Same thing. All I did was put pills in cups into their bins (had 50 residents and it took me 2 1/2 hours to pull all meds for teh entire evening at once)My percious 13 yr old chihuahua got mauled to death one day and I had to put her to sleep. Because I had only been working there less than a month, I went on to work 2 hours later. I was a mess. I also made my first med error. Nothing life threatening, but it threw me for a loop. I finished my shift and never went back. Now,,here it is almost August. I've now lost 66 pounds and doing great. I've started therapy to deal with my lack of confidence and other issues. I'm scared to death to look for a new job. I can explain the lapses in time(going to Europe for 2 months, Dad dies, settled his estate, had surgery, recovery, blah blah blah)but I'm scared I'm going to try something different and not like it either. I'm interested in working at a state mental hospital and they have jobs open. I'm my own worst enemy. I'm trying hard to overcome my fear of failure but its hard. Thanks for everyone who posted.

I'm an LPN in an ALF,,,,but we don't check physician's orders against the MAR before a med pass.I work 3p-11p, have 58 residents and it takes me 2 hours to pull all the meds for everybody for the whole shift. We have a med room with a little drawers for each resident, where we place the evenings meds. The residents swing by on their way to supper, back from supper and pick them up. I also deliver the ones that, for whatever reason, didnt stop by and get theirs, then i deliver the 9p meds to thier rooms. That doesnt count the Forteo and insulin residents that come to the nurses station of get their shots. Needless to say,,it's a busy evening.

I graduated from HCC as an LPN in March 2006 work for the South's premiere lifetime retirement community. Starting salary for 3p-11p was $18.00, including shift differiental. Good luck in finding your niche'.