Changing professions after age 50

bgxyrnf, MSN, RN · Jan 28, 2016

My mother in law changed careers in her late 60's from another field to the medical field. She graduated last February and still hasn't been able to find a job. She's been on tons of interviews and nobody is willing to hire her.
I don't know if this is an isolated situation, but it makes me wonder if she's not getting job offers due to her age.

Almost certainly.

nurseactivist · Jan 28, 2016

I guess school might still be an option- I still have to work 20 more years anyhow.Im sure other old adults have had to go back to school at this age.

If you are the major support for the family going back to school and working is even worse.

If you want a job where you are not providing direct care, utilization review/management. There are IT nurses who develop programs. If you want to go to school for a shorter time, nurse legal consultant. Some of the state nurses or county nurses work for programs like CHDP (child health disability partnership), chip (children's programs).

I am struggling with the drama of "liability." I think the person with liability is the school bus driver, pilot. They have hundreds of human lives in their hands at one time.

The way I look at it, is that I did my best to care for one patient at a time.

JoAnn BSN · Jan 28, 2016

If you are willing to retrain for another field why not just go higher in nursing? Nursing has so many door's of opportunity open to you. I started nursing school at 40 I am now 58 and I am in school for my master's. You have a wealth of knowledge you need to utilize it for good of others and still keep a decent income. Just my way of thinking about life. I have too much invested in my nursing career.

martymoose, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2016

I think the person with liability is the school bus driver, pilot. They have hundreds of human lives in their hands at one time.
The way I look at it, is that I did my best to care for one patient at a time.

True, very good point.

I guess I should use a different word.

As for working and school. that's nothing new for me. When I knew my previous job was going to mexico, I was going to school for ADN and working full time. I have been finishing up RN-BSN ( last class this spring) and working full time all along the last couple years. Whats another degree. ( other than money)

I dont look my age, maybe no one would know. LOL

dishes, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2016

There are late career nurses who became certified as instructors in CPR, or first aid, or mental health first aid. A nurse can work part time as an instructor while working as a staff nurse until they are established as an instructor, making it a career change with minimal risk.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 28, 2016

I would push thru for an MSN in a specialty that interests you. I've been an APRN for almost 10 years now and I'm 57 - its easier physically but I still feel challenged on a daily basis. At this job, I can easily work till I'm 70 if I want to.

Kiki1970 · Jan 29, 2016

Haha - good point.
There's no openings in CM at this time, but someone suggested I try that.
Home health is too much liability. I've actually come to dislike working with any patients anymore.OR would be great , but I can't stand in one place that long I don't think. Plus I don't think I can take the rude obnoxious doctors who make my job a huge liability anymore.
All the other jobs except school nurse are part time- I'm the provider in the family. Unfortunately, I am the one who has to have full time and benefits.
I just would love to know what its like to have a job where you get a break, get a lunch,get out on time,and don't get treated like crap every single day.
Maybe that doesn't even exist.

No, you wouldn't. The grass is not greener. Just different types of crap. At 45 I regret wasting so many years. I hope you can gain a better perspective and find an area that you enjoy. Good Luck!

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jan 29, 2016

No, you wouldn't. The grass is not greener. Just different types of crap. At 45 I regret wasting so many years. I hope you can gain a better perspective and find an area that you enjoy. Good Luck!

Many opportunities for nurses out there. I found my dream job @ 60 . I work from home for 6 figures. No crap is seen.

Kiki1970 · Jan 29, 2016

Many opportunities for nurses out there. I found my dream job @ 60 . I work from home for 6 figures. No crap is seen.

Thanks, BTDT- that's what I'm hoping for and I agree 100%!

imenid37 · Jan 29, 2016

How about clinical documentation/informatics, telephone case management, or quality? These are not my preference but they would get you away from situations where you have an overwhelming number

or acuity of patients.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2016

Haha - good point.
There's no openings in CM at this time, but someone suggested I try that.
Home health is too much liability. I've actually come to dislike working with any patients anymore.OR would be great , but I can't stand in one place that long I don't think. Plus I don't think I can take the rude obnoxious doctors who make my job a huge liability anymore.
All the other jobs except school nurse are part time- I'm the provider in the family. Unfortunately, I am the one who has to have full time and benefits.
I just would love to know what its like to have a job where you get a break, get a lunch,get out on time,and don't get treated like crap every single day.
Maybe that doesn't even exist.

Have you considered education, administration, occupational health, sales rep?

All of these roles are much less demanding.

Cola89 · Jan 29, 2016

What you've described is typical of any hospital in any town- that does not make it a liability, it's your job and the job of thousands of nurses.

I think OP is dealing with anxiety-type issues. Takes one to know one.