Should I be a CNA -- I'm 44yrs old!!! Is it too late for me?

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hello!

i'm new this site as i am trying to garner information on either becoming a cna first to see if i really would be suitable material for nursing school (possibly an lpn or rn) at this late point in my life.

i'm 44yrs old, live in nj, i work f/t at an ivy league university and have a son who will be 19 in 3 weeks! i've always thought about nursing, but never did it. i make a 'good' wage as an office administrator , but i do enjoy helping people. when my mil died 5yrs ago, i helped the hospice nurse clean and take care of her. it didn't bother me in the least.

the other motivator is that i need to make some extra income , as i will be paying for a loan i took out for my child's college. i can't make overtime at my f/t job as i have a low-level management position.

my question is:

1) should i at least try a cna program and get certified to see if it is for me and to help make extra money part-time? (and help others, of course!)

2) if i do indeed enjoy it, should i go to school for nursing at this late stage?? i'm 44....is it just a stupid idea to try and earn a degree now (i don't have one..i never finished college) :( (i should have stayed in college when i had the chance, but oh well...)

3) should i not do a cna program and just jump to an lpn program??? but perhaps being a cna will help me decide if its for me??

4) is it possible to work f/t (37hrs a week), go to cna training (or rn school) and work p/t?? i know some people have done it.. i'm just wondering if i'm just too old to do all of this.

4) is it more advantageous to do an lpn training or just shoot for rn (after cna training) if i indeed do the cna training and like it??

any and all help/suggestions would be great. i really need to do something -- and i figure if i want to help people, i should learn a new trade and be able to work p/t in that trade, instead of me working at target (not that there is anything wrong with that!! :)

thank you!! sorry for all of the questions, i am in real need of input. i look forward to hearing your responses.

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You are definitely not too old. I'm 54, have been a CNA for one year and am hopefully headed for LPN school in January (Letters are going out Sept. 30). After that I'm going to bridge over to RN.

~Anna~

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Specializes in Home Health, SNF.

You are never too old. I didn't discover nursing until late, I became an LPN at 40 yrs old and work with many who started late and are excellent nurses. If you didn't go for CNA, LPN or RN you would still be as old as you would have been had you gone for it. GO FOR IT. Best of luck.:yeah::D:heartbeat

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I will be 41 when I graduate with my ADN/RN in May! I have actually found school to be easier now that I have more life experience. BTW, The oldest student in our class will be 59 at graduation!

Good Luck!

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CuriousChrys - what an exciting venture. Your age surely will not trump any of the desires you wish to take on.

In my case before getting accepted in the nursing program we had to obtain CNA licensing. At first I wondered why they required this but after going through with the CNA program I now understand why. Many of the students after going through the CNA program opted themselves out of the nursing program. They figured out after going through the CNA program that nursing was not for them. Therefore, I would suggest going through the CNA program first. Then you can transition to a CNA position. If you desire to continue move on to the LPN program or nursing school.

Here in IL LPN is utilized in nursing home/skilled nursing facilities. Most hospitals do not utilize LPNs. You have to see where your interest lies and what your state utilizes at each perspective location you so desire to work.

CNA is definitely a good start. See where it goes. If you continue to enjoy it utilize the skill sets you learn. In regards to working while going to school gauge it as you continue with your classes if finances allows. In my case I adjusted my work hours according to the difficulty of the clinical rotations. As you continue before you know it you'll either be a licensed LPN or RN.

As a career changer myself I started with the CNA then I hit a fork in the road I can either get my LPN and stop or just continue and obtain my RN. I chose the CNA to RN. The reason I opted not to take the LPN route was I didn't want to be limited to nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities. But most importantly I wanted no option for me at the end but to have my back against the wall and have no choice but to obtain my RN license.

I wish you luck and continued success in any endeavor you choose.

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wow, thank you for all of the fast responses!! i appreciate the support. :)

i'm having a problem finding a cna course in my area (central jersey). :(

doesn't look like there are nay and it seems that nj has either cna training or home health aid training, but not nearby.

my employer pays for schooling in any trade (they will reimburse 85% tuition) at an approved accredited institution!! if i could only find one, i would be good to go.

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Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

It is a perfect time to become a Nurse... I went to college at the same time as my son and my education was almost fully covered by financial aid.

I was 45 years old and i worked the night shift and went to school full time days. I did the LPN program in 3 semesters. Sept - July. in Sept I started the pre reqs and Co reqs for the RN prgram. I was 48 when I graduated. (the same time as my son) I have been an RN for over 2 years and love every moment.

I am currently 50 years old and being an RN is a perfect job for me at this stage in my life. Don't let the numbers put you off....go forward.

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CuriousChrys - here's a link I found in allnurses that asked the same question in regards to CNA schools in NJ. I hope this helps it's an old post started May2008 but it still may be relevent.

https://allnurses.com/new-jersey-nurses/cna-training-programs-300138.html

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deelee: wow, you are an inspiration!! how awesome for you!!

my only problem is i have no college credits behind me. none. i would have to start from the way bottom up and i have a f/t job that i cannot leave. the benefits, hours, etc are just too good (and my husband and i need two salaries, and the p/t salary that i need to work soon).

thanks so much for the encouragement!! i should have no excuses, if you can do it -- so can i!! i just don't want to enroll in an rn program and don't like it -- that's why i'm trying to find info on cna training in my area.

ulist2: thanks for that post. i think i came across it earlier this evening, but it really has nothing relevant. i did post over at the nj nursing board, so hopefully, someone may know more. i appreciate you trying to help.

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Look for CNA programs in your local school district either through ROP (vocational education) or adult ed. Call your local high school, or district office and ask for a # for Regional occupational center. You wont pay much for the class. I was 52 when I got my CNA and Phlebotomy licenses.

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Go for it:yeah::yeah: I graduated at 49 with honors and I worked a hard physical job in an auto factory at the time. I always wanted to be a nurse and to get a degree but I always had to work to support my family. I finally decided to take the plunge and go head first. I remember the 1st day of school thinking --Oh my can I do this? My doubts didn't last long though because I knew that I could do it. If I could work in 110 degree heat and build a car I knew I could go to school. Best thing I ever did for myself but I have to admit that for the 3 years that it took me I did nothing but study and work--it was a complete devotion to school. Total committment--but in the end it paid off. Good Luck with whatever you decide and have fun with it.

NJ should have alot of schools or programs for CNA--I think I would skip the CNA and either do the LPN or RN. Just my :twocents:.

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http://www.vineland.org/adulted/WLL/index.htm they have an LVN program, might check for CNA

is this school close to you?

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