Starting A Career In My 50's: CNA or LPN?

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Specializes in pre-nursing.

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I'm just coming around to nursing at 53 yo. It's like this: I've always wanted to be a nurse, but life got in the way. I've raised 3 kids and worked in several jobs but family obligations always got in the way of any kind of career. Now I find I can't seem to get hired anywhere! EXCEPT I found a job at a local hospital which will pay me $17 hr for 10-12 weeks to get trained and work while getting certification to be a CNA (after certification I would get a $1/hr paybump). 

This is great, but then while I was looking, I also found I can go to school to be an LPN for free through a program with my community college. I wouldn't be earning for a while, but once I did start working I'd get higher pay (and I'm assuming it won't be quite as physical as CNA work - correct me if I'm wrong).

Because of my age, part of me thinks there is not time to waste and I should just go for the LPN (I'd look at ABSN or MENP though I don't have the $$$ for that). Anyone have any advice for me??

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Specializes in LTC & Rehab Supervision.

definitely go for LPN, especially if it's free. You'll get to where you want to be sooner. LPN pay rates are going up and are significantly higher than CNA, and it's a very fulfilling job. Also many types of jobs you can get, compared to CNA. 

LPN is much less backbreaking work than CNA, especially if you do, say a nursing home, at least in my experience. This is coming from someone who was a CNA and is now an LPN.

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LPN! So much more to do and skills you can learn. Especially if it’s free take it!

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Specializes in pre-nursing.

Thank you both so much for your input! I have confirmed the LPN program will be free, however, I won't be able to enroll until Spring. In the meantime I am still in the running for the CNA position which will start full time in July. I'm not sure if I'm ready for that yet though! We shall see LOL

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Specializes in LTC & Rehab Supervision.

That sounds like a great route! I was a CNA for 7 months in LPN school and it helped me SO much, learning to take care of people and talk to them. Good luck!! You'll do great!

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Specializes in Perioperative / RN Circulator.

CNA until you start your LPN program and consider continuing to work as a CNA part time or PRN while you’re in nursing school. After you become an LPN you might look at bridging to RN

I started back to school at 49. My first RN program required you to become a state registered nurse aide so I did that and worked in a nursing home and a psychiatric hospital through school though I ended up going to a different program where it wasn’t a requirement.

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Specializes in kids.

Agree w previous posters, the CNA job will give you good hands on experience. But go for the LPN! 

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Specializes in pre-nursing.

Thank you all! I did not mention I have RA. Hoping it won't be a problem. ? It's been in "remission" but I think that's just because I don't do much. I've been working from home (when I have employment) so I'm a little nervous.

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I’m 44 and just started a LPN program in May. I was worried about my age at first but the counselors assured me it wasn’t an issue. I’m so happy I went this route. I am thinking of finding a part time job in the medical field until I graduate. There is such a nursing shortage and LPN pay rates are increasing. I plan to get my RN after my LPN. I say go for the LPN!! I was pre-med long ago and had to switch, so now I’m fulfilling my dream of working in healthcare! 

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