Returning at 62

[hereagain]

I have financial needs and must return to work after being retired for 23 years. Prior to that, I had always worked in a Level 1 Trauma/Medical Center. I was a trauma ICU nurse for several years, enjoyed/preferred 12 hour shifts, and loved the excitement. I was in my 30s then, and I did eventually burn out. 
 

My eye is on being back in a major hospital system. Every hospital I've looked at is interested in me after I reinstate my license, but they are clear that full time nightshift is the only option. Nightshift was tough for me even as a youngster! So I have concerns. 
 

I am interested in hospice but this is a highly competitive specialty and chances are slim to none that I could walk into ANY position, let alone hospice, without doing my time on nights somewhere. 
 

Wondering if I could suffer through a year of nightshift just to get a foot in the door. 
 

I'm a "young" 62, but . . . 
 

Any advice? 

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

I work in hospice. I wouldn't say that it's highly competitive. The reason is that it generally pays less than the hospital.  Have you tried applying to local hospices?

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

If you have not worked as a nurse in 23 years, you would not be qualified to work anywhere. 

[RatherBHiking, BSN, RN]

It depends on the area but around here you'd be hired in a heartbeat. They'd just treat you like a new grad basically.

I didn't do well with night shift when I was younger and was really nervous about doing it again but it was the only way to get my foot back in the door of the local hospitals. So here I am muddling through until I can get on days some day. I will say I am tolerating it much better this time around. My Dr did give me some prescription sleep med but melatonin and Benadryl work just as well.

I actually really like nights for the fact it's less chaotic usually, less noisy, more money, I can attend any family function if I can't get it off because I'm always home during the day (just have to sleep in shifts), lots of teamwork, no managers, patients usually sleep part of my shift, less visitors, less traffic etc. What I don't like is missing part of weekend days when my family is off because I try to sleep until at least 12-1pm even on my days off. Also trying to flip around for a trip or vacation is hard. I don't sleep as long during the daytime hours so I'm extremely tired by the end of the 2nd and 3rd shift esp. I also don't like my first day off I'm either sleeping the day away or up earlier but feeling rough. It usually takes 1-1 1/2 days to recover and feel energized again. But it's doable. We have several older nurses who prefer nights. Your body will adapt with time most likely!! 

[hereagain]

Been there,done that said:

If you have not worked as a nurse in 23 years, you would not be qualified to work anywhere. 

Obviously I would enter a re-orientation program. Some hospitals I have spoken to have programs specifically for returning nurses, similar to programs for new grads. 

[hereagain]

FolksBtrippin said:

I work in hospice. I wouldn't say that it's highly competitive. The reason is that it generally pays less than the hospital.  Have you tried applying to local hospices?

I haven't explored hospice yet. I have to first focus on getting ready for NCLEX. But I'm glad to hear that it may not be that competitive. Thanks. 

 

RatherBHiking said:

It depends on the area but around here you'd be hired in a heartbeat. They'd just treat you like a new grad basically.

I didn't do well with night shift when I was younger and was really nervous about doing it again but it was the only way to get my foot back in the door of the local hospitals. So here I am muddling through until I can get on days some day. I will say I am tolerating it much better this time around. My Dr did give me some prescription sleep med but melatonin and Benadryl work just as well.

I actually really like nights for the fact it's less chaotic usually, less noisy, more money, I can attend any family function if I can't get it off because I'm always home during the day (just have to sleep in shifts), lots of teamwork, no managers, patients usually sleep part of my shift, less visitors, less traffic etc. What I don't like is missing part of weekend days when my family is off because I try to sleep until at least 12-1pm even on my days off. Also trying to flip around for a trip or vacation is hard. I don't sleep as long during the daytime hours so I'm extremely tired by the end of the 2nd and 3rd shift esp. I also don't like my first day off I'm either sleeping the day away or up earlier but feeling rough. It usually takes 1-1 1/2 days to recover and feel energized again. But it's doable. We have several older nurses who prefer nights. Your body will adapt with time most likely!! 

Thanks for that information and your perspective. It's very encouraging. 

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I'm 66 and an NP but I worked nights for 15 years as an RN when I was in my 30-40's and I think it took time off my life. I know some people can do but I found that my own internal clock made me a better day shift person. 

 

If you found it hard in your 30's are you sure you want to attempt it in your 60's?  Just another perspective....

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Been there,done that said:

If you have not worked as a nurse in 23 years, you would not be qualified to work anywhere. 

If she meets the requirements for licensure, then she is edible for hire, most likely like a new grad.   

hereagain said:

Obviously I would enter a re-orientation program. Some hospitals I have spoken to have programs specifically for returning nurses, similar to programs for new grads. 

If nights is the only thing you can get and you really need a job, then you should just bite the bullet and do it and find a way to make it work.  Think of the positives such as a better shift differential and more money.  Hopefully you can get off nights soon.  In some areas, such as med-surg there is a high turnover.  We had a night shift worker only wait 3 months for a day shift position to open up.  

Good luck.