Nationwide — Loretta Mack, a 69-year-old African American grandmother from Albany, Georgia, has achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a registered nurse, defying age barriers and inspiring others with her perseverance and passion.
Having worked as a certified nurse’s assistant for 6 years, Mack has always had a passion for nursing. She finally pursued her dream after the encouragement of a resource nurse who recognized her potential.
“I said to myself, ‘It would be a great example.’ I love people so I’ve always wanted to nurse or take care of people,” Mack said.
Mack’s compassionate nature and lively personality left a lasting impression on Heather Jackson, a travel nurse, who extended her contract to become Mack’s preceptor nurse.
“If there’s something that needs to be done, she’s going to do it. [Loretta’s] going to make sure that you’re clean, that you’re fed, that you’re taken care of, and she will sit and talk to you too. [Loretta] doesn’t just come in and blow through your room,” Jackson said about Mack.
Moreover, Mack’s journey to becoming a registered nurse was challenging, but she’s thankful for the support she received.
“From my sister, from my grandson, Ramondo, from my grandson Julian. Everybody helped me. Even some of the doctors sat down and did practice tests with me, homework and all kinds of things,” she said.
Mack’s story carries an inspiring message of determination.
“Age is just a number. I don’t know who thought of that but it’s just a number. I feel that at any age you can do whatever you set your mind to do. If you really want to do it, you can do it,” Mack said.
