lastchance56

Hi Stacy: I feel badly that I didn't respond to your comment last Spring. With my 50 points on essay, I got full points: minus the 5 you get for being a previous applicant. I really worked hard to get A's and it wasn't easy! I ended up going with OHSU and now I wonder if I should have. I don't know how 'good' the program at Chemeketa is compared to other schools. I figured, from what I've been told, that almost all the programs just teach the basics, and that you REALLY learn when you're hired and have a preceptor. I hope you got in-I haven't had time to read all the comments yet.

You know, at 22, I too thought I'd need to finish college and get a 'real job.' Back then, that meant more 9-5, with benefits and retirement and an enjoyable place to work. I think that type of job is mostly gone. I was laid off after 23 years, at 53! I don't 'retire', i.e. get Social Security until 67 and some months. I'm in that 'age in' Boomer group. So, what do I do for 12 years? Take a minimum wage job until then, one that is likely mind-numbing? So I"m one of those who chose to completely change my life. I'd already lost my house, but I came out debt-free. I wanted to go into health field and luckily, all those classes I took over the years stood me in good stead. I only had 9 pre-reqs to finish which took me about 2.5 years. I also applied to multiple schools to ensure I was accepted the first time: I got into 5 of the 6. So here I am, just turned 56, in my first year of nursing school. Who'd have thunk right? So to all you youngsters out there---and older ones too--it's what you want to do that matters. Not the money, time, or what others say or society's expectations. It just takes commitment and desire, and of course, good brains! Although I didn't move cross-country, I did move from a large city to small, and love it! The class is small, the school nice and although nursing is hard, I believe it's my path, and that God is directing me. And I'm listening after ignoring all these years. So life will throw you curves but just hang in there and do what you want. You'll be much happier. And you'll have a skillset that will likely last your whole life. I believe there will always be jobs for nurses in this society.

Well it's good to see I'm not alone in the boat! I am 55, will be entering the 3 year program at OHSU, Oregon. That means I'll graduate at 58. I too was apprehensive about the physicality and emotional strain of nursing. However, when you are laid off after 23 years, and your main job skill is middle management at a call center, there's not a lot of jobs in my city for that skill set. I decided to work with a counselor to see where I stood credit-wise and take a few aptitude and interest tests. I had wanted to be a nurse or doctor when I was a child but life didn't work out that way. Now, due to the economy, I am able to pursue that dream. I did do the CNA course and clinicals so have had a bit of trial by fire. I realizes I can and so want to. Not only will I have more immediate satisfaction of helping people, but a decent living besides. I found that about 1/3 to 1/2 of the students in my science pre-reqs were like me: laid off and a saturated job market for the skills they have. They too are wanting to make a difference and see the medical field as meeting that desire. One other thing. I will be d***** if I ever get into another work place like the old job and let people treat me that way. With a nursing degree, I can and will WALK if I am being degraded, verbally abused, etc. by management and/or coworkers. These new skills will give me confidence in being able to find work at other locations. That ability is icing on the cake. And before others chime in about workplaces: yes I've heard the horror stories of how other nurses and doctors treat you. But I don't believe that is true in all workplaces and by all people. I believe my Higher Power will direct me to where I'm supposed to be and help me adapt. Good luck to all of you second-tme arounders!

For the alternates: I just sent an email releasing my spot for Fall 2012. I was accepted at OHSU and although it will require a move and costs more, I decided to do the 3 years at the same school. So one of you lucky alternates will be getting my spot. Hope it all works out for you---and me! Cheers

i have the full 360. i was accepted and just sent in my intent to enroll. but, i'm also accepted at ohsu and have already paid the $200 deposit. but, you just never know. i'll follow thru on necessary stuff for both schools in case one falls thru. wouldn't that be a bummer. so an alternate may get my CCC spot.

Ok, this is beyond the pale. No instructor should be permitted to abuse, alienate, discourage or harass students. Students after all are PAYING the instructor to provide them with skills, knowledge and critical thinking skills for future careers. If the DON did not put this instructor on administrative leave or fire, then I think you should file a complaint with the State Board of Nursing. Instructors think they can get away with it because we students are so afraid of getting fired. They are bullies and bullies need to be called on their behavior, which as one person said, is truly actionable legally. I would ask the DON what specific disciplinary action was or is being taken and that you plan to file with the State BON if no action is taken. Could that result in problems for you at the school? Maybe. If so, that means all of them are not standing up to bullies. Perhaps it's time to transfer to a better school.

I too am mostly with the others. After being laid off from a 23 year office job, some counselors being doubtful I could re-enter a scientific field and keep up with the pace. On top of working full time. However one counselor said I could absolutely. As you can imagine, I was in shock from losing a good paying job that I was really good at. I had huge doubts that I could do anything new and do it well. But that one counselor and a few other friends, doctors, medical staff assured me that NO school deliberately takes people they expect to fail. They may feel a few will need a little help but they expect all to succeed. Failures are NOT good for the school's reputation. That being said, and 'assuming innocence' on the part of the FA counselor, it's possible she's seen others go through what you are about to. It's possible they failed and she was trying, perhaps not tactfully, to warn you of the work ahead. That was kind of her to do so. But I'm assuming you already knew that when you applied. Like the others, I would likely have said 'really? thanks for the info. That makes me all the more determined to study hard and succeed!' You will need to grow a thick skin and to learn not to care what others say: except your instructors, and employers, and other medical staff you respect and are good at their jobs. As to all the rest, blow it off. Life's too short. I do wonder if they will offer apologies when you succeed and become a working nurse? You could go back to the FAC and in a nice way tell her you appreciate her advice since it spurred you on to do your best. Laugh. Ok, I know, meow.

