Older Nurse no BSN needs advice

chare · Mar 30

Both Duke and UNC Health Care still hire RNs with associate's degrees. The following was copied from job postings on the Duke ...

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All registered nurses without a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (or higher) will be required to enroll in an appropriate BSN program within two years of their start date and to complete the program within five years of their start date.

... and UNC nurse recruitment websites.

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If hired after January 6, 2014, must be enrolled within four years of employment, and obtain a Bachelor's degree with a major in Nursing or a Master's degree with a major in Nursing within seven years of employment date.

When I left UNC last year, their tuition assistance would cover up to the cost of in-state tuition at at UNC Chapel Hill. And, I believe Duke still offers tuition assistance as well.

Best wishes.

Jon C RN 2024, ASN · Mar 30

Thank you. My hope at this stage of my career would be to get employment w/o going back for my BSN. I know the rules me out of the big hospital systems there but was hoping for a freestanding asc or urgent care type nursing role. I know some hospital systems like HCA still hire ADN nurses so Im hoping somebody here knows something in the RDU area.

ponderingDNP · Mar 30

I say look into those positions mentioned by the previous poster. There are two programs (AT LEAST), where you can obtain your BSN in six months. (WGU and Capella University) maybe even less, if you transfer your previous coursework. I did my MSN with Capella and would have completed that in 6 months had it not been for the stall from a hospital arranging the preceptorship in the end. Go for it!!

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Mar 31

Are you sure you are blacklisted? If so, who are you going to use for references? Maybe think outside the box. At 61, it is hard to stand on your feet for hours. Consider private duty. Also working for an insurance company. Good luck.

Jon C RN 2024, ASN · Apr 1

Been there,done that said:

Are you sure you are blacklisted? If so, who are you going to use for references? Maybe think outside the box. At 61, it is hard to stand on your feet for hours. Consider private duty. Also working for an insurance company. Good luck.

Im a very healthy 61 I still play soccer and in excellent health I was working four 10 hour shifts in September. I emailed my former boss who ghosted me among other clues. I only worked there less than a year I have references from my 25 year career at a leading hospital. I cant prove anything just a gut reaction as I didn't get 7 jobs I applied for that were well in my skill range but in that same hospital system Im moving forward but really thought I would reach out to the nursing community for some guidance

heron, ASN, RN · Apr 1

Been there,done that said:

Are you sure you are blacklisted? If so, who are you going to use for references? Maybe think outside the box. At 61, it is hard to stand on your feet for hours. Consider private duty. Also working for an insurance company. Good luck.

It's entirely possible that you've been blacklisted, but don't rule out age discrimination. Not sure what you can do about that, though.

Jon C RN 2024, ASN · Apr 3

It appears I was not placed on the do not rehire list after speaking with their recruiter I'm still however struggling to find a Nursing position that is fulfilling and appropriate for this stage in my career. I feel cut off from the nursing world especially after covid and wonder if there are any resources to help get me back on my feet.

SuzanneRNLA · Apr 3

Been there,done that said:

Are you sure you are blacklisted? If so, who are you going to use for references? Maybe think outside the box. At 61, it is hard to stand on your feet for hours. Consider private duty. Also working for an insurance company. Good luck.

Also consider Home Health. I started HH in my 60s, made as much $$ as I did in the hospital, got to choose my hours. Most patients aren't critical, but I did have to call 911 and they got admitted, on a few patients. Your assessment skills are excellent with all that CC experience. One drawback: even on days off, I got asked to take an additional admit or cover for someone, but the company I worked for usually let my 'no' mean 'no.' No coercion. Good luck.

Jon C RN 2024, ASN · Apr 3

Thanks that's good advice Im really trying to stay out of a hospital environment at this stage.

mdsRN2005, ASN, BSN, RN · Apr 4

heron said:

It's entirely possible that you've been blacklisted, but don't rule out age discrimination. Not sure what you can do about that, though.

This was my first concern as well. The tricky part is proving it. You could consider speaking with an employment attorney to find out if there is any way to prove it. But it's probably not worth the time and hassle.

As to the BSN, I would be hesitant to return to school at 61. I'm not sure the potential increased earnings for such a short period of time until retirement would be enough to offset the cost of tuition.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Jon C RN 2024, ASN · Apr 4

Thanks, I talked with a recruiter from that health system and I was not blacklisted. Officially my record said I left for a career change which is pretty much the truth. I agree going back to school is not a good option for me I wish I had, but too late for that now. I really just need a good nursing position to get me to retirement at 67. A ASC, SCHOOL 1:1 nurse support role, or maybe urgent care or somewhere I haven't thought of yet. I'm healthy and I think look younger than my age, but its always a concern and could be why Im not getting some of these jobs, but with the nursing shortage a nurse with 5+ good years left in him and my experience cant be all bad. Im just hoping somebody here might be able to give me some good advice 🙂