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.
Try psych, you will be highly valued in this area of nursing. I can almost guarantee it. You could probably get a job without a bachelors degree but will eventually need to get one to keep the job offers coming.
In 2013 I moved to Seattle looking for work. I was 58, BSN, 17yr PACU / 13yr ICU exp, Certified in PACU, with a disciplinary flag on my license from 18 years ago. Fairly overweight, married, visible Rheumatoid Arthritis in my hands and have retained most of my hair. In other words, a real catch!
I got on board with a couple of local agencies while I looked for a part time benefitted position. One of the agencies called a week later and I was working in an outpatient Urology clinic 2 days a week. Within 2 months, I applied for 3 positions, offered 2, accepted 1 and started a 12 hr shift 2 day/week job with full benefits that I have today. Maybe a little luck, sure, but I applied within my skillset and sold myself as a real asset to the unit who would hire me.
Being back in the job hunt is exhausting, tedious, scary and easy to get frustrated. (At the time I was fussy that it seemed to take so long to get a job, but I was remembering the days when applying for an ICU position, they offered me a pair of scrubs to work that night.)
Don't look for excuses as to why you're not getting hired. Look for ways to be the solution to their staffing problem.
Best to you. If you want to stay in the game, keep swinging!
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.
I agree that age is probably more of a barrier to employment than sex. I disagree that the answer is starting a BSN program. There are plenty of regions where a BSN is by no means required, especially smaller communities and rural areas and OP has indicated a willingness to relocate. With maybe 10-15 years to go before retirement unless that BSN is low cost it just doesn't make financial sense to sink a lot of money into a degree that may not be necessary.
What are of nursing did you work in? Why do you need a new job? Do you have solid references from your past jobs? In my experience people who are having trouble getting jobs after having a solid few years of experience tend to be the ones that don't have solid references. Maybe try agency nursing or travel nursing?
All I can do is wish you luck man! I am same age/sex, hope I never have to go job hunting again, although bedside nursing is really starting to be physically painful. My poor aching bones!
I'm a guy (56) and have never had a problem getting hired, promoted, pay raises, my education paid for (BSN and DNP). I'm aggressive about this stuff and treat nursing as a career and not a calling. This is a second career for me and I've been doing it about 15 years. I started as a ASN grad and just kept developing my career. I don't know what to say except you probably shouldn't go around talking about your "contribution to the field" like you are Dr. Jonas Salk and just cured Polio. Nursing is a job and like other jobs yesterday is dead and gone. Its about what you have to offer right now. If a more attractive candidate than you applies for a position they are probably going to get hired. Take a hard critical look at your resume, interview skills and whole background and keep on trucking. There are plenty of nursing jobs here that will hire a nurse so long as they have a pulse. I wouldn't want any of them but they are preferable to no job
I am in Appalachia, so if you're interested in living in the reddest of states, most hospitals here would welcome you--historically, men in nursing has been a completely legitimate career move!
Specializes in Med/Surg/Infection Control/Geriatrics.
I agree that age is probably more of a barrier to employment than sex. I disagree that the answer is starting a BSN program. There are plenty of regions where a BSN is by no means required, especially smaller communities and rural areas and OP has indicated a willingness to relocate. With maybe 10-15 years to go before retirement unless that BSN is low cost it just doesn't make financial sense to sink a lot of money into a degree that may not be necessary.
I agree with KBRN. I would not go into debt and grab a degree you may not need. You have plenty of quality experience as you are. It's possible that the right fit hasn't happened yet, but, it's also possible that you are still being considered.
Please try not to be discouraged. I value male nurses very much and they (you) are needed! Don't you dare jump ship!
I agree that age is probably more of a barrier to employment than sex. I disagree that the answer is starting a BSN program. There are plenty of regions where a BSN is by no means required, especially smaller communities and rural areas and OP has indicated a willingness to relocate. With maybe 10-15 years to go before retirement unless that BSN is low cost it just doesn't make financial sense to sink a lot of money into a degree that may not be necessary.
He doesn't have to graduate ... just enter a program to make his resume look good. Once he is hired, he can quit.
However, I admit that there are some areas in the country where it would not be necessary. It all depends on where he wants to live and work.
Workitinurfava, BSN, RN
1,160 Posts
Try psych, you will be highly valued in this area of nursing. I can almost guarantee it. You could probably get a job without a bachelors degree but will eventually need to get one to keep the job offers coming.