Is there Hope for me after 21 yrs???

[Momtotjmatt]

Hi, I am 49 yrs old and wanted to go back to work after finding out that my hubby is forced to retire early at 50 yrs. old. My kids are still in middle school and worries that there is not enough money coming in. I am not sure where to go with my work experience, and not sure what job title I should be applying. I graduated since 1988 from the Phils. Worked as an OR Nurse for 4 yrs, 1 year Home Health Care and Medical Rep in Anesthesia for 4 yrs. After I moved to AZ in 2001, my husband & I decided that I would not work so I could focus with my 2 boys.

I feel intimidated going back to bed side Nursing or even an OR tech. with the stress levels & probably new instruments & meds. What is my best chance to get a job that is Nursing related ? Medical Assistant is my first choice but I still need a Refresher course and certification. I certainly don't know where to go and really need your advice.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Explore local community college Allied Health jobs. Pharmacy Tech, Veterinary Tech, OR Tech, Sterile Supply Tech, Medical Billing and Coding.

As mentioned earlier, Ward Clerk, Telemetry Tech, Admission Clerk, Telephone operator at hospital, Ultrasound Tech, Radiology Tech, Receptionist at any number of medical facilities or schools of Nursing and Allied Health.

Become a CNA.

Check into financial aid (grants and scholarships, not just loans). Do not get burdened with student loans if you can help it.

Check into other fields, too - banking, insurance, car sales and leasing. Nothing says you have to be in the medical/nursing field.

Are there any other Filipino nurses or doctors you know with whom you can network and form a support system for yourself?

I wish you all the best in your quest.

[PrimeRib]

Medical Assistant will not likely support a family of four and is not nursing-related.

Agreed on the notion that the wages for MAs are not particularly great or likely to support a family of four. With the "not nursing-related" comment, however, I have to question how this little dig was meant to be genuinely helpful for a person in a tight financial situation looking for a healthcare-related job. I think anyone who reads it who isn't a robot understands that "the nursing field" is often used as a bit of a misnomer for "healthcare", "the medical field", etc. and should be able to roll with that without correcting someone looking for advice, in thinking that they somehow compromised the integrity of nursing as a true profession.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Yes, I did. I need refresher course which would take 6 months to 1 yr., shadowing , take CGFNS and NCLEX exams. It's an uphill battle for sure.

I feel sad letting my Nursing career go.

Now you have a plan. 6 months will fly by and you will have your career back.

Looking forward to your update! Happy nursing.