latern

Here's another perspective and story: I entered nursing school at age 52...no previous degree. I had stayed isolated as a farm wife for years. I preferred it that way because life kept teaching me I didn't fit in...every time I tried things went inevitably wrong,things seemed to get botched. I raised kids, and became active in church and tried to support the kids being active in social events/activities. I homeschooled a couple of my kids, one all the way though graduation, at that child's continued choice. Looking back, I'm sure it showed to others that I was awkward, or didn't want to be there, or couldn't wait to get home. I loved my farm life and my animals. But life will be life and I entered nursing school after all of my children left the nest. I was terrified. I was by far the oldest person there, with post secondary students all around and the occasional 30 something. But you know what, I finally found my calling. I found out that I have been a nurse my whole life, I just didn't know it. Suddenly, and believe me, it was a sudden dawning, as I listened to perspectives and stories from all of my classmates, instructors and absorbed the books, videos and clinical experiences...that for the first time in my life I did fit in, and I have all along, I was just not with my people until I met other nurses. I am finally comfortable in my own skin, all day, everyday, no matter what I'm doing. I can hear anything, judgment free, with the perspective of a nurse...like, huh...really, there's one I never thought about before. Or, really, wow, what people go through to make them who they are is ...nothing short of miraculous and plain ol' life all rolled into one. May you be blessed, and find yourself to be a nurse among nurses.

Wish I could love this! The discussion has been lively and relevant.

Sounds like the LTC I started at...three days training, on the third day , the trainer left at 3 (shift was 2-1030), I was on my own and protested, but the unit manager said "Oh don't worry, I'll be here if you need anything". when I DID "need something", I discovered she had left at 5! The VERY next shift, a new nurse showed up and said, Hi, "I'm xxx and I'm supposed to shadow you..." The residents, though, . There's nothing like the love you'll find in LTC. Best wishes and hope you stay to try to make it a better place.

I wonder if the OP realizes it was stated a nurse just off orientation was ORIENTING a new grad. I suspect it is the facility and the experienced nurses who work there that is the problem . My facility wants the basics in NN, such as why they are there and if they're attending PT and what nursing is doing for them. What they do not want is a H&P. BRIEF assessment only. As it was said earlier, all facilities are different and new to the facility nurses, new grad or not, rely on experienced nurses and protocol to learn the ropes.

I'm 53 and just graduated the LPN program . I've been accepted into the RN for this fall. Don't let age hold you back. My age/experience has made everything about this journey easier...from managing time and maintaining motivation to finding a job and blending into the workforce. You already have life skills that younger students are struggling to learn. You probably aren't juggling raising toddlers with study time and you already know your strengths and limitations when it comes to choosing what social stuff to let happen without you. And what of the the truism that "Older nurses eat their young"...you have too much personal experience to let someone bully you and chances are they won't even try! Your years of experience make you a valuable employee...you already know what to expect and how to be a good worker and coworker... you can draw on your years of experience to meet almost every challenge in dealing with people.Besides, what if you DON"T do this... that was my bottom line...do you want to wait another 5 years and still be facing the decision? Or give up without trying? Good luck with whatever you decide and let us know how it goes for you!