CommandSarMaj

Kim, Remember that you passed all the requirements of your nursing school, you took their tests, passed those tests, and graduated. Every bit of knowledge you need to pass the NCLEX is locked up in your head. Now I don't want to sound like some "new-ager", but all you need to do is go into the NCLEX with an open mind, a calm heart, and confidence in your abilities. You made it through clinicals, you've taken care of patients, and your instructors are assuredly confident in your abilities. GO FOR IT !!!!! BTW - I challenged the NCLEX-PN in California and passed without a hitch. My prior experience had been as an Army Medic, which is as far from nursing as you can get. If I passed, you can too. Jack

I am interested in becoming a flight nurse, but I am concerned that my actual or apparent age may be a hinderance to my aspirations. I am in my 40's and look it. I did spend 22 years as a US Army medic, including ten years in special operations (Green Berets), but I am a little hestitant in pursuing positions in a field that is probably populated with young and eager nurses. I am sure that I can pass a flight phsyical and any physical activity requirements that our local medivac companies (Life-Flight and Calstar) could dream-up. However, I would like to know from if any of you have run into problems being accepted as older flight nurses. Just as background, I am a "new" nurse, having returned to medicine in the last few years. I am MICN, CCRN, and NICU certified, and I was certified as a Flight Transport Medical Technican while in the Army (meaning that I proved my qualification and training allowing me to participate in over-water, long-distant transport of medically stable patients). I've participated in medivac operations in both peace- and war-time, and I've had battlefield experience. I've also been involved in rescue operations for both military and civilian personnel. If any of you have some words of advice, please let me know. Thanks

I handle this same situation by being prepared, confident, and keeping my mouth shut for the first couple of hours (this is definitely the hard part). I've spent 22 years handling trauma as a medic and I've probably seen more codes then most ICU nurses (including on the battlefield). But I am still a fairly "new" nurse and when I get floated to ICU I need to make a good impression. Moving quickly and starting my pt. care routine, instead of socializing shows the regular staff that I am competent and CONFIDENT. If they know that you are ready to work, know where things are on the unit, and focused on your Pt's. they will usually cut you some slack.

Staffing has learned that when they start to push after I have said "NO" they are in for a lecture on manners and deportment. I have reamed a couple of the staffing folks to the point that they won't call me for anything expect one extra shift a week (And it had better be short-call).

I work at a Catholic Hospital in California (Daughter's of Charity Health System) and I've found the experience rewarding and the atmosphere very supportive. I am Catholic and this is the hospital where I was born and all my kids were born, so I've got a lot of history here. I am a second career nurse, but I did my clinical's at County Hospitals and local private hospitals as well. I've always felt that the Catholic Hospitals provided a superior level of care and compassion as compared to many other institutions. I am also a member of a large, private healthcare insurance group (through my wife's work) and the level of care provided by "K P" is not up to the standards of my current employer. I would recommend giving the Catholic system a try and seeing if you are happy there. I have only good things to say about the experience.