Starting Over to Get it Right

 At 39, Joey Thames made a decision that would change everything.

After years of trying different paths, even earning a finance degree, he found himself reflecting on what he truly wanted. Nursing had always lingered in the back of his mind, but like many non-traditional students, uncertainty held him back. Instead of diving headfirst into a costly program, Thames chose a more measured approach. In the summer of 2023, he enrolled in a short CNA course at Tulsa Tech, taking his first step into healthcare. 

“I just dove in blind,” Thames said. “I knew I wanted to try, but I didn’t know what to expect.” 

That leap of faith quickly turned into momentum. After completing his CNA, Thames set his sights on Tulsa Tech’s LPN program. The process wasn’t without hurdles as he initially struggled with the math portion of the entrance exam, but persistence paid off. After weeks of focused studying, he retook the test, earned admission and began the program in late 2023. 

Over the next year, Joey immersed himself in both classroom learning and hands-on experience. He worked as a CNA, first in a nursing home and later transitioning to a hospital setting at Hillcrest Medical Center, where he found his stride. At the same time, he progressed through increasingly rigorous clinical rotations, gaining exposure to long-term care facilities, hospitals and specialty environments like a daycare for children with special needs. 

“It gave me a little bit of everything,” Thames said. “By the end, I felt like I had a real understanding of what the job is like.” 

That experience culminated in a 100-hour preceptorship on a medical-surgical unit, where Thames worked side-by-side with nurses in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment. He completed those hours in just over a week, balancing long shifts while continuing to work. 

His dedication didn’t go unnoticed. 

During mock interviews, as part of the program at Tulsa Tech, Thames connected with a nurse manager who would ultimately change his career trajectory. The conversation led to a job offer at St. John Medical Center even before he officially graduated. Within days of passing his NCLEX, he stepped into his new role. 

Today, Thames works on a busy med-surg floor, where no two shifts are the same. From managing IV antibiotics and monitoring drains to coordinating with physicians and supporting families, the work is demanding but deeply rewarding. 

“It’s the fastest 13 hours of your life,” he said. “But I love it.” 

Joey credits his success to the structure and support he found during his training at Tulsa Tech. From realistic simulations in the lab to instructors who emphasized both textbook knowledge and real-world application, he felt prepared from day one. 

“They gave us the reality of the job,” he said. “And they gave us the tools to succeed.” 

Now, he’s already looking ahead. After completing prerequisite courses, Thames is pursuing his RN, with long-term goals of working in critical care, and possibly one day teaching the next generation of nurses. 

His journey hasn’t been linear, but that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. 

“I’m in a completely different mindset than I was 20 years ago,” he said. “I have no regrets. This is where I’m supposed to be.” 

For Thames, it’s proof that it’s never too late to start over to get it right.