EmKayy18

They can't *ask the reason why you're prescribed a medication but can ask for a copy of your prescription, is what I meant

It genuinely sucks that the politics of it all have to get in the way of someone who truly wants to help people. I knew ageism existed of course, but apparently it's more of a serious issue than I thought. Very depressing.

Very true and something to seriously consider. It's easy for me to forget jobs are harder to come by in some places because where I live (central Florida area) is quite the opposite. Theres a huge nursing defict hospitals are offering sign-on bonuses and other incentives but salaries are also on the low side in comparison to the rest of the country. All except one of my new grad friends were able to find positions immediately so far though and many are older (late 30s-early 40s). We don't know where the OP is from, what the job market is like there, or how much of financial cushion she may or may not have. All things she should consider.

Wow! What a pessimistic crowd on this thread! Here to offer a different perspective. I watched my dad go through RN school at the age of 45 (ish?). He had an MBA and was successful his whole life, eventually ending up with a pretty high paying business management position at a hospital. Long story short, working in that environment gave him an epiphany.He thought what the heck have I been doing all this time, I should be helping people. He started EMT night school 6 months later and maintained his day job until he got hired in the ED. Everyone was waiting for him to snap out of his "midlife crisis" but instead he did the fast track EMT-RN a year later, which the hospital helped pay for, and has never looked back. He still works happily today in his mid-60's as a trauma nurse, not because he has to financially but because he freaking LOVES it. And he's also working on another master's now because, why the eff not? Now, let me make it clear that I dont think this is the norm just because my dad did it. He is one determined (aka stubborn) man, if I've ever met one. I just hate how everyone made this all about age. I can gather from both mine and my father's experiences that nursing school is incredibly difficult whether you're 25 or 45. As long as you're realistic about understanding that and you're not in danger of going broke and ending up on the streets if you lose your income for a while, why not try to do what you're passionate about? What's the worst case scenario? Hating nursing and having to go back to your old profession with less pay? If it's worth the risks, you should do it! One other thing I did want to mention though, as a CNA I've found its next to impossible to get a job in peds. Not sure how it is where you live, but in my experience they only hire LPNs or the absolute best of the best CNAs (experience wise). Most hospitals in general want at least a year of nursing home experience which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but something to look into if that's the only reason you want to get your CNA. Good luck! I wish you happiness with whatever choice you make!

It took me so long to finally get where I needed to be to apply (granted I also took two years off school) but totally worth it! Just finished my first semester in the RN program. Focus on getting all A's in your pre-reqs and the next year or so will fly by!

Yeah, you legally would never be forced to explain anything. They cant for reasons just proof via copy of your script but I highly doubt anyone would question it. Nothing to be ashamed about, postpartum can be a real mother f-er. Plus it would probably be more embarrassing to get weepy at school or clinical! Hope you feel better soon!

Have you ever felt affected by ageism? Where someone has treated you differently or downplayed your abilities specifically because you're younger than them? This was an issue for me when I became a CNA 2 months after I turned 18. I was employed at a long-term care facility where the majority of my colleagues were 10-20 years older. The older nurses/aides would call me the "baby of the family" and make little comments like that, none of which were ever intended to come across maliciously and I laughed most of the time. But eventually I had to say something because I was worried my residents would pick up on the remarks without realizing they were jokes and begin to doubt my competency in providing care. The biggest aspect admissions is focusing on with this type of question is the "how you handled it" portion. They want to see that you are able to recognize discrimination when you see and were able to react appropriately and professionally. So even if you have to make something up or embellish, I would just make sure it is very well written, personable, and showcases your personality traits that will make you a well-rounded nurse (compassionate, level-headed, calm yet assertive, etc.) Good luck!

I know that my program has made it clear from day 1 that there is no such thing as rounding in nursing school. We need a 78% (in both exam and coursework separately) to pass and 77.99999% is failing. I'm afraid I have to agree with the previous posts also about your basis for appeal being unfair treatment throughout cohorts. Are all of the cohorts ABSN programs or do they vary? It is possible your instructors expect more from you than your peers if they are taking upper-division level courses for the first time. Regardless, i know my nursing school, and, from what I've read and heard, most others are heavily reliant on your ability to self-teach independently. So, if you do find a way to appeal, I would focus on taking FULL responsibility for not passing and have a very specific plan to present to the committee on how you would ENSURE your success if given a second opportunity. Wishing you the best of luck as you deal with this difficult situation.

Thank you SopranoKris, I appreciate your detailed response and well wishes! I will actually be starting my second semester in nursing in January. In my program, our first semester included Intro to professional nursing, basics of ethical thinking, nutrition, and a critical thinking course. It now makes a lot of sense, with your insight in mind, why the program was designed to include some critical thinking preparation prior to fundamentals. I am grateful because I actually have already struggled a bit with the new way of thinking and answering questions, but I'll definitely take on next semester with more wisdom than I would have otherwise! Thanks again

In no way should you ever feel like a loser for doing what you have to do in order to better yourself. The ONLY way a guy living with his parents would ever turn me off dating wise, is if he was just lazy or had no ambition to be independent. I've only just now finished one semester of nursing school and it's already emotionally and financially draining. I would love the opportunity to move back in with my dad if that was a possibility for me. Keep your head up. I have an ex who I thought ruined my life for the looongest time but now I see that him being the crappiest person on earth was actually such a blessing in disguise. As awfully corny as it sounds, time truly does heal all wounds and you'll come through better on the other side of things!

I know community college has been presented as an option a few times already on this thread, but I thought it was worth mentioning the possibility of declaring transient status as opposed to transferring? I'm from Florida and I'm not sure how it works other places, but I was able to take several community college courses as a transient student. It's basically like being a guest at the other institution and then the credit gets automatically transferred back to your home university at the end of the semester. Luckily, I tend to breeze through any sciences courses (half the reason I chose nursing), but all the other gen ed subjects I've struggled in, so I can still relate on many levels. If I were you (assuming taking transient classes isn't an option), I would give it one last try with a lighter course load. 5 classes is a lot. Maybe take A&P I again next semester along with some easy GPA boosters, then just A&P II with development over summer, and then prepare your behind off for the TEAS while you finish anything else up. If your heart is really set on nursing, don't get discouraged. What is one more year in the scope of things, when nursing is going be your career for the rest of your life? Wishing you the best of luck, no matter what you decide!

Wow, that's crazy unprofessional. But at the same time accidents do happen to everyone. Still, I don't see how you could be held remotely responsible for what is clearly his mistake and I'm sure your CC will recognize that. I'm sure you already know, but only contact him through your official school email or blackboard, that way you have a solid record of everything just in case. I had to appeal a grade once because my professor omitted a grade that would've brought my final average up. I did win in the end but it was a lengthy, annoying process. Sorry you're going through this but maybe it's a blessing in disguise? Perhaps, if you remember the content of the exam, you can re-take it and score something close to 100% and bring your final grade up higher than a mid-C ? Hoping everything works out for you!

Thank you! That's incredibly helpful!

I just finished my first nursing classes of my program and am so looking forward to (hopefully) getting more hands on soon. I'm taking 14 credits next semester, 10 of which are fundamentals (4-lecture, 4-lab, 2-clinical). I know every school is obviously different and I'm told the "clinical" credits are mostly observational time but I'm wondering what I might expect otherwise. Is it most likely gonna be CNA type skills/knowledge? Would anyone who has taken a "fundamentals", or something similar, care to share their experience? (topics you studied, skills you learned, etc.) ?

Edit: didn't see your last comment until I already posted this lol! Hopefully my perspective confirms your decision though. Good luck!