Age Discrimination

puzzler · Apr 28, 2001

Hi

I have been in nursing for 24 years and have never seen any age discrimination at all. New grads have always been sought and recruited. I went into nursing at the age of 30.

Do not let anything hold you back. We need all the help we can get!

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Sheryl www.CrosswordsForNurses.com

MQ Edna · Apr 28, 2001

Daniel, someone on this BB recently said the average age of nurses right now is 43, soon to be 45 (someone correct me if I am remembering incorrectly). I don't think you need to worry about age discrimination, especially during such a severe nursing shortage.

Good luck!

Laura

Jenny P · Apr 28, 2001

I've worked with some nurses who were in their late 40's, early 50's and out of nursing school less than 5 years. I don't remember any discrimination, but I do remember a younger nurse telling me that nurse X was 52 and had been a nurse for only 3 years-- this younger nurse had gone to the older one for career advise and was shocked to know she'd been a nurse longer than the older one! LOL!

JennieBSN · Apr 28, 2001

Daniel--

I've never heard of older nurses having a problem getting jobs. I don't think anyone really cares about how old you are in this profession...

I told someone else on this bb that there was a woman in her 60's in my graduating class in nsg school...she didn't have any trouble getting a job! Go for it!

tillie1 · Apr 28, 2001

Originally posted by Daniel Rakus aniel, PLEASE continue your goal! I think you probably have some life experiences that will be extremely helpful to you in your expectations of your new carer. I have not seen or heard of job discrimination for hiring new grads. The only problem you may have was alluded to in a pervious post..you may have a hard time convincing someone that you are a new nurse! Are you willing & able to have charge nurses and managers that are years younger than you? Some times its hard, especially when you think your way is better and the person in authority isn't interested in any way but their way. Anyway, best of luck to you!!

seattlepeach · Apr 28, 2001

Go for it! I am 44 and graduated with my ADN in June 2000. Only applied for two jobs and was offered both of them! Interviewers told me that they liked the fact that I had been out in the world, had some life experience (really helps with caring and compassionate nursing care). They don't care that you haven't worked as a nurse before, but rather that you HAVE had a work history and know what life and work are all about! Just my experience, but thought it might give you some encouragement! Good luck to you!

shodobe · Apr 28, 2001

Daniel, keep your goals and don't worry about your age. I am 48 and have been in nursing 24 years and yes I am a guy.I can out work ANYONE in my department and dare anyone to think otherwise. i work in the OR and work 14-16 hours between two hospitals 4 days a week, plus call on the weekends.I go home for long weekends since I live 8 hours away from home.When I am at work that is all I do, is work.The average age for a OR nurse is 48 years old so you will have no problem fitting in. Good luck, Mike

burger914 · Apr 28, 2001

Hi there,

I say go for it. I have a friend in my class who will be graduating in 2 weeks with me and he is 59. He already has a job waiting for him. He said he was nervous returning to school, but he wanted to be a nurse so he did it. His attitude is "I am going to turn 60 whether or not I become a nurse" I say go for it!

Future LPN Sheryl · Apr 29, 2001

I would think with the nursing shortage the way it is, they couldn't afford to discriminate against anyone.

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Sheryl

ScrubTops · Apr 29, 2001

I certainly can understand your thoughts and fears Daniel. My age is 51 and I am currently an LPN. I have never experienced any age discrimination from anyone. Other nurses have welcomed me without reservation. By the way, I too just started my RN program, and believe me, the same thoughts were in my mind as well, however my peers and coworkers certainly gave me the encouragement to pursue my dream. Go for it, you will be happy you did!!

John