paujos

Was it suspended due to something that happened at the place you were working in Tennessee? Or did you leave there and fail to renew it? Something seems missing.

I graduated from nursing school at 63. Going on 8 years of med surg. Had many naysayers and those who were positive. I plan to retire at 73. Med surg changed a lot since I started—patients ungrateful and higher acuity. Many aspects of nursing you can do. Go for it!

I agree about the post about NP and salaries. I know a lot of NP's who work at our hospital and regret going for NP. Their salaries have been cut dramatically and have high tuition bills. One had to stop going for doctorate due to cut in salary. She couldn't affor tuition and bills and go to school. Had to choose...

I agree with the one reply about checking the medications you are taking. I graduated as a RN in 2017 and have been a med surg nurse since. I will be 70 this year and have no issues. I am not on any medications. Was diagnosed with ADD years ago but refused the meds they wanted me to take. Routine and structure is best for people with add. I can't stand the stigma that because you're a certain age it automatically signals decline. Not so... Genetics and health status can affect anyone at any age. I see patients all the time a lot younger than me and look about 20 years older than me.

I graduated from nursing school at 63 in 2017. I am no entering my 7th year med surg. For those who are looking into starting school later in life, go for it. We are living longer.

I graduated from nursing school in 2017 at 63. I will be 70 this year and starting my 7th year of med surg. I say go for it! I had so many naysayers but went for it. I had originally thought about going for NP but at this point will retire in 3 years. You're young. Do it!

Agreed! This is a teachable moment. Go back to the Five Rights of Medication Administration: Right Patient; Right Drug; Right Route; Right Time; Right Dose. And always triple check. Check as you are removing the medication, check as you are scanning, and as you are administering to patient. I still look at packaging as I am giving to patient and look on their mar to make sure everything is correct. Lately we're having up to 8 patients with no aide and under so much stress, you can never recheck enough to make sure everything is correct.

Agreed! This is a teachable moment. Go back to the Five Rights of Medication Administration: Right Patient; Right Drug; Right Route; Right Time; Right Dose. And always triple check. Check as you are removing the medication, check as you are scanning, and as you administering to patient. I still look at packaging as I am giving to patient and look on their mar to make sure everything is correct. Lately we're having up to 8 patients with no aide and under so much stress, you can never recheck enough to make sure everything is correct.

I have a fellow nurse who just made a grave med error and luckily the patient is okay. Ironically it cured his bladder issue and was discharged two days later. But, I would not report this to the BON. We do incident reports for any such errors. They are never to be part of the chart. They are not punitive. They are simply to bring attention to the incident. They can use this data for e-learning and to prevent future such mistakes. No intent of harm was made. Don't beat yourself up. This will help you in the future by closely examining medication orders and verifying information. It happens to the best of us. We are under so much pressure right now. The stress is overwhelming. This will make you stronger and an even better nurse. Take care, paujos

Ageism is alive and well in any field I believe. I bring it to the forefront and that puts an end to it. Most feel that we should be able to fulfill our dreams no matter what age. Go for it! Our life experience brings an extra edge to the field. They are young and a lot to learn in life. I am happy I went to school late in life. My children are raised and feel the freedom of no interference. And to CAK58, I worked for a demo company, helped a friend run her new restaurant, and babysat grandchildren. I made it through. Determination is key.

Sorry--I work nights so a little tired but meant I started job hunting mid November...

Not at all! I started in mid November before I graduated thinking I would have a hard time. I was interviewed and hired. I worked as an extern until I got my graduate license. I applied for the graduate license in school. I graduated December 6, and graduate license was issued December 11. I did state to employer I would have my RN within 90 days of hire which I accomplished. I passed NCLEX first try. Good Luck to you! You can do it!

I am 64. I graduated from nursing school in December/2017 at almost 63. I have been working in Med/Surg a year and a half now.

I just wanted to see how you're doing. I am in specialties now. I have 3 more and then my last semester is 7 weeks of school & the last 7 weeks is our preceptorship. I graduate December 7. I turned 62 in December.

That is great news, and full of encouragement! Thank you for sharing your story. BTW, my brother has lived in Rapid City for almost 40 years. God's country out there. I visited, and got to see the Badlands, Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore, and a rodeo! It is so beautiful out there. I will update throughout my school semesters. I have 20 months straight through.