The second decision was reached several yeas ago after a speaking engagement. It was Sunday after death of St. Louis pitcher Darryl Kile, and I was seated in a coffee shop in St. Louis airport. As I choked up while reading newspaper stories of local hero, I decided that if that could happen to a 33-year old who had recently had a physical exam it could certainly happen to a 53-year old who had never had a thorough physical. And, for some reason, when I had examination and got a clean bill of health, I felt younger. It could possibly work same way for you.

Someone has said that age is mind over matter - if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. Problem is, often we do mind and it does matter. However, these are a few things we can do to keep age from mattering. They have a positive influence on mind.

BARBER-OSOPHY: Worry less about being young and more about being youthful.

Copyright 2004, Sumerlin Enterprises.

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The U.S. Department of Labor has published median income for LPNs as $31,440 in 2002. The range was $22,860 to $44,040 based on geographic location and work experience. Contract LPNs made most money, while doctor’s office nurses made least on average at $28,710.

A nursing career offers other benefits including a flexible schedule, a short work week (three 12 hour shifts with four days off), tuition reimbursement and signing bonuses.

Education / Getting Started

Because of high level of patient responsibility, nursing is highly regulated, requiring both education and a license. Graduates must complete a state approved practical nursing program and pass a licensing examination. An LPN certificate can be completed in less than a year. Some RN students become LPNs after completing their first year of study. Course work in LPN program includes anatomy, physiology, nutrition, biology, chemistry, obstetrics, pediatrics, first aid as well as nursing classes.

Becoming an LPN is fastest path to a nursing career. Advancement can take many forms, but additional education is usually required.

If you possess traits necessary to become a successful nurse and want to secure a well paying, important profession caring for others, getting an LPN degree in nursing is a great way to secure your professional future.