New Nurse - 9 mos.

[CaroleN199]

I am still not working and thought I had a job. I went to the VA Medical Center last week where I live and had an interview. I really thought I had a chance. Then I got an e-mail this afternoon stating that even though I had the experience and background that others scored higher in the interview. They said sorry but we are not highering you. And then said Best Wishes ....... Did I not answer the questions: What are your strengths? What are you weakness well enough?

I am 61 yrs old and will be 62 in a few months. I just really feel it is my age against me and that they would not hire me even

if I scored grande! What does everyone else think of this? Also, I have an interview tomorrow at a local LTC facility. They are

offering me 3 to 11:30 evening shift FT. I am thrilled but now just do not know how to answer the questions of strength and weakness for nursing. I have googleed and read about how to answer these questions but they really dont seem to zone in on

the nursing profession. I am wondering if the DON even checked my age before I go in tomorrow. ???

If I dont get this job tomorrow I really will have to admit to myself that being 61 yrs old is hurting me at this point.

Could I have some input from others ...... perhaps RN's who hire new employee nurses, LPN. I have 9 mos. under my belt currently.

Thank you in advance.

Carole in PA

[NC Girl BSN]

So sorry you did not get the job. Its really hard to prove that they are descriminating against you because of your age. I hope you get the job in LTC. Good Luck!

[CaroleN199]

Thank you for the reply. I went today and had an interview and I was not offered the job. The HR person told me that

it would be too much for me with just 9 mos experience. She said it was a 28/29 bed unit and she needed someone with more

experience to work that area. I did very well with my math testing and I was thrilled. But, I was told to go for a LTC facility

that had less beds to cover until I gained more experience. I was told I had a lot to offer and not to give up. I had 27 residents

that I was giving meds too and was holding my own. I talked to a friend I went to school with and graduated with me and she works there. I told her what transpired and she said "no way ...... she was hired right out of nursing school with no problem."

I am just really having a hard time finding a job.

I am just so bummed out. I have been looking since the end of May. I thought I might try to advertise for private duty

nursing on Craig's List. My sister that is a retired nursed suggested that I try that. It is worth a try .... I hope .....

The frustrating part is that I am a widow with 2 teens at home and no job. I have gone through my savings and I am gonna

end up in a shelter and loose my home if I dont find something soon..... I am just so stressed ....

Thank you.

Carole in PA