Second-Career 50-ish RN working LTAC - Anxious about searching for new job

Dear Nurse Beth, I am a second-career RN, 50-ish, about 18 months into my first job. When I graduated, I thought I was poised for success. I was on honor roll, had letters of recommendation, was a strong interview, and great with clinical questions.

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I was a leader in my class. My precepting RNs liked me but I did not click with HR. I got a few interviews but all the prestigious new grad jobs went to my young friends. My only job offer was from a notorious LTAC that promised me minimal training, a long commute, and the lowest salary in the county.

The first 6 months were very hard. I would Google procedures on my phone because I did not have access to policies and procedures. My coworkers were too busy to be helpful. Those were hard times but now I stroll into my unit like it is my living room. My boot camp days are long behind me. I know every inch of my unit. Tonight, again, I am the Charge RN due to vacations. I have worked hard to become an asset and I am well-liked and respected.

I am starting to apply to better jobs closer to home and I have some concerns. I think I should omit my advanced non-nursing degree because it flags me as older or sends the wrong message. (My career goal is 20 more years of bedside care, which is my passion.) One online application asked for my high school graduation date, which made me cringe. Is there a way around that?

My biggest worry is the training I do not have. Compared to those who had formal new grad training from a nicer hospital, I suspect my work style is not as sophisticated. Things are pretty fast and loose in my current unit. For example, with our patient load, you have to start your med pass 90 minutes early in order to get everything done, yet the charting indicates that everyone magically got their meds within 20 minutes of their assigned time. I worry that I will not know how to work in a facility that is not constantly cutting corners and short-staffed.

Also, and I know this is petty, I do not want to run into people from school and admit where I have been working all this time. I feel sad and self-conscious when I see on social media how well they all have done, while after nearly two years I am still trying to get in the door.

I try not to worry about things that I have no control over, and my RN career is what it is, but I do feel anxiety about reentering the job market again.

Dear Anxious,

Thank you so much for asking this. This is a very articulate description of ageism in nursing.

What a great loss when employers do not value the life experience and skills older applicants have to offer.

To de-emphasize your age, leave out graduation dates unless it's a required field. Too bad some applications still require high school information for Registered Nursing positions...it's a given and not relevant.

With your adaptive skills, you will most likely succeed in acute care. You will quickly learn the safe work-arounds, how to prioritize, etc.- just like you do now.

Easier said than done, but try not to compare yourself to others. What have you really done the past 18 months? Provided excellent care. Gained respect. Overcome ageism.

Now you just need someone to give you a chance. If it were me, I'd pull out all stops-

apply, apply, apply activate your network, ask for personal references, even consider cold-calling nurse managers.

I really hope you land the job you want- it will be their gain. And Happy New Year!

I'm 36 and hoping to start an RN program early 2018. However, My goal is to become a NP and after gaining experience open my own clinic to help my community ...any advice on how to prepare for this end goal.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Why would the letter-writer be ashamed of LTAC experience as a first job? LTAC nursing offers amazing experience. The exalted CVICU, ER, OR, and L&D units/floors are not as wonderful as everyone portrays them to be.

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You should not be ashamed of your position at a LTAC. Heck, if you can survive there, you can survive anywhere! I graduated nursing school in my mid-40's. I lucked out (big time) and happened to be looking for a job when my hospital was opening a new unit and hired 30 some nurses in a month. I have been happy to put in a good word/be a reference for some of my classmates. Do not be afraid to ask them!

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