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Go for an RN over lpn. More job opportunities and like above said, bedside nursing is taxing overtime , but you will have options for mental health/behavioral health as that area seems to be in high demand these days
I agree. RN. BSN.
After years of legal secretarial, paralegal and managerial work I was downsized in 2007 at 54 years of age. I also had started my education for nursing after high school but quit due to marriage and family. I went back to school part time in 2008 while working full time. I finished my pre-reqs and LPN in 2012. I then did the RN AA completion and finished in Dec 2014. N-CLEX and job hunt took me to mid 2015 when I got my first RN job in a hospital. I was 60. I didn’t feel comfortable for a year as many can attest to. Plus, yes it’s very demanding physically. I worked there til 2018 when I switched to home care until 2022. I was 68. I had planned to work til 70 but due to a back injury due to the work and failed back surgery in 2022 I retired that year.
With your MA and behavioral experience that can help with the transition. I agree with others here saying to go for the RN degree: more opportunities. You’re 63 now. The minimum age you graduate would be 65, more if you’re going part time. Then the job hunt. At 60, I’m sure I was passed over for jobs (I applied for MANY jobs) due to age even though I look young for my age, people thought I was 45-50, so that will be a factor. And the physicality of the job will definitely affect you. Hopefully you do continue in the behavioral aspect but if you’re working with patients there’s always the possibility of physical interactions as I did see some during my psych rotation in school. It can be done though. I’m proud of what I accomplished at the age I did and I’m sure you will be proud of your accomplishments. Just weigh the pros and cons. And protect your back!
Very good advice!
Hi 👋🏾 not to discourage you but in my
Humble opinion, I wouldn’t advise bedside or anything strenuous but go ahead and get your nursing degree if that’s your hearts desire. I got mine when I was 50 and I regret that I didnt make the best of it. I dodged and ducked the hard, scary stuff and worked at a nursing home. I’m in student loan debt, now 67 and have nothing to show for it! Don’t get yourself in debt, getting a nursing degree and do not get into a job that’s going to make your health decline. Im currently a school nurse and live paycheck to paycheck 😪
Hello,,Congratulations on your career advancement. I’m currently a 53 Lpn who started out at bedside which is primarily long term care and found it wasn’t the fit for me due to the following: heavy work load, under staffed , facilities environment are poor dirty /poor management, residents aren’t cared for well. So I moved on to clinics, schools and government agencies, absolutely loved it but my only downfall was the pay is lower in the places. In order to maintain I worked two jobs ,a clinic and detox center, again for my age I realize working two jobs was too much so I’m back at the nursing home and of things have changed from 2016. My pt ratio is 1:36 so needless to say I’m looking for something else due too the physical demand on my body, and bedside nursing is challenging ranging from family members,. CNA’s and aides.. it’s a lot work at this point in my life. Again I love the government agency but as an Lpn you don’t get paid your worth, and often lowball in pay, I have a great deal of experience and always have job opportunities ,but bedside nursing isn’t for me.. All the best to you…
Hi would suggest IV therapy, Home health, wound care or hospice, phlebotomy . Wish I had kept up my IV skills.
Bedside nursing is physically demanding. Long shifts, lifting, and being on your feet all day. You know yourself best. Do you feel like that is something you can do? I’ve known many younger people who couldn’t. It just depends, really. There are non-bedside roles, clinics, and behavioral health to consider, too.
I agree with RN 1 above. My manager tells me all the time if I go back to school to go back and get my RN. You might be able to get it paid for as well.
I appreciate you all taking the time to reply. This as been extremely helpful!
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Never too old !!!
I went back to school in my 40's. If I only knew then what I know now! I didn't think I could really do it, it had been 25+ years since I had a science class! It wasn't easy, it was like learning a whole new language. Took me more than 5 years to get my degree. So, looking back i wish I had gone straight for my BSN or my masters. Not having my BSN has made getting into the position I want difficult.
Where I live (Georgia) LPNS are as in demand as RNs. Age is truly just a number so if you want/can return to school for getting your license, do it. My only advice is the 12 hr shifts are a lot, for a lot of reasons, for me, not age related though I am 59, I just think 12 hr shifts are, overall, too long for what nursing demands but there are many, many other options over 12 hrs. Not to mention w/your background you will have no trouble landing a job.
I started taking classes in 2012 got into nursing school in 2014. Graduated in 2016 all while working full-time in lending and part time at the hospital as an aide. The training was a weekend program. It was a very hard nut to crack but I received my RN degree at age 56. It was hard at first. Bedside nursing is very tiring but I have stuck with it. You're never too old to work in this field. It is demanding but the emotional reward is there. Don't know how much longer I will work but I have a part time med surg job 3 days a week for 8 hr shifts. This is the goal i worked so hard for. Its so wonderful to have 4 days off per week to do what you want.