Nurses Under 30 Years Old

[PetiteOpRN]

A friend of mine is a manager who recently went to a management seminar. It was the same old thing until they asked what peoples' biggest problems are. One person said "employees under 30," and everyone in the room agreed. They find this demographic to be needy and entitled (I'm sure this does not apply to everyone, but is a much bigger trend than in past years).

My department recently hired MANY new nurses, and all but one is under 30. They call in when they are hung over, go home early, and they're lazy at work. The only thing I can depend on them to do is get their coffee break. I'm sure these nurses have many fine qualities, and maybe the rest of us are just martyrs (put in the full 46ish hours a week, mop our own ORs, etc), but it's just a whole different attitude. People in other departments note a similar trend. Radiology techs will refuse to go to certain cases because it will interfere with their lunch.

I'm sure I will get a bunch of posts from 20-somethings about how hard they work, and I'm sure there are some out there who really do work their tails off. But managers (and coworkers) are starting to take note of "generation me."

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

While I would agree that experience is important, I think you have to be careful about generalizing about new grads and under 30. I am a new nurse at 37. What I notice is that some experienced nurses seem to forget is that they were once new grads themselves. Not to mention that as more nurses retire, new grads are needed to keep the system going. It is inevitable. With the 'experience only' mentality prevailing in many departments, new grads are shut out. It is very unfair. Why did we work so hard, if no one is interested in hiring us?

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

There are a LOT of nurses under 30 with over 5 years experience. So young does not necessarily mean inexperienced.

[Old.Timer]

While I would agree that experience is important, I think you have to be careful about generalizing about new grads and under 30. I am a new nurse at 37. What I notice is that some experienced nurses seem to forget is that they were once new grads themselves. Not to mention that as more nurses retire, new grads are needed to keep the system going. It is inevitable. With the 'experience only' mentality prevailing in many departments, new grads are shut out. It is very unfair. Why did we work so hard, if no one is interested in hiring us?

I could not agree more. Ten years ago leaders from nursing, academia and the corporate world partnered together to address the current and projected nursing shortage. A huge marketing blitz was launched attempting to restore the image and touting the stability and benefits of a career in nursing. People were practically being guaranteed jobs in the nursing field with the completion of their studies. Those in less stable fields were encouraged to switch careers, assume loans, return to nursing school and sign on for the incredibly rewarding career that would be waiting for them.

Now we don't want them. I literally get heartsick at the number of posts by new graduates searching for jobs to no avail. Never in my wildest dreams would I have predicted this outcome.

Personally, I think the entire situation is shameful.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Now nursing is facing a crisis, and the shortage is going to get worse. In the next few years, all the new nurses will be needed and hired. But is it not wiser to start training us now? Keep in mind also that it is the new crop of nurses who will be caring for all you experienced people. I feel it would be to everyone"s benefit to mentor and learn from each other.

[raincitynurse]

"Oh, and BTW, I'm one of those scandalous younger nurses who...are you ready for this...usually puts on a little makeup and fixes my hair before going to work. No mass chaos...yet (insert sarcasm here)."

Me too!! I just turned 30, have been working full time since I have been 16, have a young son,a husband of over a decade and great grades.

I work super hard, am well respected by my peers and our doctors.....and love going to work looking great!

I look tidy with my hair in a low pony tail, my shiny nails, and light make up.I look clean and put together, which makes me feel confidant. I don't think you need to forgoe looking nice while being nurse...I work with some"older" and not so um...efficient?...nurses who complain about everything, and who really gave up on looking nice at all...it is uninspiring and depressing.