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.
I am a 55 year Male old Nursing student, I was in the RN Track and had to drop it. I became a LPN this spring. I never worked as a CNA although it was required before being admitted to Nursing School. I could not work and Go to School even though a lot of people do. I had to commit to the classes full time. I still wonder if I am doing the right thing. I wish you the best of Luck.
I started LPN school last year and graduated this past June with 3.54 GPA and no prior college. I will be 55 in 4 days. Currently waiting for my ATT to take boards. I went with LPN program so I could start working sooner; would love to get the extra letters after my name. We'll see.
It's not too late. I was a social worker. Deceided to try nsg. Was CNA 1st loved it, earned LPN diploma, then RN (ADN). Been RN for about 6 months. I couldn't work f/t or p/t in LPN school....too much studying. Some do however. Worked f/t as lpn during RN school. I would suggest trying CNA 1st if you like it and are able go stright into RN training...skip LPN if able. Don't stay CNA too long. God Bless!!!
Start a LVN program, in the first level of the program you, can sit for your CNA cert. and start working as a CNA while in LVN school. Advancing to RN either ASN or BSN, you should plan on not working. Most programs are very strict on maintaining your GPA. I'm finishing up my MSN now! Good luck!!!
I went to LPN school in my late 30's and would MUCH rather work with people who are closer to my age or older! As well as have them take care of me or my loved ones if necessary. Many (not all) of the younger nurses and aides are lacking in the life experience and compassion that is so desperately needed in healthcare. Good luck whichever you choose; I'm sure you will be an assett to the profession.
Hello, You are definitly not too old to do any of those things. My advice is to interview some nurses and find out if nursing is what you what to do. College to become a nurse is a very busy program that requires organization and committment. Go see a counsler at your local college, they can be very helpful. And don't forget more studennt loans to pay for your college. Enjoy the journey and I hope you find out what is right for you.
I just graduated from nursing school this summer, I'm turning 45 y/o in October. I managed to work full time and go to school, I have three teens. It was hard, but worth it. I changed my occupation when I was accepted into nursing school and started working as a cna...it seemed to help me. Good Luck in whatever direction you decide to go in.
I started the RN program at the age of 50! I graduate next year. You are NEVER to old to go into it! There are pictures of past graduates, and some are senior citizens!
Is there any way you can work full time and go to school part time? If, so, get your pre-requesites then go to the nursing program. There are over 200 specialties in nursing, you are bound to find something you like. You said you like helping people? This is a wonderful field. I am 45, will be 46 next month and I just finished my first year of nursing school with two more to go. I work full time and go to school part time, yes is a challenge and each semester I wonder how I am going to make it to the next, but I cannot wait to graduate. I also have rheumatoid arthrities, but I have not let that stop me. Welcome to our field, it is indeed exciting. In my class they are people much older than I, and though the part time program takes twice as long, figure that the time will pass anyway and as mind as well do something that you love. The possibilities are endless when you are a nurse. GO FOR IT. GET YOUR RN degree.
Its never too late. I am just a little younger than you and hopefully will graduate this Dec. I enrolled in college 21 years after graduating high school and it has been 3 long and hard years. I don't regret one minute of it. I really enjoy taking care of paitents, and although I feel like I don't know anything the nurses that I work with tell me that it will come in time. I for one am not ready to give up, and for me quiting or not moving forward is the same thing as giving up. So go for it, life is too short to not follow your dreams.
(i should have stayed in college when i had the chance, but oh well...) 
poor nursing student
1 Post
I am a 55 year Male old Nursing student, I was in the RN Track and had to drop it. I became a LPN this spring. I never worked as a CNA although it was required before being admitted to Nursing School. I could not work and Go to School even though a lot of people do. I had to commit to the classes full time. I still wonder if I am doing the right thing. I wish you the best of Luck.