To old to be hired anymore?

1 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?
Kathy
I am jaded so i am going to say probably your age has some to do with it, but not that it will stop you from eventually being hired. Just keep looking because there are some employers out there who will apppreciate what you have to offer. Just may take a little longer at your age to find them is what I am thinking. Especially in this economy.I will need to work forever too, and at 48 I am worrying about the same stuff. Working out every day and trying to maintain a fairly (despite all the sins ) youthful manner.Best to you!

Ageism is alive and well in hiring practices, and I would be telling a boldfaced lie if I were to deny its existence.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!

Do you know how to prepare a professional portfolio so you present your skills and experience in the best light possible? If not, get online and do some research - a run of the mill resume often doesn't do it anymore.

The combination of age (62) and a flag on my license has netted me ZERO interviews from MULTIPLE applications. I'm doing CNA/PDN, so at least I get to do the patient-care I love. But the $$ sucks, and depression is a constant (though I have just started on a different anti-depressant, so hopefully that part will decrease). I feel a face-to-face interview would really make a difference, but everyone does the hiring process by computer these days. PTOOEY!

I'm 50, male and have 12 years of recent experience, yet I don't think I could buy a job if I actually had the money to do so. Have had interviews, shadowing, yet in the end they pass me up and keep looking. Not once have I had the opportunity to even offer my references. Very frustrating. Keep plugging away, that's all you can do.

This current job market does not favor age, race, gender, years of experience nothing. It is down right unkind out here BUT do not get discouraged. I remember in 2006 and 07 when I could pick and choose what job I wanted, but not in this economy. Employers don't want to pay and then look over you if you are highly qualified or afraid you may take there job.

It sounds like your dealing with age discrimination, but at least you have the option of early retirement.It sounds like they wanted you to take early retirement, but they didn't give you a choice. Welcome to corporate America and at will employment! I hope they at least gave you a severance package!They probably turned around shortly after letting you go and hired a new grad to take your place. Did you watch the want ads or keep in touch with your coworkers?

"but at least you have the option of early retirement."Not really an option if it is not enough to live on..........................

Hey some people are unemployed and their unemployment benefits are gone. They have nothing to live on. At least she has options, maybe not ideal, but I would take that vs having nothing. It's better than nothing!

Quote from kathylorrI 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.

Am going to be 62 in a few weeks. Working home health for the last 9 years, hard on the body, in the car all day and in the heat for about 5 - 6 months. Can't find a clinic or office job. I have opted to take early retirement, since I can still work and earn up to $14,000 or so a year and not have to pay back. In the long run, I will earn as much in early retirement as I would if I opted to work till I was 67. At 65, doesn't matter how much you earn if you still want to work.Been an RN for 16 years and worked in business for 13 years before that. I'm done!

Have you considered working for an agency? Just a thought. Good luck to you.