labmom

I am so happy to see that other RNs feel the way I do. I find it so hard to help them get the rush they want when giving pain meds. I completely agree with all you said.

Fantastic, Dan. Much respect to you.

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.

That's what confuses me. I know I can handle the work and am planning to work until I'm 70; at least I was.

Yes, our situations are similar. I was a medical assistant working in a hospital while going to nursing school. I think that may be why I was able to get a nursing position after graduation. Even though we are what they consider "older" , I think we are wiser and more focused on the jobs duties and responsibilities. I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with this; I know how hard you worked to achieve your degree. I wish you luck.

Thank you for your comment. I have considered Hospice as I have some experience in that area.

I see that. Had I known that employers discriminate against older nurses I would have kept my job and worked through my issues on my time off. Well, thank you for your feedback.

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 need some advice about applying to multiple jobs within the same facility. I am an RN with 7 years experience and am trying to return to bedside nursing. I have recently had a 5 month leave from working due to family issues and am now able to return to a full time position. My question is whether it's better to apply to a single job opening within a facility or apply to multiple openings at the same time. I really want to start working again and am anxious to get an interview and hopefully a job ASAP.

Very well stated, Esme. I agree with everything you said.

I am feeling the same way right now! I am 57, have been a nurse for only 6 years. I left my job in December to take care of some family issues. I have begun applying for positions again and feel as though I'm invisible! I have an Associate Degree and friends have told me that employers consider Bachelor Degrees first. I can't see pursuing a Bachelor Degree at my age. Not sure what the future holds but I really would like to get back to taking care of patients.

I agree, Levitas. Making patients feel that you will be there for them at the beginning of the shift will usually result in fewer requests later in the shift. I guess they just have to know that they are not alone. You also show us that patients DO NOT sleep during the night shift like nurses on other shifts frequently seem to believe! Hang in there; you've got a good attitude.

So, I worked my last shift at my job today. I was given the option of resigning or being terminated. When I came back from suspension, I knew that it probably wouldn't be long before I was gone. While I'm sad that I no longer have a job, I think this will be a good opportunity to continue reflecting on what can be done to prevent mistakes in the future. Thanks to all of you who commented on my post; I will definitely keep your advice in mind going forward in my career.

Thanks to everyone who has replied. The running solution I see is writing things down and checking them off as completed. I will definately implement that! I also like the idea of checking in with the charge. I also do have thyroid issues. A trip to the doctor for a level recheck is happening. Can't take care of others if I don't take care of me!

Thank you, JBudd. That makes sense! I think that will help me keep better track of things to be done. I hope I can resolve this because I really like my job!