Laid off after 38 years

Published

I am laid off after 38yrs of helping others as an RN. My place of employment finds it more cost-effective to hire LPNs and aides. I am single and on unemployment because a month ago, 4 RNS, all in their 50's and 60's were laid off on the same day. I am so angry! Isn't there anybody out there who is in the same situation? I don't have any family left, so my work is my life. I really need to talk to somebody in my situation! I am pretty scared and depressed-nobody is hiring in my area. Is there anybody out there, no matter what age, who is feeling the pinch of the economy? NURSE CHRIS

My place of employment finds it more cost-effective to hire LPNs and aides.

Based on this statement it would be just about impossible to say that this was age related. It is unfortunately a cost-cutting move that many businesses are using in todays economic times.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in multispecialty ICU, SICU including CV.

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

I am sorry. That is horrible.

I hope everything turns out ok.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in long term care Alzheimers Patients.

Chris

I'm so sorry this has happened to you. You're in my thoughts

Up Vote Up Vote ×

God Is Working It Out For The Good, Put Your Trust In Him And It Will All Be Okay, am praying for you :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm sorry sweetie. I'm sending prayers and good thoughts your way should you decide to seek legal recourse and/or look for another job. Hugs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wishing you the best!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

that is awful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You've cared for others for 38 years, that's longer than I've been alive. That counts for something and your wisdom is a great asset. May I suggest that you see this as a bit of a break and 'me' time, recharge your batteries, read some, swim some, sleep in some, and then get up and kick them all :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

(((Nurse Chris))) I really feel for you. Right now it might not feel like it, but this could be the beginging of bigger and better things in your life.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

I too have been pushed out of jobs because employers wanted to get their family members in, or because they want to hire younger people they can train up (and brainwash too).

Unfortunately even if you do see an industrial lawyer, it will be extremely difficult to prove, but you could still ring and get some advice.

I have spent so much money getting my nursing degree, and honestly would not recommend it to other people. It is true as soon as you get old, you are slowly pushed out, ie: they cut your hours, start to complain re everything you do, etc. I have seen this happen to so many older nurses and it is absolutely pathetic.

You sound like a wonderful person and, if I had a business, anyone with 38 years experience would be most welcome. My brother owns a profitable business & he employs new people and older people. He doesn't mind their age as long as they have a good work ethic.

Perhaps you can do phone nursing or work for an insurance company.

I do feel for you. Don't lose hope & keep an eye out on the job ads. Someone will surely want to employ you with all that experience; that could even be your main selling point.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
I am laid off after 38yrs of helping others as an RN. My place of employment finds it more cost-effective to hire LPNs and aides. I am single and on unemployment because a month ago, 4 RNS, all in their 50's and 60's were laid off on the same day. I am so angry! Isn't there anybody out there who is in the same situation? I don't have any family left, so my work is my life. I really need to talk to somebody in my situation! I am pretty scared and depressed-nobody is hiring in my area. Is there anybody out there, no matter what age, who is feeling the pinch of the economy? NURSE CHRIS

You have more company than you know. I'm right there with you as well---the nursing home where I worked cut the hours of all but a few nurses, almost all LPNs. Supposedly they went by seniority........most of us "seniors" got laid off :rolleyes:

Your state employment office should be able to offer some assistance in finding a new job, and teaching you some new tricks. Even this old dog has learned a couple of new ones, number one being a nice little website called indeed.com which has jobs that the employment office itself doesn't know anything about! I've also learned to liven up my resume, and have even gotten a few nibbles (and three interviews so far) in an area which has an unemployment rate of 12.5%.

The other thing---hard as it is to do---is to NOT allow yourself to stay bogged down in your fear and depression. The longer the anger has to fester, the harder it's going to be to pull yourself out of this "slough of despair". I know it's humiliating to be forced to take unemployment. I know it's easy to feel like a total loser. But you're not, and neither am I. We'll be OK by and by........it's just disappointing to have to start all over again at our ages........but as long as we don't give in to our fears and anger and depression, we are going to be OK. :hug:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion