Is there nursing after 50?

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Does being 50+ mean I have to quit nursing and go into poverty for the rest of my life or am I supossed to kill myself?

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Does being 50+ mean I have to quit nursing and go into poverty for the rest of my life or am I supossed to kill myself?

Why do you ask this? Has it been suggested that you are too old? I hope not, I've just turned 50 and making a major career change.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

As you may already know, there is a shortage of nurse educators. If you're concerned about the physical aspect of day to day nursing, perhaps this is something you could consider. What better way to contribute to society than by sharing your wealth of knowledge/expertise and educating the next generation of nurses?

...Jennifer...

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why would you have to quit nursing at 50?

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Specializes in ER.

I turn 51 next week, and my current contract doesn't end till May! While I may be older, I have learned to work a little smarter. I do my own "triage" and take care of the most life threatening situations first then work my way down to those who just want a little attention and TLC. I learned a long time ago that I can't change the world (or take care of it), but I can do one thing at a time. As an ER nurse, I have to constantly change gears in my thinking and my physical work, but it keeps it interesting. Someday, I know I will have to look into something less physically demanding, but for now, 50 doesn't seem so bad!

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Because I am not getting hired and the last DON fired me for petty stuff. I was there until this nurse passed state boards she was from another country and had failed then twice, she had to work with an RN until she passed boards then they got rid of me. she was 25 and yes I was told that I was too old

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she had a 2year contract with them. they were bringing them in they would stay long enough to get through their contract and then leave.

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I just wish that I could find a company that would give me chance instead of raking me over the coals every time I get hired. Right now I am stuck in this little town without a car to get around.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

if you were told you were too old, you have a case of discrimination. I would report it.

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

If they said that to you, I do believe you have an age discrimination case! Would certainly be worth talking to Legal Aid, or whatever federal agency is appropriate.

I retired @ 56, took some time off, then when back to work @ a lower acuity unit. I'm having a ball, getting paid well, and enjoying myself a whole lot. Fortunately, (and this is not true in most nursing jobs) I get a good pension from my first job.

I will be 60 this year, and would like to work several more years. I'll just take it as it comes, I guess.

I wish you the best in your endeavors!!

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Specializes in Rodeo Nursing (Neuro).

You sound discouraged. That's understandable, but please don't let it beat you. 50 is NOT old! (Trust me, I'm 48, so I know about these things.)

There are places in this world that are crying for nurses, and especially for experienced nurses. Unfortunately, there are places that want to hire kids who haven't yet learned not to take their crap.

So it's really just a matter of finding the right place...

If you can prove they said you were too old, you have a pretty good lawsuit. Even without solid proof, you have a complaint to the Dept. of Labor and the Equal Opportunity for Employment commission.

Anyway, good luck, and hang in there.

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Because I am not getting hired and the last DON fired me for petty stuff. I was there until this nurse passed state boards she was from another country and had failed then twice, she had to work with an RN until she passed boards then they got rid of me. she was 25 and yes I was told that I was too old

That is age descrimination, and it is illegal. Get an attorney and go for it. You have a right to work until you croak.

I am 58 and just starting into my nursing education. I would LOVE for some idiot manager to tell me that I am too old, or make any reference as to my age, because that manager would be fired and her/his employer would be paying for my education. I wear a hidden tape recorder into every interview that I go on ... since I had a hiring manager tell me in an interview that someone MY AGE couldn't do the job that I was applying for, because people my age don't have the energy. If I would have had proof of what he said to me, I would never have to work again, if I didn't want too. I'm not having having some ignorant "30 or something" decide that no one over 50 has a right to work and earn a living! :angryfire

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