What is best job for 60 yr old?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am an RN with 4 yrs experience on two different inpatient acute care rehab hospital units, both large health system hospitals. I love nursing!

I left my first nursing job after two years to return to my home state and family. I secured my second job quickly and have enjoyed both positions and have learned so much. I should include that I am 60y old and graduated with ADN and continued on to get my BSN to increase knowledge base and employability. Fast forward, my unit with 2 other small units were permanently closed to make room for a new tower addition.

I am on severance and am applying for clinic positions as I am used to working 8s instead of 12s. I am a realist, and from floating to med-surg during low census I know it is fast paced filled with tasks, admits and discharges, and with not much time left for patient interaction. Although I am told I look much younger than 60, am enthusiastic, healthy and active, my mind doesn't process as fast as it used to. It could be a challenge keeping up with the fast pace of med-surg, but honestly, I don't want to. It's one thing to do it temporarily and another to do it all the time.

Although most RNs seem to think med-surg is the next logical place for me, I don't. I have been applying for clinic positions. The problem I'm having is that clinic positions want clinic experience and usually specific to the specialty. I love to learn but need someone to give me a chance. I am personable, have good work ethic, and get along with co-workers.

Do you have any suggestions as to what I can do during an interview or add on my resume to increase my chances for a clinic position? Can you suggest other positions that might be a possibility with my experience that involve patient interaction? Thank you for your response.

Dear Needs a Chance,

It sounds like you have a lot to offer.

It can be a challenge when you switch specialties, but be persistent.

There are several 8-hour jobs in acute care. PACU (pre or post-anesthesia unit) gives you patient contact without the workload of MedSurg. Admission nurses interview and educate pre-op patients. There's also GI lab, Cath lab and interventional radiology.

Outside of the hospital, there's dialysis and infusion nursing.

Activate your network and let everyone know you are looking for a job. I wish you the best of luck.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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