I am a nurse moving toward "retirement age" but more than willing and able to work full-time.
I left a full-time position almost a year ago due to needing to finalize issues with my parents trust and real estate. I have been applying to hospitals for a med/surg nursing position for 6 months and have had three interviews. I have a very good work ethic and am able to perform nursing duties without accomodation. I feel that my age is hindering my ability to get a new job. That frustrates me but appears to be the fact.
What I really want to know is what type of facility should I apply to that considers older nurses still viable contributors to the medical team?
I am one of the "seasoned" nurses. Having over 40 yrs of nursing experience I moved from LPN to RN with BSN. In working through the BSN Program at a state university I found the curriculum geared toward preparing the RN with management tools. With these tools and many years of nursing practice I was well prepared to accept a nursing management position. I also believe in holistic practice whether it be with patients or staff. I fully understand the supper hero concept. I also understand others cannot or do not chose to be supper heroes yet in no way does that make them any less a skilled caring nurse. Just saying...
I did retire and am now struggling to get back into the work force. As the old saying goes "nurses eat their young". I am here to tell ya "they eat the seasoned ones as well"
Oh Boy... I am going to be 60 (healthy iin shape) next month and am beginning the RN clinical portion of my ADN. I know how hard it can be for you in Med/ Surg and/or a hospital setting, etc.. I was in EMS (paramedic) full-time for over 16 years. Looks like I am on a uphill road with my age! Have you ever thought of home health? I would think there are lots of people that would love to have your experience.
I am a nurse of retirement age, but I am employed as a home health nurse. It is such a satisfying job!! I know exactly how you feel, and you are correct that your age hinders your job opportunities. Either employers don't want to pay for your experience or they fear you mental and physical capabilities are not as good as younger nurses.keep trying!
I am one of the "seasoned" nurses. Having over 40 yrs of nursing experience I moved from LPN to RN with BSN. In working through the BSN Program at a state university I found the curriculum geared toward preparing the RN with management tools. With these tools and many years of nursing practice I was well prepared to accept a nursing management position. I also believe in holistic practice whether it be with patients or staff. I fully understand the supper hero concept. I also understand others cannot or do not chose to be supper heroes yet in no way does that make them any less a skilled caring nurse. Just saying...
I did retire and am now struggling to get back into the work force. As the old saying goes "nurses eat their young". I am here to tell ya "they eat the seasoned ones as well"
A supper hero? Is that one who cooks really good meals?
I too am pushing towards retirement and began working as PRN for different hospitals and on contract occasionally. I find working this way I can not only work when I want, but also where I want. I continue to do 3 shifts a week but will cut back once I actually retire. I enjoy working this way much more than the full time position I was working. I don't have to deal with the politics and clics that inevitably occur with any position.
Hi. I am Dan and I am 70 years of age. I remain working in the Acute care for past 45 years. I jog three days a week for two miles and i lift weights five days a week. I will quit working when i am carried out in a golden casket.
Hi. I am Dan and I am 70 years of age. I remain working in the Acute care for past 45 years. I jog three days a week for two miles and i lift weights five days a week. I will quit working when i am carried out in a golden casket.
Excellent Dan. Wish you all the best. What would the world do without us geriatric nurses?
That's awesome Dan! I hope that I will be doing half as good as you at 70. At 45, and a new grad RN, it's been frustrating going to these mass interview/hiring events and feeling too old with the majority being in their 20s or 30s. I am also very active and run 3-5 miles 4x/wk. I used to run cross country in high school and college, played on high school soccer team a and did gymnastics, played soccer, softball, swimming and diving teams as a child. So, I am definitely ready and willing to give 100%. I just need someone to give me a chance!
I am assuming that you work for an agency since you mentioned contract work. I have thought about agency nursing but am concerned that the facilities will not give me help with paperwork or electronic charting.
I feel your pain. I did not graduate until 57 and having been self-employed most of my adult life, ageism was not a consideration that crossed my mind. I am now almost 64 and have indeed experienced this in the workplace, both in the hiring process and on the job. I was not even interviewed at one facility, a long-term care center for vets. I thought it would be a perfect fit for me, but while I waited for the interview, I saw the DON peek around the corner and make a face that could only have been due to my grey hair as I was dressed appropriately. Minutes later the receptionist told me that the DON was sorry but she had something come up and had to cancel. I was polite and said I would come back at her convenience. She never returned any of my calls. OK, fine. Fortunately for me I am now at a state teaching hospital--I have great salary and benes, and love my job. Rest assured, I will never leave. Good luck to you!
BabsmW
1 Post
I am one of the "seasoned" nurses. Having over 40 yrs of nursing experience I moved from LPN to RN with BSN. In working through the BSN Program at a state university I found the curriculum geared toward preparing the RN with management tools. With these tools and many years of nursing practice I was well prepared to accept a nursing management position. I also believe in holistic practice whether it be with patients or staff. I fully understand the supper hero concept. I also understand others cannot or do not chose to be supper heroes yet in no way does that make them any less a skilled caring nurse. Just saying...
I did retire and am now struggling to get back into the work force. As the old saying goes "nurses eat their young". I am here to tell ya "they eat the seasoned ones as well"