Any other "late Bloomer" RNs out there?

[hgorrondona]

Hey,

I was just wondering if any other RNs out there have started at an older age.....say over 45yrs old? I will be 51 next month. I know there were a few in my class, but have lost touch.

If you are now in that age group and are starting out, or you started around that age and have been at it a while, I'd love to connect with you. I could use some support, and would also love to give some :).

I've been an LPN since 1998; but haven't worked in a hospital since then. I've been an injection nurse in an ambulatory injection/infusion room for the past 4 1/2 years. There are no RN positions open there at this time.

I'm a bit nervous about "starting over". Med/Surg kicked my butt. However, after reading the posts on this website, I realize it wasn't that I was incompetent (like I thought)....it seems like a normal thing to be overwhelmed at first. I'm still not looking forward to it, though. I wonder if my age will help or be a hindrance. I also wonder how much longer I can reallistically work in patient care.

[jabroadwater]

I graduated in December 2010, a month after my 50th birthday. To make it more unique, I came into nurse from a totally unrelated career field, having never worked in medical/health care.

While I don't feel my age, and definately don't act it, I do think my age will be a help. I am walking into the job with a more mature outlook on life, and with twice the "people experience" than those I graduated with.

[hgorrondona]

That's a good way to look at it. Have you found an RN job yet? What area of La. are you in?

[jabroadwater]

I'm in the New Orleans area.

I just took a job in Jackson MS. I'm not relocating; I have family in that area and the work schedule makes it feasible to go back and forth.

[hgorrondona]

Did you go to Jackson because you couldn't find a job in N.O? That's very discouraging. I applied for a job in Covington, and thought that was stretching it. I guess you'll be staying in Jackson while you work. Good luck! What kind of job is it?

We have a pool nurse that comes from MS. to work in N.O. She stays in the hospital hotel 4 nights a week, and goes home on Thursday. She makes enough money to make it worth it to her.

[jabroadwater]

That's exactly why I went to Jackson. I must have applied for two dozen jobs with Ochsner and was denied for every one without even a call for an interview. I also applied for a job with West Jeff, but by the time they called me for an interview, I had already taken the job in Jackson, and my personal and professional ethic wouldn't allow me to quit after I already told them I would come to work there. I did get a call for an ER position in Lafayette with University that I applied for, but when I weighed that position with the one in Jackson, I figured I fared out better in Jackson.

Yes, I'll be staying in Jackson the days I work, but I am originally from that area, though I haven't lived up there for YEARS, and I have family up there. I'll be staying with family while I'm working, and coming back to NO the days I'm off. That I have any real loyalty to New Orleans, I just hate the thought of packing up and moving, more than driving back and forth... LOL. The salary was comparable to here, and there was a sign on bonus that makes the two hour drive worth it.

Though, I do have to say that I am really excited about going to work in Jackson. The hospital seems really great and everyone there has been exceptionally nice and seems really happy working there.

[hgorrondona]

I'm glad you found something you're excited about. Good Luck! Actually, I just got (and accepted) a job in outpatient endoscopy at Ochsner, today:lol2:. I applied for tons of jobs here, also, with no offers. The manager said she was sorry fo taking so long to get back with me. I start the end of April.