From Stay-at-Home Mom to Licensed Practical Nurse: How Online Learning Changed My Life
By Emily Carter—a Licensed Practical Nurse, mom of two.
The Breaking Point: A Life Stuck in Routine
Three years ago, I was a 32-year-old stay-at-home mom drowning in diapers and daycare bills. My husband’s income barely covered our expenses, and my part-time retail job paid minimum wage with zero benefits. I felt trapped—until a friend mentioned Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN). “You can study online, work flexible hours, and earn over $50k a year,” she said. Skeptical but desperate, I Googled “online LPN programs” and stumbled upon a life-changing opportunity.
Why LPN? Flexibility Meets Financial Freedom
I chose LPN for three reasons:
🔸Speed to Career: Most programs take 6–18 months. I enrolled in an accredited online course that combined self-paced lectures with weekend clinical rotations at a local hospital. Within a year, I was exam-ready.
🔸Affordability: Federal grants and employer tuition reimbursements covered 80% of my 14,000 tuition.Some states even offer WIOA grants up to10,000 for healthcare training.
🔸Work-Life Balance: As a mom, I needed shifts that fit my schedule. LPNs can choose night shifts, weekends, or home healthcare—perfect for parenting.
The Online Learning Journey: Challenges and Triumphs
My program covered anatomy, pharmacology, wound care, and patient ethics through interactive modules. Virtual simulations taught me to administer IVs and monitor vital signs, while weekly Zoom sessions with instructors clarified tough concepts. The hardest part? Juggling studies with parenting. I’d study after bedtime, fueled by coffee and determination.
Clinical rotations were eye-opening. At a nursing home, I bathed elderly patients, changed dressings, and learned to detect early signs of sepsis—a skill that later saved a patient’s life. My supervisor praised my bedside manner, saying, “Empathy is your superpower.”
NCLEX-PN: The Final Hurdle
Passing the NCLEX-PN felt like climbing Everest. The exam tested everything from infection control to medication dosage calculations. My program included a 6-week boot camp with practice tests mirroring the real exam. On test day, my hands shook—but I scored above 90% on the first try.
The Payoff: A Career That Rewards Heart and Skill
After passing my LPN certification, the program connected me with hospitals in their partner network. Within weeks, I landed a full-time position earning $65k/year — turning my training into a thriving healthcare career. Today, I work at a pediatric clinic earning $68,000 annually with full health insurance and paid time off. My shifts run from 7 AM to 3 PM, so I’m home when my kids finish school. Last month, I trained a new CNA and realized how far I’d come—from doubting my capabilities to mentoring others.
Salary Snapshot:
🔹Starting Wage: $24/hour (home healthcare)
🔹Experienced LPNs: Up to $35/hour in hospitals.
🔹Overtime Opportunities: Time-and-a-half pay for weekends—a game-changer for saving vacations.
Why LPNs Are the Backbone of Healthcare
The U.S. healthcare crisis needs you. With 16% job growth projected by 2028 and 50% of current LPNs nearing retirement, hospitals are desperate for skilled nurses. Baby boomers’ aging and rising chronic illnesses mean your skills will always be in demand.
Your Path Starts Here: How to Begin
🔸Find an Accredited Program: Ensure your school is approved by your state’s Board of Nursing. I chose Genesis Healthcare Institute for its hybrid model.
🔸Apply for Financial Aid: FAFSA, WIOA grants, and employer sponsorships can slash costs.
🔸Leverage Support Systems: Join online study groups or mentorship programs. My cohort’s WhatsApp group became my lifeline during exams.
From LPN to RN: Climbing the Ladder
Already planning my next move: bridging to an RN through an online ADN program. With an RN license, I could earn $75k+ and lead clinical teams.
A Message to Hesitant Readers
I almost talked myself out of this. “What if I fail?” “Am I too old?” Let me answer:
🔹Age Is Irrelevant: My class had students from 19 to 55.
🔹Failure Is Temporary: Retake exams or switch programs—persistence pays.
🔹You’re Needed: Every IV you administer, every wound you dress, changes a life.
Ready to Start?
Starting to explore accredited LPN programs near you. Scholarships are available—your future in healthcare begins today.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Emily Carter—a Licensed Practical Nurse, mom of two, and advocate for accessible healthcare education. After years of juggling parenting and dead-end jobs, I transformed my life through an online LPN program. Today, I work at a pediatric clinic in Chicago, mentor nursing students, and write about career transitions for platforms like Nurse Career Hub. My mission? To show others that with the right tools and grit, reinvention is possible at any stage of life.