Wanted: creative career advice!

[ColetteFL]

Hi,

I need some creative feedback from all your smart people! I became an LPN at 52, after being downsized from my corporate job. (I became an LPN because I was able to get right into LPN classes, but there were 2-3 years waiting lists for RN. Also, I raised a chronically ill son who was a long-term resident at Shriner's Hospital, and I had had a lot of exposure to Hospice, hence the decision to become a nurse).

I am now 56. I have 2 years of great Med-Surg, tele, and surgical hospital experience and am currently working as a Nurse Liaison for a home health company (a combination of intake/assessment and marketing - good money).

I'm thinking of going back to school and getting either the RN, a BSN, or maybe even Masters. My primary care MD thinks I should go to med school, but that doesn't appeal. I do *not* have a BA, so I would be starting from scratch (as it were).

Before nursing, I was a corporate administrator and before that I was a stockbroker (!), so I've got a lot of varied experience. I've got the smarts for college and the kids are gone, but I would have to finance education with loans, which doesn't appeal to me.

I love end-of-life nursing, spiritual and general comfort and support, but hospice LPN's aren't paid well. I've even thought about becoming a chaplain! - but that's another low paid position.

Another idea that appeals to me is using the experience that I have to travel around the world, as a medical volunteer/employee, but everyone wants RN's (as far as I can tell). Anybody know how to find international travelers who might need an LPN companion?

I'm wondering if the decision to go into debt for school is really cost-effective at my age, and if anyone has any creative ideas that I might not think of...?

thanks for reading, sorry it's so long. So many good people on this site!

Thanks in advance, Colette.

[HomeBiz4U]

Hi Colette,

Congratulations on all that you have accomplished in your life! While reading your post I had a thought about work you might enjoy.

Have you ever considered starting a business for yourself instead of seeking salaried employment?

Here is a creative career business idea based on your past experience and passions.

You could start a business as an End of Life Consultant, by that I mean a person who is hired by families who are facing end of life issues with their loved one who need more guidance that Hospice offer. Such as other services needed for preparation of end of life. Financial matters must be organized and transferred, bank accounts, insurance, credit cards...

Needs like house cleaning, transportation, yard care, grocery shopping....

You could run a referral service for these providers and charge 10% percent of the fee or simply $5.00 more per hour than the provider charges. Of course you would have to screen the providers or only use providers you know personally.

There are so many tasks to be taken care of at end of life that are financial and most people are not prepared.

You could position your self by targeting wealthy seniors/cancer patients who do not have family in the area who could take care of these issues.

Also you could act as a "travel companion" for those who desire to travel but need someone to be with them. You could even arrange travel groups for people who are able to and want to travel while there is time to do so.

Your background lends well to this type of work and I know from personal experience that people are willing to pay very good money for this service.

Good luck to you Colette!

Warmly,

Eileen

[ColetteFL]

Wow! Thank you Eileen!

I had given up on getting a response to this post - I knew my message was long and deep, so I wasn't surprised when no one wanted to take it on...

...and your idea is absolutely awesome! I had actually thought about starting a "caretaker" business, but it did not occur to me to target the End of Life demographic. Great idea!

I'll start doing some market research and see what is being offered in my area. It'll be easy for me, because I already market and network for my current position...

I gather from your title that you are a Career and/or Life Coach - thank soooo much for taking the time for such a thoughtful and well-written answer - you're awesome! :bowingpur

Gratefully, Colette

:loveya:

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

How much longer do you intend to work? When will you be able to retire? Are you in good physical shape?

Getting your RN should only take a year or so, maybe two years with pre-reqs and if it's done at a community college level it might be cost effective if you intend on working past what is considered "normal" retirement age. (I myself probably will have to work up until my early 70's being a late bloomer myself.)

Then you have to weight to increase in salary vs. the loans, etc. etc. which it sounds like you've already considering.

I would say if you're in good health and want to work many more years, getting the RN makes the most sense.

If not finding a way to be happy as an LPN is the next option. Travel options and other options as you're finding are limited.

Good luck.