HereIamagain

Hello everyone, I'm a new member and would like your help. I've been a nurse for 23 years but had been out of "active duty" for a few years until last summer. I'd worked as a medical language specialist for 8 years until the position was eliminated due to budget cuts, and suddenly found myself unemployed. After working with an employment counselor, I signed on with a large home care company who promised full-time work in my locale. This did not materialize, so I accepted a position closer to home in a long term care facility. I was able to jump back into things, revamp my skills and gained experience on a dementia unit as well as basic LTC. Due to concerns about practicing safely there, I moved to another LTC facility, where I currently work part-time, nights as a geripsych charge nurse. This has been a good match. My spouse has been out of work for 2 1/2 years and has medical issues. I need to find additional work to support my family. I signed up on a few job search sites and receive a hefty dose of help wanted ads each day. I've dutifully filled out applications, have spoken to recruiters but seldom get a bite. I'd like to talk with other older nurses who are returning to the profession after an absence, both for your suggestions and to commiserate. I'm an R.N. with a B.A. in Human Development/Family Studies. My specialty was hospice nursing. I began in long term care soon after graduation. I've also worked in high tech pediatric home care as well as private duty later on. My husband is a talented LPN who sustained on-the-job injuries about 15 years ago. He did triage and reception work in a local hospital for 5 years until losing his job more recently. He has renewed his license and as far as I can tell, has done all the things he should be doing to find employment. He's 64 now and I'm 63. What are we doing wrong? Is it ageism? We're both discouraged and wonder what's going on. Any ideas would be welcome.

Hi Corey, I'm new and would like to reply to your recent post about starting your nursing career. I agree, I think it's natural to feel insecure. But remember, no nurse knows everything. We should be learning every day....I began as an R.N. in 1994. Other than private duty in recent years, I'd stepped away from the profession for a few years. Some geographical and family issues played a part, but mostly my absence was due to a lack of confidence. Looking back, I realize now that I functioned well in work environments that were judgmental and unsupportive. I didn't know where to turn for mentoring and thought the whole problem stemmed from my own inadequacies. I returned to "formal" nursing a year ago and what a year it has been! At age 63, I've adapted to night shifts and feel as if I've been through boot camp. Despite having prior experience, I was scared to death. So much has changed since I first worked in facility nursing, the pace is rugged and the stress level so high. It's been a hair-raising experience but I will succeed. Your husband would like you to try long term nursing, but what are you most interested in? What would you like your practice to be - what do you feel the most drawn to? In terms of gaining confidence, don't be afraid to ask questions. Read up on topics you're interested in (or feel insecure about); increase your knowledge base and try to learn something new every day. Remember that everyone started off new at one time and it's always a growth process. At 39 years old, you've had life experience and you bring something to the table, too.

Perhaps a Valium would help?