no job after two years

Nurses General Nursing

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I graduated two years ago and am still working as a CNA after hundreds of applications all over the country.

No, there is nothing wrong with me, except I am 58 years old and trying to get a job in a profession of extroverts when I am an introvert.

Have an associates degree and am paying off loans and have no desire or ability to get BS. I have a BA from an ivy league college ( not that it matters) from 1975.

Anyone else in this position?

Look in the mirror or have another give honest feedback about your appearance in general and your mannerisms. An employment department worker told me that hair coloring is a must, gray hair draws the wrong attention at an interview and make certain not to wear "dowdy" clothing or shoes.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Oh and also be very enthusiastic when they talk about their computerized charting - anticipate this question and have a great, positive answer: "I'm computer literate and looking forward to learning your system."

Positive, positive, positive.

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Specializes in LTC currently.
Juwon, please refrain from advice to RNs until you are an RN. You'll get there, but from other postings, I feel you need to heed advice from others which is to listen and learn.

Perhaps i do need to take advice from others, but I dont feel there is any harm in a person expanding their horizon and applying in different types of facilities. Many Rn new grads that dont get hired at the hospital try other types of nursing such as home health or nursing homes until they get their ideal job. Thanks;)

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Thank you so very much to everyone for their reply. It does help.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I wish you the best. After two years of looking, its gotta be very hard for you.

Please take care and know that we are not trying to be critical - just trying to think outside the box.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

As hard as it is to admit....it is mostly age. Medical personel know that the health problems of an individual increases with age. Some hospitals assume that if you are >50 you cost too much money per hour.

Now I'm going to be flamed........

Why hire a 58 year old with an ADN when there is a 28 year old with a BSN or Masters also looking for a JOB? I have a friend that got laid off at the same time I did because of "cut backs". They hired nurses half our age to do our jobs 6 months aftere those very jobs were "cut" due to budget constraints, that was Nov 2008. Neither of us can find work. Right now even though staffing is tight and the hospitals are short staffed they are NOT hiring. They post them to convince staff that they are "looking" for "good" candidates to hire......but they really don't hire.

I think the problem is multifaced but essentially the field right now is flooded with those who ran to the nursing profession in the economic down turn because "Where else can you find a good paying job in a short peroid of time" and "They always a need for nurses" Same thing happened in the eights after the DOT.com crash......all those computer folk flocked to nursing and could't find jobs........The great thing about nursing is that it is very cyclical and this too shall pass........Bountry is followed by famine and all the overtime you want.

I think TraumaRUs is right....if you get that interview. Be up beat,energic and fresh but stylish. Emphasize that you enjoy learing growth challenges and New endeavours. When computers are mentioned state that you are completely computer literate and enjoy learning new things.....

It is so hard being without a job....and the application/interview process exhausting....I know first hand.....I wish you luck......:heartbeat

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It's really tough out there. I am coming up on a year out of school and still have not found an RN position.

It really sucks but you might need to take an RN refresher course to keep yourself competitive with the new grads who graduate every 6 months. Otherwise you will need to do a fantastic job convincing employers that your skills are still fresh after 2 years out of school.

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Specializes in LTC.
Really? I live in MD and many of my nurse friends are struggling to get a job. I think in the rural areas like where I live its a better outcome. So I say try small towns and rural areas. It hopefully isnt age discrimmination, but highly likely.

My job recently hired a new grad in her 50's ! I guess it all depends...

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Specializes in LTC.

OP I also believe many facilities are losing out on some great nurses including yourself. I believe nursing has a place for everyone no matter the age, race, personality and etc. It is a shame that age may be a factor in the hiring process. I work with a few nurses that are age 50 and up and they can run circles around me ( I'm 22) any day of the week ! I learn a lot from them. The staff and patients appreciate their nursing experiences as well as life experiences.

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OP I also believe many facilities are losing out on some great nurses including yourself. I believe nursing has a place for everyone no matter the age, race, personality and etc. It is a shame that age may be a factor in the hiring process. I work with a few nurses that are age 50 and up and they can run circles around me ( I'm 22) any day of the week ! I learn a lot from them. The staff and patients appreciate their nursing experiences as well as life experiences.

No doubt, but as others pointed out it's a matter of employer provided health insurance. that's the largest single reason for age discrimination. It's a very very big problem and IMHO, one which must be addressed nationally.

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.

Age discrimination is alive and well. Please call your local EEOC office and ask for assistance. Peace!

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Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

So sorry. Life can be so unfair.

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