I'm a registered nurse, who hasn't done floor work for seven years. I left because of medical reasons. Morbid obesity was one of those reasons. I'm at a point in my life that I would like to start doing part-time work for one more year before returning to full-time after last grandchild in school full time. I started my job hunt today........It was a real knock in the head. I was reminded that I'm 57 y/o old, been out of the hospital for seven years, and that a part-time job in the evenings in no longer available at our area hospitals that have been bought up by a big city hospital and they only do 12 hr. shifts. It was suggested that I go do long-term healthcare because it would be less taxing on me. The lady who interviewed me was 54 y/o. I'm 57 not dead! LOL! I've done a hundred different jobs in my life and so I'm broadening my horizons. I'm going to look into support services, etc. I guess I can sling hash and McDees! LOL! You all cross your fingers for me. I'm feeling mean and lean!! LOL!! And aim to get me a good job!
If you're searching online for job openinig, I recommendwww.indeed.com. When you search on there, it checks all the other job listings (local papers, Monster, CareerBuildr, HotJobs, etc.).
I think it's crazy with the nursing shortage I've heard about so often that they would turn away anyone qualified--wouldn't it be better to have someone part-time than to have a complete full-time vacancy?
Jiff: I applied about a month ago for a provider number to be a visiting nurse for the state of Ohio. I swear I laughed myself silly because I had to fill out an application that was at the very least and inch thick. I had to sign a four page document stating that I wasn't a terrorist and didn't support any of the listed terrorist organizations. I've re-evaluated things and probably will try and get into an insurance company as a case manager or work for an insurance company doing insurance blood draws and such. Just got to wrap my head around the fact that at 57 y/o I'm passe! LOL! Weird thing is at my weight now I have twice as much energy as my 300 lb days. It will all work out how it is suppose to be. I might pick up a 12 hr day job that will only be three days a week and every third Sunday rotation. That won't be two hard on my grandchildren and DH. Hope you are feeling better and the move to the new house is over and done with. Can you find the toilet paper and your undies?!?! Two most important things! LOL!!
Age discrimination is illegal -- they're not even supposed to bring it up in the interview process, as it could easily mean a lawsuit. What exactly was said in the interview? Did you bring up not wanting to work long hours, etc. or did she "volunteer" the suggestion that you check out LTC facilities? Have you been working at all (just not in hospital setting) or are you coming back after a long hiatus? They may be concerned that you need some refreshing on basics, or that you might not be committed to a full time job.
With the number of people who take nursing on as a second (third, fourth, or fifth) career and the average age of starting nurses with no experience being in the mid-forties (at least in my state), and with the nursing shortage in many places, I think a hospital would be seriously considering nurses coming back after leaving the floor for a period of time. It's sad to hear otherwise.
Good luck in looking for better opportunities, I'm sure they're out there!
Chrysalis is correct you can sue them for age discrimination. There are a variety of things that they can not ask you/comment on in interviews, age being one of them.
I'd look into seeing if there is an employment advocate of some sort, that can nail them for this. I'm assuming you don't really want to sue them.
ya know, nancy - as a 'not a spring chicken' myself, i'm personally looking for positions that provide more personal fulfillment, and the 'normal' jobs in my field aren't all that appealing.
the choices you've outlined are FABULOUS, and the suggestion that you go into teaching is right on the money - we've earned the right to some quality of life, along with a decent salary. and, IMO, being on 12-hour hospital shifts, with the HUGE burden of paperwork that goes along with it, and the fact that RNs deliver VERY little actual patient care [which was the reason most of them went into the field in the first place], might not fit the bill!!!!
Whatever you decide - it'll be the right choice. there are MANY opportunities for nurses out there -
as for MOI - i've been in the new townhouse for a week and a half = the move went very smoothly. i'm about 75% UNPACKED [yes - you read that right!] - most of the other boxes can't be unpacked until i have actual bookshelves and cabinets. it's pretty - and quiet - and nice. the right choice!!! [thank goodness!!!] there's still work to do - a bit of plumbing, and i GOTTA get rid of all the white walls - and find dining room chairs, etc etc etc. but it's up and functional!!!! YAY!!!!!!!
Thanks for all the encouragement and suggestions. Age discrimination: probably, but might want to work there so no waves!!! Besides the woman was bigger than me and I think she might be able to take me!!! LOL!! Honest to gosh, just about the first time in my life that I can actually say that and it be true! This is the first time in my adult life that I can acually go before an interviewer and not me nervous about rather the chair will hold, do they notice I'm a whale, can't cross my legs, when I take a tour of the place, don't huff and puff to keep up, and the interviewer wasn't afraid I was going to jump over the desk and eat the darned M&Ms! LOL!! I did make contact with the old group that I used to work with today, and first they didn't know me and then they gave be a dozen places to look for work, but begged me to come back there. I'm might have been fat, but I was never a shirker or lazy and have great references. Hey, maybe I can be a write-in for prez!!! I'm getting my sense of humor back, and guess what, I'm still old!!! LOL!!!!
Job hunting
