whiteflowers

Hi there...first of all, let me commend you on having the courage to go back to school when you have a full house! It will not be easy, but beginning is half the battle won already! Iam a LVN that actually started out as a medical asst. I have "stair-stepped" my way through the medical field - and feel I am much better for it. I went from medical asst to EMT, then to LVN and plan to work for my RN in the near future. I was also in my 30's when I began all of this back in 1996. Taking the LVN course is not giving up...it is usually the program that you can get into the earliest...and you learn from that experience, are able to work and earn money much sooner than through the RN program...and its nice to get your feet wet and make sure this is what you really want and can do before going on to the longer education. I enjoy being an LVN...I do want to become a RN because they do get to do more interesting procedures and have many more opportunities...but to feel being an LVN is "giving up" or is not worthy...is a mistake. Anything that makes you learn and grow as a person is an experience that needs to be appreciated. Just go and do what you need to do...that is what is most important...what you want and need...once your family sees what you are learning and that you are enjoying yourself....they will see the light and hopefully be more supportive of you. good luck and best wishes!:flowersfo

Hi there! I was afraid that it may take awhile to get everything processed. :chuckle I will remember to get an early start on it. I still have some time left, we just want to relocate before our 3 year old begins school. I am with you, the livescan is the only way to go!! Thanks for your time and good luck with obtaining your IL license! :thankya:

Good to know...thank you! :)

I am a LVN in southern California and in about 1-2 years my family will be relocating to the state of Utah. I was wondering if I could get licensed there before we left California, or do I already have to be residing there? Are there any nurses on this forum from the Ogden area? Are there a good number of jobs there for LVNs? Any idea what they pay? Anyone know if there is much of a difference in duties between the 2 states? Any info/advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I am an lvn in southern california. About 3 years ago i became pregnant and had quite a difficult time...I stopped working at 7 months and became a stay at hommer. I had another pregnancy almost immediatly following (my kids are 11 months apart) . during that time my license expired, we had moved twice, so i never did receive the renewal papers, and we were on such a tight budget with just the one income and 3 kids! I now want to renew my license -- it has been delinquent for about 2-1/2 years, but iam not sure how to go about it. I have contacted the boards and they told me to send the fine, proof of education, affidavit that i havent been in any legal trouble, and cost for renewal. sounds ok....but...I am wondering, I will be relocating next spring....so should i go ahead a renew here, even though I will not be working...or wait and renew in the new state? Maybe the new state will be cheaper....iam just not sure what is the better or correct thing to do...must i hold an active license from the old state to apply for a new license in that state? please advice...anything will be appreciated! Thanks!!

I am an LVN in SoCal. I work med/surg in a local hospital. I am also IV and venipuncture certified. We have the RT's do ABGs on our patients. I have never seen one of our RNs do it either -- not even the one with 25 years experience under her belt! At this hosptal, LVN's start IVs everyday. As long as it is natural fluids, like NaCl, banana bags....stuff like that. We cant however, piggyback or hang antibiotics. We can flush , but we cant inject anything into the iv ports. I long for the days when i can become a RN and take 100% care of my patients. Maybe some day in the near future... :)

[/i]I think you should go for it! As long as you are breathing, you can do whatever it is you desire! You are probably blessed with more patience and understanding now than in your 20's, and you will need both these things to get through school and your practicals! I was 32 when I began LVN school, and now at 38, I am soon going to be working on becoming a RN!! with 3 children, 2 dogs, husband, and 2 saltwater tanks...i will probably be close to 45 before i finish!! LOL !! go for it....do what makes you happy!