57 and need to start over YET AGAIN!

anotherone, BSN, RN · Mar 6, 2013

mqybe you just live in an area that doesnt need many nurses. i did and so did thousands. i applied to hundreds of jobs and didnt hear back from almost any. I finally had to relocate to a very rural area in a part of the country i had no interest in. my facility acually has a lot of out of towners like this. might be ageism or it might just be the job market. millions remain unemployed. if you really need a job , my advice is to apply for everything .

jannymac · Mar 6, 2013

I understand exactly how you feel. Several older nurses I used to work with have been 'assisted to retire' and I have been targeted now. I'm currently working toward an online certification in pain management, and will work on others until I find other employment. (Coincidentally, some of the reasons they are trying to make my life miserable are complete lies. Cover yourself well.)

jandegarcia · Mar 6, 2013

I just received my RN and I am 47 years old. This is my second career and I have to say that my age did not hold any barriers. As a new nurse I have been hired onto a Cardiovascular Unit at a local hospital. You are as young as you feel! I love my new career. I pray you find a job! Don't limit yourself, just apply, apply, apply! Experienced nurses are in need!

jrbl77, RN · Mar 6, 2013

Please know that you are not alone. It makes me feel better to know that others are in the same boat that I am. I am considering taking a non direct pt care job, pay would be about 1/2 of what I make now. But after 35 plus yrs of holidays, weekends etc, sometimes you just have to do what is best for you. My family doesn't realize how hard staff nursing or pt care can be, they tend to think that I am lazy. We are being told that we are going to need to work till we are 70, I'm not sure that my body will hold out that long. I will have been a nurse for 50 yrs then. Almost all my years have been spent doing staff nsg, providing direct hands on care. Best of Luck!

SheriSmith · Mar 6, 2013

I have recently been targeted to be "helped into retirement". I started working in an Ambulatory Care Center 3 years ago and really enjoy it. I had worked for over 30+ years in the recovery area, plus other experience. They have hired younger nurses who they feel know more then I do. I also was a "superuser" when we went live for the EMR. For some reason, my manager feels that I am not competent (?) Definitely ageism is involved. I have been looking for different jobs in the area. I have also had ER experience. Very few interviews that follow the multiple applications submitted. I have been a nurse for 39 years. I want to leave, but not able to find a job, so I am afraid that I will be "forced into retirement" by my manager. HELP, any suggestions?

MistySea1946 · Mar 6, 2013

A RN refresher course may help, if you can invest in one (runs around $2,000). Take the time to build up your confidence and you'll meet up with other nurses who will likely be supportive and informative. Check out various CEU classes to increase your knowledge base. You've certainly got a good degree of wisdom that a younger person has not yet acquired and I think that should count for something! I wish you all the best!!

katherine100, LPN · Mar 6, 2013

So what if they want to know that? They can find out your age just my looking up your license online anyway.

missiedi · Mar 6, 2013

I suggest that you register with an agency. They usually have a variety of positions. Try and think outside of the box. I know it is scary but try and find support amongst your fellow nurses. A few years ago, I was out of work for a few months having moved to another country where I could not practice. Upon my return, I found myself in a quandary as to what exactly I wanted to do. I registered with an agency that sent me to a variety of situations,which included occupational health sites,something that I had never done or experienced. I was scared at first but was lucky to be sent to companies that were very supportive. I also was sent to the hospital settings in areas I had never worked,such and postpartum,recovery rooms, etc. I did this for three or four months and then decided to return to a full time position in a Nursing Home which was always my first love. After a three years stint or so I ventured into home care which I have done off and on for 28 years. It is scary but have faith in yourself. I left the field for 18 months 10 years ago,grew restless and at 56 decided to return to the company I went to work for in the 80's, as a per diem home care nurse. I was welcomed back with open arms and fell right back into place as though I had never left. Get a new hair style and a confident attitude,wear them both to your interviews,you will make it. Ps. If you don not have current CPR I would take that course before going out there,most agencies will require it. Good Luck!

Kitty · Mar 6, 2013

Jannymac, would you mind letting me know the name of the online certification program in pain management? It sounds interesting!

katherine100, LPN · Mar 6, 2013

Excellent advice. Let's hope she reads it.

emmasuern · Mar 6, 2013

I would start applying for jobs. The hospital I worked for closed last year. I was transferred to another hospital in the same organization. It was so incredibly depressing to see a hospital that I enjoyed working for close its doors. It makes me sad to think about it now and we are 4 months out. The new job isn't the same. It was really depressing because we were constantly having going away parties. If you leave early you wont have to work the last shift the hospital is open. You wont have to see the depression and anger the staff go through in the months leading to closure. Keep applying for jobs. Someone in HR will see your resume and value the experience you have.

nursejackie57 · Mar 6, 2013

My advice...try Health Information Technology (HIT). I took a course at the local community college, 13 classes in 6 months and became certified as a HIT Pro- Clinician/Practitioner Consultant.