FASTBOB60

I entered nursing school at 54 and graduated and got a license. I am now 60. This person is spun!

Took NCLEX fours years ago. Finished in 45 minutes and 73 questions. Passed. Here's what I did. First realize that you know all the nursing that you can get into your brain. So stop studying workbooks on how to teach crutch-walking. This test is about critical thinking. At the test you will get paper pencil and a dry erase board. On the board write the following, "Does the question want me to take action or gather more information?" "Did I read the question closely and really understand what is being asked?" I believe this is on the first page of Kaplen's review. If you payed attention in school you have the data base, this test is about application through thinking. You can do it.

I went through one of the most vicious nursing programs on earth. Occurances such as yours were routine. We did this. Definitely have a third party in the room to witness the meeting. It can be anyone you don't need an ombudsman etc. Take notes. Ask to record the meeting. If they refuse a third party decline the meeting and go to the Dean. Use the chain of command and document everything. In our program we wound up before the Board of Trustees. If they are interested in fair treatment these requests should be no problem. My take on the situation is that the clinical instructor inflated the situation, you embarassed them because you knew the rules. You are also probably better looking, stronger and smarter than they were at your age and they resent that you will make 30% more money as a new grad than they do as instructors. You will face this same situation in the workplace over your nursing career.

I'm on a similar quest. Forty Years on the Central Coast. Good money but a declining quality of life. If you have kids you will need a community with services or nearby services. There are 29 rural hospitals in NCal.