I have been working as a nurse since I was 17. I have a very varied background. I have worked throughout my career in pediatrics. I have been a school nurse housemother in a boarding school for the past 14 years. These boys and the people who work there have become my family. I have been told my contract isn’t being re-newed. The headmaster thinks I am becoming stagnant and perhaps he is correct. I wanted it to be my decision but it isn’t now. I am thinking of relocating to Richmond Virginia. I am in a turmoil and am really afraid. Any suggestions from all of you great women out there?
I have been told I don’t have enough current experience from agencies I have applied to. I always thought I wanted to work overseas. I would like to keep on my path but don’t
know what that is anymore. Would love to hear any advice you all can give me.
| getting a job as a nurse at 55 |
March 31, 2009
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p.s. I dropped your name on Gina's post, Barb. ;)
you are lucky you are an RN. You are in demand! Keep hanging in there, and keep applying. Someone will value your experience…
Hi:
Not being the one to make the decision to leave your job can be heart and gut wrenching. One way I handle feelings like that is to go exploring in books or on the web. Your post got me thinking and sparked some ideas. As a nurse you have skills and experience that are much in demand. Working abroad can be a wonderful way to take a break and try something different if you are in the position to do so. Even just exploring that idea as an option might spark another idea or two of how you can use your skills here in the U.S. I did a little exploring and found some great sites where you can learn more. I even found an article (from 2004) about a nurse who landed a job overseas.
* Transitions Abroad (http://www.transitionsabroad.com/) is rich with information about short and long-term opportunities. The site also offers a book about the in’s and out’s titled, Work Abroad: The Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas (http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/workabroad/index.html).
* Here is a link to the article, “Work Abroad as a Nurse” written by a nurse from the same website: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0403/working_abroad_as_a_nurse.shtml
* Another site that posts opportunities for nurses looking for overseas jobs is Jobs Abroad and its listing for nurses is at http://www.jobsabroad.com. /listings.cfm/interntypeID/76
* If it’s possible for you to take some time, one way to find out if taking a job overseas is right for you could be to volunteer in another country and work there for a short time. One place to start exploring that idea is Health Volunteers Overseas at https://www.hvousa.org/index2.htm
* If moving to Richmond is where you are leaning, volunteering to get a feel for the city is a great way to meet people and find out about possible job opportunities. In Richmond, Hands On Greater Richmond at http://www.handsongr.org/ really drills down and lets you look for specific opportunities, such as working with children that might appeal to you.
* Maybe you’d even like to take a break from nursing and still go overseas. One way to do that is to become certified to teach English as a foreign language. I interviewed a woman who did just that for my monthly newsletter. At 59, Janet Riben, a US citizen who lives in Sweden, became certified to teach English and landed a job in Italy. That led to her buying her dream home north of Rome right before she turned 62! You can read the interview at http://www.yournextquest.com/interviews/quest_maker_janet_riben.htm. Two websites Janet recommended are International Living (www.internationalliving.com) and TELF, where you can find certification courses taught here in the U.S. and also online at http://www.tefl.com/courses/courseusa.html.
I hope this is helpful. I have found that when I dip into new ideas and immerse myself in information gathering, these actions have lessened turmoil and a sense of uncertainity for me.
Michèle Meagher
Your Next Quest
http://www.yournextquest.com