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Question

Am I washed up at 56?

Dear Nurse Beth,

Feeling lost, I have been a RN since 2006 mostly med surg. I lost my way because I had cancer in 2006 with chemotherapy and radiation and never focused too much on my career so time went by and I got my BSN in 2015 then 6 months later developed a different cancer and took a year off all the while staying on a med surg floor. I came back and moved to a Telemetry/Oncology floor and got my chem certification but never got a chance to use it, I left the floor because of the bullying and toxicity. Now I'm 56 years old and really only have med surg experience and now am finding it difficult to work 12 hour shifts. I just do not know where I can take my career from here or am I all washed up?

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    Dear Washed Up,

    You've had a lot of health challenges and continued to hang in there, which speaks to your determination. Your career absolutely doesn't have to be over at 56.

    Twelve hour shifts aren't sustainable forever. With your interest in oncology nursing, look for an outpatient cancer center. You would administer chemotherapy, typically working 8 hr shifts. There's Home Health and dialysis centers.

    There are many non-bedside jobs in acute care, depending on your interests. They include case management, Quality and Risk, informatics, to name a few. Most hospitals a a Hospice nurse, and a Palliative Care nurse. 

    Look on Indeed.com to get more ideas keep an eye on the job boards. 

    You have a good background and you have your BSN. With some persistence, you should be able to land a job that's right for you.

    Best wishes,

    Nurse Beth

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    It's a shame that it's rare to find a hospital nursing job that only has 12 hour shifts. I realize 4 days a week off is enticing however day 1 of off days is recovering & day 4 is preparing for 36 hours on I.e. preparing home duties, kids things, work things, etc. I'd love to work 8 hour days.

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