solarjohn

I graduated RN school at 52 with almost no background in healthcare. Four interviews three job offers. Age can be a true advantage in patient care. Best of luck to you.

I can't speak for that man but I can speak for myself who was once in a similar situation - heading for emergency surgery in the middle of the night having never been "under" before. No family. No friends. Not knowing if I would still have a right foot when I woke. A young student nurse named Katia held my hand, which no longer had skin on it, for hours in the ER and didn't let go even as the gurney banged through those menacing steel doors leading into surgery. Her face was the last thing I remembered as "the white medicine" took effect. Out of that blurry time she is one of the few whom I will remember and cherish for as long as I live.

Thank you everyone! I get the message loud and clear. The fact that everyone with experience is on the exact same page speaks volumes.

My 5-year-old twins started kindergarten 2 weeks before my 50th b-day. I start an ADN program in California in January. When I did my CNA at age 49, I felt that my experience due to my age was hugely helpful. With each passing year I feel more comfortable and able to enjoy life and deal with whatever presents itself. This will show through in your studies and in your patient care. Make your dream come true!

Hello Everyone - I will be entering the January 2015 cohort for an ADN program in California. I've learned in life that a bit of pre-exposure to academic material helps me tremendously once I'm in the classroom/lab. Can anyone offer/share advice/opinion on a couple/few choice nursing books to read/peruse between now and January? Thanks, John

Hi Everyone and congratulations to those who got in and condolences for those that didn't. I got in for Spring but for a number of reasons would greatly prefer being with the fall cohort. Are any of you in the opposite situation, preferring spring over fall? If so, lets approach Lisa Riggs, department head, and appeal to switch. Thanks and I can't wait to meet you all for this exciting adventure into a new life! John

My stress is the fear of sex and age discrimination. I am male and will be 51, soon to turn 52, when I finish nursing school.