Middle aged newbie nurse needs job hunt advice

U.S.A. Minnesota

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Hello everyone,

I am a middle aged nursing student about to turn into a middle aged nurse. I will graduate this Friday [the 13th!] with an ADN in Nursing.

I live in SE Minnesota and it seems like the so called nursing shortage does not exist in the Twin Cities area or in SE Minnesota.

The ADN doesn't seem to be 'what they are buying this year'. The Mayo Clinic has told me that they won't be hiring many ADN's and they want a BSN.

I was formerly an engineer who lost his job when my company closed and went overseas.

What would any of you think of me going back to an engineering job and chipping away at a BSN?

Any suggestions about how to cope with a tough job market?

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Hi Steve....I, too am a middle aged newbie RN. I graduated in December with my ADN in nursing. My advice would be NOT to go back to engineering but try and find any nursing job, dr office, whatever and then go back and get your BSN. I think that I would be concerned that if I didn't use it, then I would lose it. (especially at this time in my life) I live in Indiana and there is no nursing shortage here in our city because we have 3 nursing schools in our city, but ADN's get hired as well as BSN's. Good luck and congrats!! Doesn't it feel good???!!!

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Hi Steve,

I live in Northeast Iowa, so I know the employment situation around these parts. I am also a newbie nurse and middle aged sort of (41). It might be worth the extra money to get licensed in either Iowa or Wisconsin. The commute to LaCrosse and the Gundersen clinic really isn't that far from anywhere in Southeast Minnesota. Have you tried Olmsted Medical Center? in Rochester?

Hang in there. After a year of experience, Mayo will hire you. They have this thing with ADNs. I'm not sure what it is, but I am in the same position. Get that first year under your belt and then know that you can go anywhere you want to go.

When I got hired (Mercy medical center - New Hampton), I had to do a lot of cold calling to get my job. Always ask for the director of nursing or the head of the HR department. Then introduce yourself and ask if there would be a good time to meet to discuss further employment opportunities. I know that our facility is always looking for and interviewing nursing candidates. But never tell them that you are "looking for a job" or ask "if they have any openings". Always tell them that you would like to discuss "employment opportunities with their organization". That usually takes the pressure off of both of you.

I'm not sure where in SE MN you are, but if you're close to any of the boarders, invest in a license in that state and don't count out opportunities over state lines. It really is too bad that MN isn't part of the nursing compact. IA and WI are so I can work in either one. Don't discount commuting. I commute 40 miles and find that the dirve is very relaxing after a long shift. It gives me time to shift gears.

I wish you lots of luck. Hang in there and I know that you will find the position that works for you.

Anna

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Parish Nursing.

Yes - the best thing you can do is take any job in nursing that you can find and get your initial experience. Apply to an area of nursing in your area that the need is the greatest. I did an RN-BSN completion program. You can chip away at your BSN while working at your first nursing position. Good luck!

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Hello everyone,

I am a middle aged nursing student about to turn into a middle aged nurse. I will graduate this Friday [the 13th!] with an ADN in Nursing.

I live in SE Minnesota and it seems like the so called nursing shortage does not exist in the Twin Cities area or in SE Minnesota.

The ADN doesn't seem to be 'what they are buying this year'. The Mayo Clinic has told me that they won't be hiring many ADN's and they want a BSN.

I was formerly an engineer who lost his job when my company closed and went overseas.

What would any of you think of me going back to an engineering job and chipping away at a BSN?

Any suggestions about how to cope with a tough job market?

Hi Steve..I don't live in but am from Minnesota and my dad is always sending me local news through www.startribune.com

you may want to check you their help wanted section there. They had several jobs for RN's and many said they would consider highly motivated new grads...

Best of luck to you!!

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Hello, this is a spin off on the topic of middle aged nurses, and kind of along the line of Steve's question. I just missed the cut to get in the program at my school in Seattle. This gives me time to knock out a couple of LPN/RN pre req's over the next 2 quarters. It is very competitive so I need to nail the TEAS test for this fall. Here is my dilemma, I am 53 years old and would like to end my working days in a career with meaning. Would I be able to find work as an LPN or RN at the age of 54-55? Or would I run into age discrimination, which I have already in other fields, and not be considered for jobs.

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Hi All,

I want to be in the conversation too.

I'm in an ADN program in NC also & I am 52yo. PLan to graduate in about a year.

I do hope the job prospects improve - Good luck to all of us!

:)

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Stick with nursing while you "chip away!" Many companies will pay for your BSN if you commit to them for a couple of years! Sounds like a win-win to me! Good luck!

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Specializes in Mental Health.

I just graduated this spring with my BSN at 41.. I've been applying everywhere. I just got scheduled for an interview at St Cloud Hospital today for Aug 5th!! I'm so excited.

I had an interview at LTC facility the other day, no offer but I think they will make one after a background check, etc.. It seemed that way. They had me meet with the staff nurse and fill out paperwork and did a TB mantoux and the secretary said it should be about 10 days before the background check is complete and they could "put me on the floor for orientation".. so I think it went well.. lol.. but no one ever said, I had a job.

I also got selected for interview in Casper Wyoming.. I think I'll drive out and do it.. why not. Hopefully have some offers soon.

It took a lot of work and a month before I even got a call for an interview.

I'd suggest personalizing a cover letter and tailoring a resume for each place/position.. Find out specific names to address them to and call HR departments to check status. Be as assertive as you can in trying to make contacts with nurse recruiters etc.. let them know you really want to be a part of their team.

Best of luck to you and everyone else searching.. it's not easy right now.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, WCC.

For the twin Cities area, careerbuilder post many of the jobs. the star Trib does not. You can also try Aging Services of Mn.... if you are willing to look at LTC. I get apps and calls daily from nurses looking for work here in St. Paul..... wish i had jobs available but, don't.

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