I got in too. Received my offer via email with a ton of attachments of things needing to be done by time classes begin. What a stressful wait it was! i'm taking the CPR class they are offering in July to update my card. Did you all know about that? Only $30 and for maybe 4hrs. Much shorter and cheaper than ARC. Contact ------------- to sign up.

responding to query on points: I got the full 360-the other 5 being for alternates from the year before. Worked my rear off working full time and getting A's in all my pre reqs so happy to see that. Some of my classmates retook classes to up their points because they didn't get As in necessary classes.

I was surprised to get a 50. Reason: I'd worked so very hard on all the other essays for colleges. I'd already done an essay for OHSU twice. They all seemed to ask about the same thing: why do you want to be a nurse, why do you think you are qualified/or what qualities do you have that will make you a good nurse, etc. So have to admit, instead of worrying, prepping etc, I used previous essays and winnowed down to what CCC wanted, got a good night's sleep and then followed the instructions exactly. Funny, one girl got done in like 8-10 mins in my cohort. I was about middle out. Don't know why I got 50 but thinking it was due to practice on all the other ones.

Ok soon-to-be nurses and others, we're not in grade school anymore but that doesn't mean people won't take potshots. What I see as the issue is: was he right? I was called 4-eyes in school due to glasses. They were right but it still hurt. Well, I'm obese but working on it. Am I obese? Yes. If someone calls me that, should I get upset. Maybe but not at them, at myself for allowing it to happen. People call people all kinds of things: fat, skinny, bald, short, flat footed, ignorant, selfish, giving, etc. It's your personal perspective as to whether you are insulted, agree or fight back. Did you tell the dr you felt insulted? If you were, you should have. It's possible the dr felt you agreed with the sentiment and that was why you were losing weight. I happen to agree with it too, which is why I'm losing weight. I do NOT want to be a fat nurse telling people what they need to do to get healthy when I clearly don't. You know, walk the walk, don't just talk the talk. I would never take my car to a mechanic whose car is not running, or a painter whose house hadn't been painted in years, etc. When you are providing a service, you need to exemplify the service. I know other things can get in the way but choosing a career in health field should make us more aware of health in general, our own in particular. We should attempt to live the standards we have espoused and attempt to explain to others. Whether or not he should have said it, i don't know. But that kind of stuff no longer bothers me and if it does, I speak up.

oh and the lay off has turned out to be a big blessing in disguise. I finally am able to fulfill my childhood dream. I've done the CNA and loved it so know I'm on the right path. And the house foreclosure/Deed in Lieu cleared my debts. So I don't own much but I don't owe anything yet. Truly a blessing.

Applied to ABSN/OHSU main pdx campus and 3 year Klamath Falls, Westminister in Utah, Oklahoma City University in OKC [where i happen to be right now, checking out the school], Delaware and local Chemeketa. Didn't get into ABSN/Pdx due to too low gpa: hey who knew when you were out on your own at 18, working 2 jobs to survive and going to school, getting 3.28, that it would come back to haunt you 25+ yrs later? First BSN was 3.52 and current is 3.92 at Chemeketa where I did my nursing pre-reqs. Was accepted at Westminster, OCU, and....surprisingly, OHSU Klamath Falls! Haven't heard from Chemeketa yet. It is SWEET to have a CHOICE! I also looked into Univ of Penn, Duke, Columbia, etc. but gosh it costs a fortune and honestly, when the rubber hits the road, I'm not sure an RN or BSN from a more expensive 'prestige' school will affect salaries right now. There are just too many people looking for work, willing to take lower salaries. Now, if you want to move up into a master's, NP or such, then yes, probably helps. I've decided, once I've seen the schools, to base it on cost, accessibility of the staff and ratings on the web. Unlike probably 90% of you, I'm an older student and I don't have 20 years to pay back loans. Due to job lost/house foreclosure, I don't qualify for a lot of government loans so have to resort to commercial lending and dreading the thought. But still, $25-$30 I can live with. If I do the 3 years, I can work in the summers and probably part time to help out. It's been a tough 2 years since the lay off, once I began my pre-reqs while working full-time, knowing my grades would determine my last career. Thank the Lord I have a choice, but, I'd have gone wherever I got in, if I only got into one school and figured out the money later.

I wasn't aware CCC did interviews? I believe it's pretty much based on scores and essay. I have a feeling instructors are on or give input to the committee.

That's so funny. I never even thought of dressing up! I wore jeans, nice shirt/jacket like I always do when I go out on the weekend to do errands. May not have scored me any points but was very comfortable in the room.