Can't get a job

[robbiefrid]

Have been out of work for 20 yrs. because of a son with ADHD & a husband with cancer.Went to a 3 year diploma school,graduated 2nd in my class.Worked as a patient care assistant in the cardiac critical care unit and stayed there another year as an RN. Worked at Duke University in critical care and flight nursing. After moving to Ohio and working as a flight nurse and in the ER, it was then I saw my 2 y.o. wasn't doing well in daycare and my husband became ill with Non-Hodgins Lymphoma. I want to go back into nursing. I've dreamed nursing for 20 years. Can't get a job. I took a nursing refresher course. I updated my BLS and ACLS. I went back to school to Ohio University for their RN - BSN rogram. Still can't get a job. Am I too old? I am a young 58. When I was in the diploma program I did an ambulance rotation and loved it. I'd like to go to school to become a paramedic. I used to be an EMT when I was a flight nurse. I want to do it for the experience and work in the ER. I am motivated by emergent care. I know I could do a job if given a chance. Also I am older, wiser, and make better choices. Does anyone have any suggestions, even critical, I don't care. I just want to be a nurse again.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Have you tried anything other than acute care. Places like PDN, Home Care, Hospice, and LTACH are just a few examples of places that would still use many of those skills you obtained previously. To get back into acute care I'm pretty sure many places are going to expect recent "nursing" experience. The job market is improving in some areas so perhaps widen your search for places that are further away? Good luck.