Laid off after 38 years

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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

Marla, you, too? Gah! I'm so sorry.

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The 4 of you need to go in on a lawyer, like the others have said. Unless there is more to the story, age descrimination is against the law.

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Chris,

I am so sorry this happened to you and your associates. I agree with a few others who suggested you see an attorney.

I was fired from a job I loved because due to budget cutting, appropriate staffing was not allowed and I said to another nurse that the Ex. Dir could "f*** themself". Not my proudest moment...The other nurse told him and I was fired. Unemployment didn't see it as a terminable offense. While collecting unemployment, I found a new career and have been loving it, making more money than I ever did in bedside nursing. Something will come through for you. When one door closes, another opens up.

Hugs,

B.

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Age discrimination is very hard to prove!

My mother was released after 35 yrs as a nurse. The hospital "re-engineered" and found that my mother (RN, BSN, MS- in hospital admin) was no longer "qualified" for the same position (with a different name). The nurse that was hired for that position was an ASN-RN and was given 2 yrs to get her BSN. :uhoh3:

The beauty for my mother was that they had a pension plan at that hospital so she retired. Less than 2 yrs later, they begged her to come back (they now had a shortage of nurses). She laughed at them!!!

These kinds of events should teach us all to better prepare for our advanced years.....do not shortchange your 401K or other retirement package! After 38 years, one could have sufficient $$ put aside that this kind of event is a non-event. If you are able to pay your bills, but to keep loneliness at bay - you work...then you could volunteer! That would keep you active and away from boredom and help to continue to feel that you have a purpose in this world.

To the OP and the other layoff victims, I feel your pain. I pray that it works out for you!

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Specializes in Adult Cardiac surgical.

In a word....UNION!

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Thank you all for your kindness and encouragement! I am so glad to have found this site! All my fellow firees are married and not wanting to work anymore, so there won't be a lawsuit! I don't have any family,and i am going crazy filling out forms,sending resumee's and talking to hr people who say they have no openings for rn's. I am afraid i will get evicted when the unemployment runs out! I am sorry, i am just scared. I have been advised that i can't respond to any of you until i have 15 posts,which does not seem right to me! Thank you all for your support-you are all the best!! Chris

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Bless you all! When i make the require the 15 posts that allow me to respond individually, i will thank you all online! Chris

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I agree, sounds like age discrimination :mad:! Companies are firing older staff and hiring younger staff to replace them. Result, they don't have to pay retirement benefits, less vacation time, lower pay. Talk to the other Nurses that were let go & then all of you go speak to an atty. Good Luck

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Even if the others won't see an attorney with you, you should still go see one yourself. You could always use the other 3 as witnesses for your case. Who knows, perhaps the lawyer could convince them. Don't sell yourself short -- age discrimination is not that hard to prove --- I used to be an HR administrator (now I'm switching careers and start nursing school in Sept). GO SEE A LAWYER.

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Thanks again, all of you for your love and support!! I 90 min I have an interview at a local extended-care facility. I got the offer yesterday. God, my stomach is in a big knot right now-I will keep you posted. Pray for me!!! Thanks, Chris!!

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Good Luck! Let us know how you make out with it :)

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Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

I like Jules A answer. All employees laid off in their 50s and 60s. Probably all female. Looks like legal is the way to go. At the very least I'd look into that issue. Where I live you can get free legal advice.

Also, I can relate to your situation as I am 52 and the new hires are getting younger and younger. I am sorry you find yourself in the position you're in.

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