FatElvis

I never wanted to do floor nursing, because of the issues you cite. You are overworked, and if you are a new grad, you are underpaid. My advice--get some experience, and keep checking the job boards. It may take some time, but find an area you like, maybe even love, and focus on that. Find your comfort zone. It's out there. Give it some time.

Depends on the company. I was making 41.00/hr at my last job. But I also put in 15.5 years and had negotiated for a pretty good raise when I became a Team Lead. Night shift and weekend differentials can make a difference if it's a 24 hour facility. Holiday pay can make a difference. Trust me, you may work as hard if not harder than when you were at the hospital. I worked at an Urgent Care and there were times I worked harder than I did in some ERs. So don't let them low ball you or make you think that the UC is a step down in terms of importance. UCs take a HUGE burden off the ERs, and they deserve respect.

The company that "hired" me and then didn't call is a home health agency. Obviously, not a very professional one.

Glad you haven't had any problems getting work. And hat's off for joining nursing profession when you did.

So, I'm 56 years old. Will be 57 in May. I have devoted over half my life to the medical field. 7 years as an EMT. 22 1/2 years as an RN. I have interviewed for 4 different jobs, one of which actually "hired" me. I haven't heard from this company for over a month. Three other facilities passed on me, despite the fact that I am qualified, and I am willing to relocate, and that I am flexible in terms of pay. And I let them know that. I have worked my butt off--nights, weekends, holidays, overtime over the last 22 years. And I'm feeling that my contribution to the field means absolutely NOTHING. I also believe that many nurse managers have interviewed me for profiling purposes so they can't be accused of sexual discrimination. But I know that a lot of women don't want men in nursing. I actually heard a nurse manager say to another staff member, "I won't hire a man unless he has military experience." I should have reported her to HR, but I didn't, much to my shame. I have been passed over for jobs, even trasfers to other departments in favor of people who have less experience and seniority than me. Has any other male nurses had to deal with this? I'm beginning to feel like I'm done, that no one wants me in this field anymore. Problem is, I'm not trained to do anything else. I have even prayed about this. So far, no answers.