Can I find employment at my age??

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I will be graduating from the ADN program in the spring of 2006. I will be 42 at that time. Will it be difficult to find a nursing job at that age?? Are hospitals reluctant to hire someone at this age?

Doesn't it depend on the state you live in? I live in Colorado, and I hear no one wants new nurses - just those with experience. I'm 44, and I won't graduate until I'm 45. This course work is very intense. I'm thinking that if you live in a state where the "crisis" isn't as bad, the openings for new nurses will go to the younger crowd. Of course, no one will say that, it will just happen. I'm really worried about it.

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I will be graduating from the ADN program in the spring of 2006. I will be 42 at that time. Will it be difficult to find a nursing job at that age?? Are hospitals reluctant to hire someone at this age?

I read not to long ago that the average age for practicing nurses (here in Ohio) is 50!

hehehe you are still a baby!

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My dad graduated nursing school at age 52, and just started his 3rd nursing job. He hasn't had a problem getting a job due to his age at all!

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and I'm looking for advice about pitfalls in this type of training. My work history is not good BUT I now work with an emotionally disturbed family and after a whole lifetime of searching, feel that I've found my niche. I also have a BA in psychology. So, assuming I complete the CNA program successfully, can I even dare to hope for a group-home type job requiring psych/social work saavy and some medical knowledge? I'm so concerned about doing the right thing now, after a lifetime of blind alleys and doors slamming in my face. My strongest asset is the knowledge of what it feels like to be hurt by a world which doesn't tolerate personal problems, insecurities, etc. I have grown in wisdom as a result of this...and I want a future which respects human imperfection and will not reject me out of hand...due to my own.....

:chuckle Do you own your own stethescope? Can you continue to breathe regularly thru the entire shift? Can you hold your bladder for 8-12 hours? Can you survive on caffeine and chocolate?

If you answered yes to all of the above questions, hold a valid RN licence in the country of your choice, then yes, you can be employed.

I certainly hope so anyway, cause I am 10 years older than you and work as many shifts as I want to!

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Specializes in ER.

You may get more replies if you post this as a separate question. You sound like you really need some sound advice. As long as your background does not involve criminal activity, I don't see why you could not find something that will fulfill your current needs. Home health has a great need for good home health aids. I don't know what is involved in becoming a "psych tech", but we have them in our ER who help monitor suicidal patients, or ones who are not competant to be left alone. I am sure there are group home settings, especially in the elderly population who need good folks to help out.

I think you may be onto something. I will offer one word of warning though. Do not going into something like this if you are expecting it to fill all of your own needs. Caring for other people can be emotionally draining. You have to learn to take care of yourself first, before you can be beneficial to anyone else. Don't expect anyone to even be appreciative of what you are doing for them. They may not be able to express that themselves. There are plenty of opportunities to be helpful out there, just be sure to protect yourself first.

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What a caring, encouraging remark to leave someone. Have a nice day, too!

no.
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No,no and no! I was 46 when I graduated, I'm now 49....have had 3 jobs as an RN: one in a large hospital in cardiac and then mental health /AODA (with my choice of shifts!!). Then I tried home health. Age was never an issue as far as I know...it was never brought up in interviews. I hadn't any prior experience in the healthcare field either. Use your 'life experiences' as a positive thing. It makes age (and maturity) an asset, rather than a liability. Good luck!!!

I will be graduating from the ADN program in the spring of 2006. I will be 42 at that time. Will it be difficult to find a nursing job at that age?? Are hospitals reluctant to hire someone at this age?
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What a caring, encouraging remark to leave someone. Have a nice day, too!

I agree, and thank you all....It's a great calling and one not lightly or easily taken. And I hope I always have the emotional endurance which will be required. You seem like the most caring people to comment so wisely.... Reva

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You may get more replies if you post this as a separate question. You sound like you really need some sound advice. As long as your background does not involve criminal activity, I don't see why you could not find something that will fulfill your current needs. Home health has a great need for good home health aids. I don't know what is involved in becoming a "psych tech", but we have them in our ER who help monitor suicidal patients, or ones who are not competant to be left alone. I am sure there are group home settings, especially in the elderly population who need good folks to help out.

I think you may be onto something. I will offer one word of warning though. Do not going into something like this if you are expecting it to fill all of your own needs. Caring for other people can be emotionally draining. You have to learn to take care of yourself first, before you can be beneficial to anyone else. Don't expect anyone to even be appreciative of what you are doing for them. They may not be able to express that themselves. There are plenty of opportunities to be helpful out there, just be sure to protect yourself first.

thank you for this!

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I will be graduating from the ADN program in the spring of 2006. I will be 42 at that time. Will it be difficult to find a nursing job at that age?? Are hospitals reluctant to hire someone at this age?

You betcha. One of the beautiful things about nursing, and I have watched it for awhile, is that you are NEEDED! I am a cop in Texas, been one for 26 years, my wife is a nurse and if she wants a part time job, second job or new job all together, its just a cell phone call away. In my line of work at the ripe old age of 47 if I lose my job, I am done. Its a great career choice and it, like my job is not all about the money, its taking care of people and while I have done it with a badge for this long, I am about to turn it in and start an ADN school myself. Not looking forward to being the oldest student since Methuslah but got to deal with it.

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You betcha. One of the beautiful things about nursing, and I have watched it for awhile, is that you are NEEDED! I am a cop in Texas, been one for 26 years, my wife is a nurse and if she wants a part time job, second job or new job all together, its just a cell phone call away. In my line of work at the ripe old age of 47 if I lose my job, I am done. Its a great career choice and it, like my job is not all about the money, its taking care of people and while I have done it with a badge for this long, I am about to turn it in and start an ADN school myself. Not looking forward to being the oldest student since Methuslah but got to deal with it.

There is a VERY good chance you won't be the oldest student. So many long time LPNs are going for their ADNs and even if you are the oldest "kid" in your class, so what! You'll have that advantage of NT being a wet nosed bratt!

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I sure hope so...I'll be 51 the month I graduate :chuckle

Guess I need to work on the bladder control, though :p

Not a problem......they make "leg bags".

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