What Next for an "old" nurse

1 I have been a nurse for 31 years doing various types of bedside and office nursing. I was in my last position for 10 yrs and was laid off due to cost cutting at the hospital where I was working. I only have a diploma in Nursing( I always wanted to go back for my BSN, but life seemed to always get in the way) I am 55 and do not think I can handle the stress and physical demands of bedside nursing, but in my area it seem like all non bedside jobs require a BSN. And even those are few and far between. I am too young to retire but don't know what my next step should be. I nevered dreamed when I started out all those years ago I would be unemployed with no prospects on the horizon. I don't have the money to go back to school and don't know if it's worth getting in debt at this point in my life to get a BSN. I still have alot of knowledge and care to give, but it seems no one wants an old diploma nurse. I'd love any ideas or words of encouragement as this is a very depressing place to be at this time in my live. Anyone else out there in the same boat? Thanks for listening.
Hi Lulu...I, too, had just about given up when I lost my last bedside nursing job. Being an LPN for 28 years gave me very limited options. I saw an ad in my local paper seeking Rns and LPNs who had some computer skills. I faxed my resume and was hired to support nurses and docs with the implementation of a new computerized electronic medical records program. There were 350 nurses for this particular project. Training was less than optimal, only giving us 12 hours hands on before the project started. After the first day, the support staff dropped by half! I persevered, stuck it out and have been doing this for the past 2 1/2 years. It gives me the opportunity to still use the knowledge I have acquired over the years, without the pressures of responsibility. It puts my 2 loves, nursing and computers, into one worthwhile career. The money is double, sometimes triple to what I was making as an LPN anywhere. If you are able to travel, the opportunities can be endless. Depending on your area, you may even be able to stay local if traveling isn't an option for you.Feel free to PM me if you would like more information or have any questions.Good luck...Barb

I am an "old" nurse, 50 years old this month, and 26 years as a nurse. Look for a job in a major insurance company. They hire nurses for many positions, personal nurse advisor, various health management positions, case management, case review, utlilization management, etc. That's where I am now and God willing and Medicare lasting that long, I intend to stay here til I can retire.

i'm an "old" nurse, too. it's been over 30 years at the bedside and still there. i'm not sure how long i can continue to do this job; i'm hoping i can last another four years and two months until dh retires.

How about school nursing?

what about going for an ADN?

Quote from lulu220I have been a nurse for 31 years doing various types of bedside and office nursing. I was in my last position for 10 yrs and was laid off due to cost cutting at the hospital where I was working. I only have a diploma in Nursing( I always wanted to go back for my BSN, but life seemed to always get in the way) I am 55 and do not think I can handle the stress and physical demands of bedside nursing, but in my area it seem like all non bedside jobs require a BSN. And even those are few and far between. I am too young to retire but don't know what my next step should be. I nevered dreamed when I started out all those years ago I would be unemployed with no prospects on the horizon. I don't have the money to go back to school and don't know if it's worth getting in debt at this point in my life to get a BSN. I still have alot of knowledge and care to give, but it seems no one wants an old diploma nurse. I'd love any ideas or words of encouragement as this is a very depressing place to be at this time in my live. Anyone else out there in the same boat? Thanks for listening.

What about Public Health Nursing? I loved it when I worked for the state... umpteen years ago. Good luck and keep us posted.

I was going to suggest school nursing, too. I'm an old nurse like you are, 34 years. At 53, I just not able to keep up with the intensity of hospital nursing--all that being on your feet for 12 hours, staying up all night, working all the holidays, every other weekend, taking call. No thank you. Not any more. With all your experience, you have a lot to offer in school nursing, occupational nursing, or home health or hospice. At this point in my career most of my nursing is cerebral. Sure, most of the kids I see are suffering from simple childhood troubles--stomachache(usually needs a BM), vomiting, small cuts & bruises. I have the occasional head injury, and some kids with chronic illnesses. Plus, I take care of any adults who need a quick consultation. So I may give out 10 bandaids, 3 ice packs, a couple shots of insulin, and 5 ADHD meds every day, but there's always that ONE kid who comes in with a staph infection, suspicious bruising, a fractured wrist that mom didn't catch, or an asthma attack that needs immediate treatment from someone who knows the ropes. Sure, I probably couldn't start an IV if I had to. BUt that skill is not required for this job. I'll never go back to bedside nursing. After 34 years, my head is STUFFED with knowledge and experience. I'm sure yours is too. Use it to your advantage/

Quote from VivaLasViejas. . . . I'm trying desperately to get into hospice nursing, it's what I want more than anything, but if all else fails I'll go back to being an MDS nurse or a care manager. I'm also looking at going over to the dark side and becoming a state surveyor.........that could be verrrrrrrrrry interesting.

Private Duty or Intermittant Home Health (visits). I think they'd snap you up!

Thanks for the ideas and encouragement. It will give me some things to think about. I just never expected to have to look for work at this age. My kids are finally through college and things were supposed to get easier. Maybe I'll have my mid life crisis now.