Trouble Finding Work

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Specializes in Urgent Care Ambulatory Medicine.

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.

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Specializes in NICU.

I have had no problems. I was a new grad at 48yr old and had 2 job offers in NICUs which is definitely female dominated. I have never heard any discrimination talk from any of the charge nurses, manager, or any of my 298 co-workers.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Have you thought about home health nursing?

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Specializes in Urgent Care Ambulatory Medicine.

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

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Specializes in Urgent Care Ambulatory Medicine.

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

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One home health agency took about four months from hiring me to actually get me working. HH agencies can be very hit or miss when it comes to professionalism, so no surprise there. Haven't heard of any men having problems getting hired in nursing, just the opposite. However, age discrimination is alive and well in nursing. I believe your age is the problem. And, then, you could have previous employers, supervisors, references, bad mouthing you. Black listing is just as problematic as age discrimination when it comes to getting hired.

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

There are usually a lot of home health companies so continue to apply. I think you'd be a very good fit with your nursing experience and life experience. Good Luck!

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Specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Well for one, what specialty job are you looking for? Maybe it's this certain field/specialty that is giving you trouble in finding a job. You may have to go to another specialty. Also, what experience is your background? 22 years doesn't mean much if you're looking to get into a position with a completely different specialty that you have 0 experience. Then again, we're missing part of your story if you have you 22 years of experience across the board. I don't want to pry into your past, but if there is something of the past, it might be catching up to you right now.

The "I know a lot of women don't want men in nursing" is completely subjective and personal if I had to say. I have yet to met one female (not just an RN) to tell me that. I imagine the coworkers and management that you've experienced that have said that are awful and it is definitely not a place you want to work at.

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I actually thought males in nursing were favored.

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I actually thought males in nursing were favored.

This has been my observation through the years. It has even been discussed in instances where an employee with a bad work reputation has no problem getting hired.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
I actually thought males in nursing were favored.

You may be right...I've never had any real conflicts with girl nurses. But that could be because of my exceptional good looks and charming personality.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Your age may be part of the problem, but I doubt your gender is. Also, the fact that you do not have a Bachelor's Degree is probably working against you. In the eyes of many managers, you are an "older nurse who hasn't upgraded his education to today's standards." That's not very attractive in a competitive job market in which there are multiple (BSN-prepared) nurses competing for the same job.

My recommendations would be to:

1. Start a BSN program.

2. Apply mostly to employers and specialties that don't say "BSN preferred" and who have a lot of ADN nurses on staff.

That may sound harsh ... but I figure you are an adult and can handle the truth.

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