Which way to go?

Published

I am 53 years old living in New England. I attempted school last year to get my ASN, made it three quarters of the way through in withdrew. Had difficulty with the multiple-choice testing process, didn't want to mess up my GPA. Started school as an LPN. Doing extremely well, but never feeling quite happy, not really where I want to be. Yesterday looked into a school to go for my RN again. This would require accumulating debt. I'm looking forward down the road and at my age realistically, what will the job market be like for somebody my age? Should I follow through on the LPN, or go 4 it???? Here in my state LPN jobs have become limited.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Dialysis.

If LPN is very limited in your area, I wouldn't pursue it. I'm going to be honest, though. If you had trouble with that program, the ASN is not easier! Also, as much as I hate to admit it, ageism exists in our society. You may get lucky and not have to deal with it, but then again, you may not. Look at the jobs you desire in your area, what do they require-LPN, ASN, BSN? That should guide your education. But you say you're from the New England area, which from my understanding, markets are saturated with new grads, with some small pockets of hiring areas. Look at the forums for your state, see what they say about job market there. If your area is saturated and you're willing and able to relocate, you may be okay. Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in TBI & SCI.

From what I understand, you are an LPN that went for your ASN degree, right? If so, you know the type of work you're getting involved with, and you know you would like it. I would try for the degree again. There are a lot of books out there to help you practice those multiple choice questions....Actually, there are probably a lot of online tools, as well. Once you get the hang of it, it's fine. There will always be two right answers (or more), you just have to choose the "best" right answer :). As for your age, given the fact that you have LPN experience already, I don't think you'd have a difficult time finding a job (depending on the job market there). The oldest lady in my class when I went was 62. She has to be in her 70s now and has been doing hospice nursing. I was actually one of the younger ones in my class, in my early thirties!! There were a few young girls, but also a lot of mom's that stayed home with kids were going back once their kids got older.

Bottom line, I say go for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am 53 years old living in New England. I attempted school last year to get my ASN, made it three quarters of the way through in withdrew. Had difficulty with the multiple-choice testing process, didn't want to mess up my GPA. Started school as an LPN. Doing extremely well, but never feeling quite happy, not really where I want to be. Yesterday looked into a school to go for my RN again. This would require accumulating debt. I'm looking forward down the road and at my age realistically, what will the job market be like for somebody my age? Should I follow through on the LPN, or go 4 it???? Here in my state LPN jobs have become limited.

Okay, I'm confused as to whether you are currently an LPN or currently in LPN school? Can you clarify that please?

From reading your post it sounds like your biggest problem is indecisiveness and lack of follow through. If you are currently in an LPN program FINISH it and then figure out if you want your RN. Stop switching schools! Where you are wasting money is starting schools and not finishing them.

If you are already already an LPN then I'd go back to the first RN school and try and finish what you started. IF you had the option to go back to the first RN school and just finish out the last 1/4 that you didn't finish that is the only way I'd say switching schools would be a good decision, but if you have to start over from scratch stay where you're at and get the LPN done.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

You have been afforded very good asvise.." That being said, Afford yourself, to it.best wishes

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I did not switch I withdrew, returning there not an option. I think follow through is not a problem. I'm very motivated. I'm just worried about the job market for a new grad my age( grad at the age of 55 by then) I lost time, so now I'm trying to figure....play it safe? go for it again.......?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

Withdrawing doesn't prevent you from going there again. If you want to go to that school, talk to the admission person. Where I've taught, people sometimes withdrew for awhile and then changed their minds and came back. In fact, I did just that!

I do think age could be a hindering factor, even though it's not "supposed" to be. Something for you to consider as well, if you're not already in the healthcare field...will you be able to cope with the physical demands of nursing. I'm not saying you won't be able to cope with them, but some older people do have difficulties...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I feel you need to make up your mind. You're 53. There's no reason why by now, you have no idea what you want to do. These decisions cost as you can see. Make a concrete decision that you won't waver from and move forward with it

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion