Would your hospitals hire a middle-aged rookie?

U.S.A. Colorado

Published

Hello Everybody. I am a 43 year old woman currently in an accelerated BSN Nursing program. I will be 45 years old at the end of my schooling. Am I crazy? Will anyone even want to hire me? My grades are good and I am very interested in the field, but I'd hate to take on $20k debt now and then find myself unemployable. Thanks for the honesty.:confused:

Congratulations on your decision to pursue a nursing career. I can only speak for myself, but I don't use age as a criteria for hiring new grads. If the applicant shows a commitment to providing high quality patient care in an environment of teamwork, is not afraid of hard work, and posseses a desire to learn and grow as a professional, then they certainly would be considered, regardless of age. I'm sure I'm not the only manager who feels this way, so don't give up your dream!

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Hey, they hired ME!:D

Seriously, most employers actually appreciate new nurses with life experience......they generally have more patience and wisdom than their younger counterparts, plus they are motivated and learn quickly.

So don't worry about your prospects........you'll undoubtedly be an asset to any organization you work for!

Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

From recent experience, age will not be a deterrant to your landing a position when you graduate. Guaranteed!

Good luck!

Specializes in Critical Care.

It shouldn't be a facter.

Noney

Thank you everybody. I will keep chugging away then. I do have a compassion and realistic attitude today that I didn't have when I was younger. I don't feel old, but when I'm in class with kids 1/2 my age, I start to second-guess myself.

Please join us. with your life experiences and previous work history, you will no doubt be an assest to any employer.

jgs284

you will have no difficulty. I graduated in 1979 and there were very good and qualified new grads in my class at the age you are now ..I was a mear 23 and believe me I had a lot to learn yet. Now Im 47 and must say congradulations on your efforts. I am sure you will not have a problem landing a position somewhere.

jb

Of the last 4 nurses hired, 2 were over 45. Does not seem to be a factor where I work. Good luck in school. :)

Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency, Education, Informatics.

I wouldn't worry about it. I'm the DON of a hospital on the KS/CO border. I just hired a 50 yo new grad.

The average age of a nurse today is 48, so you are a young puppy .

Specializes in Neurology, Neurosurgerical & Trauma ICU.

No, age is generally not a problem! Heck, my good friend is going to be almost 63 when she graduates and she already has a job!

Good luck to you!

+ Add a Comment