Blog Post
Nursing School After Age 50
When I enrolled at Jersey College, I was not sure that I would be accepted into the program. You would have to place yourself in my shoes to see what I mean when I say that. I was a 51 year old new widow, and the last time I was in a classroom was almost 20 years ago, and the last time that I was interviewed was 10 years prior to all this, and the last time I checked my confidence was at its lowest. My prayers were answered when I received my acceptance letter and began my first day of nursing school at Jersey College.
I was sitting in class when some of the faculty began coming in and introducing themselves and spoke about school policies, procedures, and dress code in class, and during clinical rotation. The process was long but faculty and staff made us all feel wanted and welcomed and that was when I knew I had made the right choice in choosing Jersey College.
I speak from my heart when I say that I am so grateful to this school and staff for having me be part of this incredible journey. This program is not easy and the instructors will let it be known that you will work hard to reach your goal, and I am here to tell you that you can accomplish that goal. Jersey College equips each and every one of us with the tools needed to graduate. You just have to be willing to use them and ask for help when you need it.
At the time of writing this, I am in the fourth term of the RN day program at Jersey College. If it wasn’t for my instructors giving me the support I needed this journey would have been a difficult one. The faculty really do care and are genuine when they express that they are here to help the students; for example, one of my instructors Mrs. Stanton saw that I was struggling with IV therapy and math calculation, so after class she offered to take me to the lab and reviewed both IV and med calculations with me until I got it. Whenever I walk down the hallway and pass Mrs. Zalinski’s office I always peep my head in to say hello and she immediately will say “come in, tell me how it’s going”. Mrs. Z has a wealth of information to give us if we ever need help in a subject. She also asked that I take advantage of the free tutoring sessions that the school provides, and I did. Now because of her, I feel more prepared when I take exams. This school has dedicated itself to give me the best nursing education I can receive. Over a year later, I now have the confidence and knowledge I will need to be that great nurse that Jersey College always knew I could be.
Lastly, I would like to say Thank You from the bottom of my heart to all my instructors. I could have never done it without you and your encouragement. Jersey College will forever be my Alma mater.