Is age a Factor

[cherm59]

I am wanting to travel again. I am an L & D nurse with 20 years experience. Do you think that being 55 years old is going to hinder my chances at assignments?

I have been reading the travel nursing thread and Ned you rock. You answered questions I didn't know I had. Thanks

[NedRN]

Well, thanks. Although that is a benefit of a forum, you can learn a lot without even having to ask questions. I learn a lot from forums on multiple topics: this one is my give back.

To your question, no, not for a traveler. For staff, perhaps as hourly usually increases with years of experience especially at union hospitals (although the shortage is so acute in L&D it is hard to imagine that you are not very marketable as staff).

Your experience is to your advantage as a traveler. Hospitals negotiate a fixed hourly bill rate with agencies per specialty. The rate doesn't change for one year of experience or twenty years of experience. If you were a manager, which same cost traveler would you choose? There are lots of high paying L&D assignments out there, but you will have the advantage on the very best paying ones. Enjoy!

[pinktermite]

No way. I don't think they care about age. They care about experience and if you can do the job. No matter what your age.

[gradRN2007, BSN, RN]

That is so good to hear being that I will soon be 60 and thinking of trying traveling to save some money for retirement!