can I Find A job at 62

suzy253, RN · Jun 11, 2008

I would imagine you wouldn't have a problem being hired. With your knowledge and experience, you'd be an asset!

good luck to you.

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 11, 2008

I think it would depend on the type of job. While age discrimination is illegal, it can happen -- and there is a gray area that might not be illegal, but you wouldn't get the job just the same. For example, some hiring managers might hesitate to hire you for a job that was in a very different specialty from anything you have ever done ... or for jobs that require a lot of physical labor or "quickness on your feet" unless you really impress them with your physical condition.

I suggest applying for jobs that build on your past experiences -- jobs where the knowledge and skills you have acquired will be directly applicable and appreciated.

Mahage, LPN · Aug 9, 2008

I had no trouble finding a job as a NEW grad at 55. I had two offers on the same day. I work at a large level 1 trauma center which is also a teaching hospital. They would grab you so fast your head would spin at my hospital, unfortunately we are not in Fl. I bet if you go toward the large public hospitals you will find what you want. Also, DO NOT sell your self short. Ask for the salary your experience deserves. Good luck to you.

Mahage

jla11 · Aug 12, 2008

Hi Hospice RN,

In my area, there are all kinds of RN's in your age group that are working in hospitals, hospice situations, and as case managers. I highly doubt you'll have a problem...esp with your experience. I live in Calif.

hospice 3601 · Aug 17, 2008

Hi to all who replied to my thread. I truly appreciate the support.

FLORIDA BOUND!:loveya:

puffinsrule · Aug 21, 2008

I think a nurse of 62 years of age is younger than most of the patients in Florida will be:loveya: I have several friends in Florida and they tell me it's a hugh retirement state. I don't think you'll have a problem getting a job there.

RNgonewild · Aug 23, 2008

You'll probably be the baby of the floor there. Dye your hair. Or not. I work with several nurses over the age of 60. One is 72. Another just retired right before her 75th birthday and was strong as an ox. Good luck!

NYNPMAN · Aug 28, 2008

Why don't you contact some places before moving and see what they say. And I mean call the unit on which you want to work, a "civilian" secretary can yes you to death but she doesn't hire. I think 62 is a median age aspecially with all that experience..they would probably beat your door down to get you.

vernix · Sep 3, 2008

Hi, Please don't let age get in the way of your expertise. You will have more "work" than you want. I know with change we can be unsure of ourselves. I married and moved to a "developing country" .... I ended up being hired to develop and administer a program for new parents. It was a career highlight for me. The beauty of nursing is we look for willing hearts and working hands. I am excited for you and the new adventure! Blessings and peace.

neonatal3 · Jan 8, 2009

Hello all!

Enjoyed reading your comments about work options for us older nurses. Each situation about working as an older nurse seems to be different. Other factors to consider in going back to nursing work at age 62 are individual health, energy, and stamina. For example, I recently worked in a private duty home health job thinking that the slower pace of the work might match my older age and less energy. I learned some hard lessons about the energy demands in care of patient's who are elibigle for insurance to pay for private duty R.N. home care---examples of the physical energy demands include turning very heavy patients often to change their diapers, bathing and dressing big patients who are paralyzed due to spinal cord injury,and constantly calming very confused combative patients who have Alzheimer's Disease--plus there are the mental energy demands of even getting to work such as waking at 4:30 A.M. to work a case requiring 6A to 6P hours, or driving 60 miles round trip to a patient's home, and hunting to find the location of the patient assignment homes.

Most older nurses I know including myself have worked as nurses all our adult lives and now have less energy and less stamina. For this reason, we are very thankful for the option to start receiving Social Security pension payments at age 62! But maybe you feel you have more energy for work since it seems you have not worked outside of your home in a long time. Best wishes in your decision about work! Peace to you.

Mahage, LPN · Jan 8, 2009

Hello all!
Enjoyed reading your comments about work options for us older nurses. Each situation about working as an older nurse seems to be different. Other factors to consider in going back to nursing work at age 62 are individual health, energy, and stamina. For example, I recently worked in a private duty home health job thinking that the slower pace of the work might match my older age and less energy. I learned some hard lessons about the energy demands in care of patient's who are elibigle for insurance to pay for private duty R.N. home care---examples of the physical energy demands include turning very heavy patients often to change their diapers, bathing and dressing big patients who are paralyzed due to spinal cord injury,and constantly calming very confused combative patients who have Alzheimer's Disease--plus there are the mental energy demands of even getting to work such as waking at 4:30 A.M. to work a case requiring 6A to 6P hours, or driving 60 miles round trip to a patient's home, and hunting to find the location of the patient assignment homes.
Most older nurses I know including myself have worked as nurses all our adult lives and now have less energy and less stamina. For this reason, we are very thankful for the option to start receiving Social Security pension payments at age 62! But maybe you feel you have more energy for work since it seems you have not worked outside of your home in a long time. Best wishes in your decision about work! Peace to you.

Hi Neonatal, Fast approaching 60 here and a fairly new nurse to boot! I just get bored so easily. I believe my unit will probably always keep me from being bored but I doubt I can handle the long hours and hard physical work until I am 65. That is one reason I am in the FNP program now. I also feel psych might be a good option. If one likes paperwork, case management and insurance work are definately options. I am enjoying where I am right now, but recently put on some weight and boy does it make it harder. I am working on that issue too!

Thanks for sharing your viewpoint, it is definately something to consider.

Mahage