I was downsized from my med/surg. job a year ago last February (18 months). OK, I know unemployment is high, but should it affect nursing that much? I go on interviews and think I do well, but then nothing usually or maybe an email or letter a month later telling me they chose someone else.
I've come to think that it is my age-63, that is keeping anyone from hiring me. The only jobs that I've found have been seasonal or temporary like flu shot clinics or HEDIS reviews.
I was a late comer to nursing and only have had my RN license for 6 years, was a LPN for a couple before that.
I don't want to retire, not that I could afford it, and I really loved nursing and thought this was what I would do till they carried me out. I don't look my age, have great health, and hardly ever took a sick day or vacation time. I believe I was a good employee, but now I can only think it is my age that keeps me away.
What do you think of my age and the chances of ever getting full time work again?
Have you thought about doing some agency work? I did that when I was wo work ( long story) and couldn't get an interview. I am sure my eons of experience was a factor cause I am at the top end of the salary ladder.Any way, during that year I found a place I really liked, was liked at and finally got offered a job there. I won't lie...it wasn't easy doing agency work: the pay was lousy and not knowing if I had a shift until every morning sucked but it got me some income. Good luck!
Contact all the nursing agencies near you. I know many private people who want a home nurse want older nurses, especially for palliative care. Agencies don't care re age.
Also take any job (not just nursing) you can get. It will give you money, boost your self esteem and still give you a reason to get out of bed. Set yourself a study rourinte to keep up with reviewing material. Try to do things you find calming as well, such as meditation, walking, etc. Burning lavender oil can help calm shattered nerves and writing a journal can help get frustrations out.
It might take a while, but if u present with a positive attitude, highlight your other work and emphasise the fact you want a long term job and are fit, then I reckon you will get something.
Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.
I always was under the impression that employers cannot ask their applicants their age. Its discrimination! You can volunteer that information but they blatantly cannot ask this.
Nope, they can't ask, but they can make assumptions by looking at your resume, and doing the math.
So let's say 20 years experience & a BSN. That person is most likely at least 40-45 years old.
And when they see you, they'll know if you are 25 or 55.
Hopefully the mature, experienced nurse will be enthusiastic, be up to date in his/her skills, and communicate a sense of energy & enthusiasm about the desired position.
Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.
Nope, they can't ask, but they can make assumptions by looking at your resume, and doing the math..
Hopefully the mature, experienced nurse will be enthusiastic, be up to date in his/her skills, and communicate a sense of energy & enthusiasm about the desired position.
Yes, provided he/she is even extended the invitation for an interview.............
Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.
Working off a probationary license requires, or rather DOES NOT ALLOW for agency-work, home-health, or any other type of work where you aren't 'supervised' by an RN; ie....gotta be in a facility w/ RN on-duty. If RN not working, probationary nurse can not work.
I need to get a lawyer. There's got to be a resolution that's not a catch 22..............
During your interviews, I would emphasize that you plan to establish a long-lasting tenure with the facility. In other words, tactfully indicate that you do not intend to resign within the next couple of years, even if you have reached the traditional retirement age range of 62 to 65. Some hiring managers will feel more reassured if you imply that you will stick around for a very long time. I wish you the best of luck!
Age discrimination is alive and well, I got laid off in 08 at 58 and the only job I could get was a PRN patient sitter job in July of 2011:mad:. The only thing you can do is keep on and maybe someone will hire you.
I know exactly how you are feeling. I am 56 yrs old, have been an RN since 1981. I have a good job but have been trying to get on at local place I cannot name here. I get turned down for a variety of reasons. One was qaulaifications - they wanted an MSN; then they hired a 20 something yr old with a BSN. One was that they hired "from within". OK. I work there part time now! Once I found out that the job I wanted was being given to a young guy. I made a harmless comment - Oh, I never saw that posted. THE NEXT DAY it was posted! They ended up hiring him. Most recently they had more qualified candidates. I know why. They think I am all dried up and ready to retire. Well, I have news for them. I don't ever plan to retire! Nursing has been my life since 1973 when I became an LPN! I love it and will not leave it until I have to. But I guess I will never get "that" job.
onetiredmomma
295 Posts
Have you thought about doing some agency work? I did that when I was wo work ( long story) and couldn't get an interview. I am sure my eons of experience was a factor cause I am at the top end of the salary ladder.Any way, during that year I found a place I really liked, was liked at and finally got offered a job there. I won't lie...it wasn't easy doing agency work: the pay was lousy and not knowing if I had a shift until every morning sucked but it got me some income. Good luck!