I am an RN, licensed 2 years ago at 51 and have since worked on the rehab unit of a skilled nursing facility and at a large, specialty medical practice. I still want to work in acute care. Bedside nursing on the rehab unit was very fulfilling but MD office less so. I'm in good physical shape and halfway through my BSN. I interviewed for a hospital job when I graduated and was told, "it was an 'extremly' difficult decision but we selected another candidate." My longer term vision is to eventually work part time and then per idemn in acute care. Should I go for it again??? Or am I wasting my time?

Keep trying! Although bedside nursing is a very physical job, the 50+ demographic is still alive and very much kicking. You may also want to explore LTAC opportunities - it's acute care, just like hospitals but may be easier to get into. LTAC experience easily translates to hospital settings.

Best of luck to you on your career advancement.

Yes, I agree ...From what I hear there are still many 50+ nurses in the work force but they are most likely experienced nurses and not recent grads. I'll check out LTACs. Thanks for the tip and the luck! :-)

do your best to try to land a job at a small hospital. I have worked in all different sizes and the really small hospitals can give great opportunities. All the better if you are willing to drive because that means less applicants to compete with.. I am 52 although I have had acute care experience my whole career it most mostly med surgical/psych... at the small hospital where I work now there are greater requests for floating to other units. I eventually was able to transition just this last year to the ED after floating enough times where they could get to know me as a person who loves to learn and works as hard as any 30 year old. It's an opportunity I feel lucky to have at my age. I also believe that my willingness to commit to time serving on committees and projects paid off as well when I asked management for a chance. try joining a professional nursing organization and serving in different volunteer capacities with them which you can also add to your resume not to mention the networking opportunities ! Another place to give nurses who may be in hiring postions a chance to see you. try writing for different nursing outlets (allnurses even lists opportunities to submit stuff) and add that to your resume. don't quit !! don't give up !!

Just go for what you want. You will not get it by doing nothing.

Have a verbal offer from a Hospital 30 minutes away....Can't believe it!!!

congratulations ! now go show them what you are made of !!

Thanks srvjamz...That's exactly what I plan to do.