RN re-entry

My mom is over 60 and is a nurse who is thinking about changing jobs -- we were just talking about how nursing is an unusual profession in its willingness to hire older women.

She has been working continuously though so I'm not sure how different that would be.

There have been nursing shortages in the near past that seem to not be as acute anymore, but it is still one of the more promising fields for someone with an advanced degree and over 30 years' experience, I think.

Maybe you could go ahead and contact some local employers (hospitals or whomever you'd want to work for) and see what they have to say.

You may need recent experience to get back in full swing, leaving the catch-22 of how to get it. Right now the market hasn't been great but normally the nursing shortage is such that if you have a valid license you can get a job.

I don't think your age is a big deal, but the lack of recent experience is likely to be your biggest obstacle to overcome.

I'd say your chances are very good, if you are selective in the jobs you apply for. You will need to take refresher courses to get your license back.

Because of your age, you might consider hospital jobs that are only part-time. Additionally, nursing homes or assisted living institutions are also a good bet.

Moreover, many wealthy individuals are constantly looking for in -house nursing care, or even for travel both in the US and elsewhere.

As th economy improves, the number of nursing jobs will increase. Thus you should get re-certifed and be sure to take those brush-up courses.

By the way, I have mixed feelings about agency placed jobs.

Good luck.