no job after two years

debadee · Apr 22, 2011

these have to be the most depressing posts that I have read in along time. I am not trying to be rude, but its so sad in this day and age that not only do people have to worry about getting a job, but to be dinged in the age department is deplorable and humiliating.

Chin up · Apr 23, 2011

these have to be the most depressing posts that I have read in along time. I am not trying to be rude, but its so sad in this day and age that not only do people have to worry about getting a job, but to be dinged in the age department is deplorable and humiliating.

Add to that, they want us to work longer, till 70. Imagine going through this another 10 years..

debadee · Apr 23, 2011

Small minds show themselves fast to be offended.

i just thought this comment at the end of a post was really rude and had nothing to do with what was being discussed, obviously this person who posted that comment has a small mind or they wouldnt have said that.

DogWmn · Apr 23, 2011

OP I feel your pain, I'm now 60 and have been unemployed for almost 3 years. I let my license lapse in the state I live but maintain it in another state via online CE's, so instead of investing $$$ I don't have on a refresher, I took a phlebotomy course and got certifed last year. It's gotten me a few interviews but no job.

I belong to several unemployment fourms and the sad news is, if your over 50 your ...welll screwed. If you haven't heard about the 99er's they are people who lost their jobs in the crash and haven't been able to get re-employed. Over 85% of the 99er's are over 50. There is big time age discrimination along with long term unemployment discrimination and the EEOC will not help you. Age discrimination is next to impossible to prove and they will tell you that. Also, the laws were written to protect employees NOT applicants, so again no help.

All I can offer is, if you can move to a place that will take your for a year or more do it, even if it's not what you want. Many of us can't because a. we have homes and the housing market sucks, and b. families that tie us to where we are currently located. If you have the option to be flexible, go for it.

Also, consider volunteering at the hospitals you want to work at, it's an opportunity for them to get to know you. Have you considered the Red Cross or other blood donor companies? You will really need to think outside the box to get some experience under your belt. As some mentioned - flu shot clinics, out patient anything, etc. Please let us know what happens

And good luck

Juwon · Apr 23, 2011

Small minds show themselves fast to be offended.
i just thought this comment at the end of a post was really rude and had nothing to do with what was being discussed, obviously this person who posted that comment has a small mind or they wouldnt have said that.

No, I dont think ChinUp meant to be disrespectful with her last statement, if im not mistaken, it is part of her signature, as i notice that it appears with every message that she post.

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Apr 23, 2011

I like Trauma's advice. I am a little younger than you, also about to go looking for a new job, and I heed my own advice.

Appearance counts.

1)Get a good haircut from a professional stylist, consider some color.

2)Go to a full service department store and ask for a personal shopper. With her help, find a modern top quality suit or pantsuit, have it professionally tailored.

3)Go to a real bra salesperson (not one of the victorias secret places, try http://www.myintimacy.com/ for best results) and get professionally fitted for proper undergarments.

4)And buy a very good pair of low heeled pumps (sorry girls, cheap shoes give you away every time, we notice).

5) Consier some botox or a facial peel. At the least, go to the makeup counter at a fine department store and get a few makeovers from different places. You will pick a look you like and learn by watching.

6)get your CV done professionally

7)take an acting lesson. Not to act, but to learn to speak comfortably in front of strangers. A good acting coach will videotape you, watch it with you and go over areas for improvement

8)join toastmasters

9) exercise, eat right and take care of yourself. that inner glow will give you some confidence and shine!

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2011

Juwon, please refrain from advice to RNs until you are an RN. You'll get there, but from other postings, I feel you need to heed advice from others which is to listen and learn.

Why can't non-nurses give advice? I don't understand that mentality on here. I worked in nursing HR for a few years, heaps of people can give good business advice. Looking for a job IS a business and I thought the advice given was sound.

Why are people so fanatical about nurses only giving advice? Does it matter?

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2011

I graduated two years ago and am still working as a CNA after hundreds of applications all over the country.
No, there is nothing wrong with me, except I am 58 years old and trying to get a job in a profession of extroverts when I am an introvert.
Have an associates degree and am paying off loans and have no desire or ability to get BS. I have a BA from an ivy league college ( not that it matters) from 1975.
Anyone else in this position?

I can help look over your CV is you want, I worked in nursing HR in Oz for a while. I know many older people here who are nurses and who have got jobs, but I suppose the US is very different. At least you have a job, that is one positive.

polka-dot, RN · Apr 23, 2011

If the date of your first degree is on your resume, you may consider leaving it off. Of course, you'll have to provide this information on the actual application, but hopefully you'll have landed an interview by then! Good luck!

Trauma Columnist · Apr 23, 2011

Another option is to do the CNA job but let the higher ups know that you enjoy working there and would love to be considered for an RN opening once one opens up. Take nights, weekends, whatever just to get your foot in the door.

Fiona59 · Apr 23, 2011

Why can't non-nurses give advice? I don't understand that mentality on here. I worked in nursing HR for a few years, heaps of people can give good business advice. Looking for a job IS a business and I thought the advice given was sound.
Why are people so fanatical about nurses only giving advice? Does it matter?

Anyone can give advice. But do you really think an 18yo is a great source? Maybe in first semester of post-secondary education?

BluegrassRN · Apr 23, 2011

Small minds show themselves fast to be offended.
i just thought this comment at the end of a post was really rude and had nothing to do with what was being discussed, obviously this person who posted that comment has a small mind or they wouldnt have said that.

It's in her signature and has nothing to do with the post. Look around, several other posters have quotes or sayings in their signature line. Nothing to get offended over!