Age- looking young

runner502 · Dec 30, 2015

I hate to say it, and this is just from my experience, but, I wouldn't hold out too much for this one. I had a very similar experience. The manager basically went on and on about what she expects and what she won't tolerate. Even going so far as to say that I would not want to end up in her office! Other than at the beginning when she asked me to tell her about myself, she spent the whole time telling me about all of her expectations and what would happen if they weren't met. I left the interview feeling lousy and disappointed in how it went. Needless to say, I didn't get an offer, but looking back it was most likely a blessing! I later found out that it was well known that this manager was not well-liked to say the least.

Now, your situation may be different and I hope it was. Did she ask you many questions? Did she seem interested when you spoke? How would you feel about having her as your supervisor? That's also something important to consider. I hope things work out for you and you get a job soon. I am still trying myself.

NurseIndependa · Dec 30, 2015

2 years ago, I interviewed for a CNA position at a hospice facility. The nurse manager was rude and seemed focused on my age. She made it clear to me that in her mind, someone my age (I was 21 at the time but look younger) could not actually be interested in working with the hospice population. I don't remember much of the interview now, but I know she left me feeling very uncomfortable because of the vibe she gave off. I ended up turning down the job because of that.

Unfortunately, you can't change other people's opinions, especially once they've had a bad experience. Look for a job where leadership (or interviewers) who don't set you up for failure with sweeping negative generalizations.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2015

Looking youthful can hurt one's chances if the interviewer has a conscious or subconscious bias against younger candidates.

Likewise, looking 'older' can hurt one's chances if the interviewer holds a conscious or subconscious bias against aging candidates.

The moral of the story: ageism is a festering scourge in society.

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 30, 2015

Looking young doesn't necessarily equate with what she stated. What does seem to be the trend is that nursing students learn how to be a nurse primarily during their orientation. They aren't ready to hit the floor running out of school. It could be that the nurse is expressing the fact that new nurses need a lot more orientation than experienced nurses or that new nurses just weren't ready for that particular specialty.

NOADLS · Dec 30, 2015

If you don't get hired based on your age, don't push it. What if you did get hired? Do you think it would be a good environment to work in? Chances are that if you didn't get hired because of your age, the people that were hired before you are significantly older and there is an increased chance of "NETY" being the norm at such a place.

Itsourchoices · Dec 30, 2015

I never understood how age could be such a struggle in my career. I am in my late 20's and am often mistaken for a teenager. I've had the side eye thrown my way by both patients and their families. I was turned away by a patient when I tried to help him to the bathroom; apparently I didn't know being female and looking like I was 17 meant I didn't know how to help. Nope, 2.5 years on the floor as a nurse and 2 as a tech by this point did NOT teach me that skill. Lol.

I don't like the comment of age being a factor. Sure, new nurses won't feel as confident, or have the background managers may want. Fine. BUT your skills as a nurse are not affected by your "look". I'd say peace out if that was how my interview was going. Good luck! :)

sailornurse · Dec 30, 2015

I was a teenage LPN, and an RN at 21, this back in the day when we wore all white uniforms complete with nursing cap. I looked about 15 (12 to some) but I had a nursing license. I had an older CNA whose hair was starting to turn grey. Almost every day, the recovery room nurses bring the patient would start to give her report, to which she would point to me, and point out the nursing cap. I was just reading a thread about the reverse of older nurses being discriminated. So it happens.

Farawyn · Dec 30, 2015

No. It's all on how you carry yourself.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Dec 30, 2015

There is a big difference between new nurse (no nursing experience) and young nurse. There is nothing you can do about being a new nurse except demonstrate that you are mature, able to listen and learn, and willing to ask questions when you don't understand something. Nothing's worse than teaching something to someone and have them say they understand and they don't.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Dec 30, 2015

No. It's all on how you carry yourself.

This 150%!!!!! When I was in my early twenties, everybody used to think I was about 16. When my ex-husband and I went on our honeymoon to Vegas, I was 23 and I could not walk 500ft in a casino without being carded and thought that I had a fake ID. It was incredibly frustrating. But at work I always carried myself with confidence. That is the key. I was the youngest store manager ever in my company at twenty years old. I had to get respect from a lot of people, from my employees up to the big bosses in the company. I worked hard and earned it. You need hard work and confidence.

I just turned 40 a week ago, and I don't look 40. Now it makes up for looking like a kid then!! While I was frustrated by looking like a young kid then, I'm loving not looking my age now!!

chiromed0 · Dec 30, 2015

Wow...I wish I had this problem. You do realize us old folk are commenting on threads about just the opposite. You may be looked at like your young and inexperienced now but later you will look young and viable vs others who look tired and old. Today's curse is tomorrows blessing. Overall, be who you are...sure, change some appearance issues if you think it will help but ultimately BE COMPETENT AND CONFIDENT. Let's not forget there's a t.v. show with an M.D. in Houston who is a "little person". She got hired and she's two feet tall! I work with a amputee RN in the ER, she's got one arm and get's the job done. I don't look at her any different and she definitely has to take a deep breath every shift and step right up. You can overcome this obstacle.