61yr old LPN, should I get RN?

Grannyof6 · Jan 20, 2012

Caliotter3--

I've also come across some snobby RNs who think being an LPN stands for "Lets Play Nurse". At least 3 RNs over the years have actually said that to me. I've also worked with several RNs, who were never LPNs because, quote "I don't want to do all that. I want to be in charge" unquote. And they're the ones who did just that.....sit and be in charge. Wouldn't help an LPN if the place were on fire.

I became an LPN because of several reasons, including time and money, back in '81 but I stayed one because I could do more hands-on than the RNs did. I loved being closer to the patients. Oh well. Things change and now RNs are doing more hands-on than before.

Don't get me wrong. Most of the RNs I've worked with are wonderful. but there's always a few bad apples..lol.

I appreciate the input I'm getting here.

Grannyof6 · Jan 20, 2012

Esme12--

I have seen age discrimination up close. I went for an interview 7yrs ago (when I was 54 but looked in my 40s still) and the DON was only in her 20s (looked 12yrs old). The moment she saw me her face dropped and she said "Oh I was expecting someone younger" eventhough she had my resume in her hand that had my age on it. Then she tried to backpedal so I wouldn't sue her or something I guess...lol.

I live in an area with several nursing schools for RN and LPN so I have a feeling my age is going to work against me alot.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2012

my oldest student was 63. she had been married for forty years to a man who told her she was stupid and worthless and never let her do anything she wanted to do, least of all nursing school. and when the old b****** died she took the insurance money and went to nursing school, bless her.

she was a typical student in some ways, except although she was new to nursing she was not new to life. in that she was years and years ahead of the 18-year-old chickies fresh out of high school who were her classmates. she had experienced the vicissitudes of life over decades, had raised kids, and so much else, so she could identify stressors and situations in patients, and they trusted her to listen to them more than someone whose hair wasn't already well on its way to white.

another friend went to med school at 32. when people said, "you'll be forty by the time you finish!" she said, "i'll be forty anyway." good attitude.

good luck!

Marshall1 · Jan 20, 2012

GO FOR IT!!! You said you needed something to do - this would be a great thing - inmprove yourself AND you will be of much value to those less experienced. I know "young" people in their 80's and "old" people in their 30's...if for nothing else, the RN coupled w/your LPN experience will open doors to opportunities such as management that most of the time LPN degrees alone won't. Good luck~

FLmomof5 · Jan 21, 2012

I say go for it! I was 49 and a new grad, so you can do this when you are older. I have been hired by both an LTC and a hospital and had an offer at another LTC. You can get hired!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2012

If you are planning to work 10 years, you still need to carefully weigh your costs. If it takes six months to start that RN job and 5 years to pay back your loans, is it worth it? Maybe. Personally, if I was planning to work for 10 years, I wouldn't return to school, unless all those costs were covered. You may feel differently.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jan 21, 2012

Unless you can have the education paid for somehow.. no.

I have seen Many opportunities for LPN's.. you just need to search.. search.. search.

Best of luck, keep us posted!

Grannyof6 · Jan 21, 2012

To Been there, done that--

I also have seen several opps for LPNs. The point is my age. That is the biggest obstacle. I thought being an RN would mitigate that somewhat, but I'm beginning to doubt it.

To Joanna73---

That's what I've been thinking too.

The time+cost divided by working years left just don't seem to make sense to me. As I've said, I'm grabbing at straws and trying to widen my opportunities.

thanks for replying.

Phillip1988 · Jan 24, 2012

If you can pay for the bridge program I'd say go for it. It's never too late in life to further your education. If you were 70 years old and wanted to do a bridge program I'd encourage you.

Grannyof6 · Jan 24, 2012

Thank you for the encouragement. I'm still debating about what to do. I'm mostly worried about being able to work long enough to pay the loan back. I hate using loans but haven't been able to find a grant yet. But I appreciate all the feedback I'm getting from all of you.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2012

Have you actually looked at the numbers on paper? I regularly write out budgets for myself because it really helps to keep me on track. By doing so, you know exactly what you can and can't afford. If your costs exceed more than the amount you expect to earn as an RN for one years salary, it isn't worth it IMO. You don't want to retire in debt. I would consider all the options available within the LPN scope of practice. Sure, it's nice to say "go for it." However, the economy is still pretty dismal. The last thing you want is to be stressed as you're also pondering retirement. Do a cost analysis to see where you're at.

Grannyof6 · Jan 24, 2012

Joanna73--

That's very good advice and yes, I've done that. That's why I can't get off the fence probably. If I were married I'd be able to save more of my future RN salary and also pay any loan back quicker. But I'm not married anymore.