encouragement needed for New RN over 50yrs old

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Specializes in Endoscopy/ injections/infusions.

Hey,

I got my LPN at age 38 (1998), and worked on a Med/Surg unit for about 5 1/2 months. I was overwhelmed and felt incompetent, and my manager wouldn't let me transfer to another unit....so I quit. I wish I had found this website back then. Maybe I would have stayed with it.

Anyway, I kept up my license, and did mostly glorified private sitting jobs for the next several years..because I love taking care of people. Four and 1/2 years ago I got talked into doing a flu fair at a local hospital/clinic. I got "some" confidence back for doing direct patient care, and was asked to stay on permanently as an injection nurse for the Ambulatory infusion center; which is where I've been ever since. I really liked my job; and I remembered how much I loved nursing, and was able to practive IV therapy when my injection schedule allowed it. The RNs I worked with encouraged me to return to school and get an RN license...with the idea that I would become an infusion nurse when I graduated.

Long story short....the position I thought I would get is not available at this time, and I am now over qualified for my LPN job,(and in debt with student loans) so I have to look for another RN position somewhere. I've applied for several positions with the hospital I work for, and am still waiting to hear something. I've also applied at other facilities. Still no RN job 3 months after graduation.

I'm regretting going back to school. I'll be 51 next month, and am beginning to wonder if I was stupid to think at my age, that I could "start over". Even though I've been an LPN for over 12 years; I really only have 4.5yrs of "real", recent clinical experience....and none in the hospital.

Thanks for letting me vent. I hope this website will help me not to quit again....that is if I ever get another job.:crying2:

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I'm sorry the job didn't work out, and no, I don't think you're too old! I think lots of jobs aren't working out for people right now because of the economy. It sucks out there.

You have plenty of valuable experience, even if it's not in a hospital. You have an RN, which means you've learned skills in school. Now you just need to sell yourself to an employer! Have you thought of home health or hospice? Sounds like that may be a good transition from the jobs you had in the past.

Good luck! Hang in there!

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Specializes in Endoscopy/ injections/infusions.

Thanks for the encouragement :) I'm finding a lot of jobs want RN experience, and don't consider my LPN experience. I'm pretty sure Home Health agencies will want experience. I don't know about hospice.

I did apply to a Dialysis company. I'm waiting to hear back after a phone interview yesterday. I don't know anything about dialysis nursing, but I'm willing to try it.

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I just wanted to say Good Luck! Im sure everything will fall into place eventually : ) Who knows, maybe you will get an even better job offer than you had originally hoped for. I have found that life has a funny way of working out like that. :heartbeat

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Specializes in Endoscopy/ injections/infusions.

Thanks! I know I'll end up somewhere. It may not be what I want in the beginning; but it will be a job....and I'll get more experience.

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Why don't you look into school nursing? I got into nursing late in life as well and have been working for a school district for about 8 years. We have RN's and LPN's in our district. The job is challenging and interesting! The best part is you get holidays and weekends off! Remain encouraged!

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Specializes in Endoscopy/ injections/infusions.

That's a good idea. I'll have to look into that. Thanks.

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Specializes in Med/Surg - Internal Medicine.

Your heart is in the right place...and don't beat yourself up for increasing your level of education and credentials. Something good will be in store for you! Best wishes and keep your head up!!! :) :nurse:

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Specializes in NICU.

Keep plugging away at it. I dont' think it's your age, just the state of the economy. It took me over 7 months to find an RN position after I graduated, and I consider that pretty quick considering some of the other horror stories I've heard. Of course....didn't feel so 'quick' at the time.

Keep applying, be proud of your education, and keep your head up. Something will come along.

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Specializes in med-surg.

DEAR SISTER,

Do not give up, I too was an LPN who lost my job because i became an RN. It took me 6month to get a job. I had to move from the west coast to the mid-west. you have a good track record that will help you. As for your age it should not matter. but i will tell you keep up with your health. eat well and take a morning walk. Drop a few pounds if you need to it will make you feel better.

Stay positive enjoy your PRESENT your future will come regardless. I will pray for you.

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Specializes in Endoscopy/ injections/infusions.

Thank ya'll for all the encouraging posts. It does help. I'll take all the prayers I can get. I interviewed for a position on a GI/Neuro step down unit at the hospital I work for. The patient/nurse ratio is 3 or 4/1 depending on acuity. The patients are very sick, but the manager assures me that the orientation is thorough and the other nurses work as a team, so no one is "alone". Now I wait to hear back....

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Specializes in geriatrics.

If I were you, even if I were applying for an RN job, I would sell your LPN experience. It's all nursing. Given that you are mature, also play up assets such as time mgmt, decision making, and communication skills. All these are very valuable. Don't sell yourself short :)

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