Ageism, even in the healthcare setting is something I strive to improve on in the elderly community. As a nurse, I have sent patients to the emergency room for serious complaints including chest pain, just to have them sent back with no work up. I called the emergency room and questioned the doctor, he replied “ what do you want me to do the patient is 90 years old“. Statements like this are unacceptable and discriminating! I replied to the doctor “I expect you to do a work up as you would for any other patient”. The conversation went nowhere. I took that example to educate my staff. Explain to them that age does not define a person. Age does not mean do not treat, or do not care for. This is one of the reasons I am looking to continue my education from a bachelors degree in nursing to a masters degree and family nurse practitioner. I will be more knowable to care for my patients. In addition, I will be able to prescribe and order necessary tests. I will treat the elderly population as they should be, as part of the community. Improving their lives to the fullest.