Ageism

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Do you think that older nurses are treated better than young nurses? (Just to lay some parameters... old being above 40 and young being younger than 40). I am right in the middle and I've seen both sides of it. What have you seen?

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

I think it will vary based on the culture of the unit/facility. I've seen units where experienced nurses are pushed out by lack of support, compensation, and appreciation. I've also seen units where nurses well past retirement age with significant physical limitations are allowed to continue to work, and the rest of the staff will happily pick up their slack. The truth is a matter of perception.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

It's been discussed at length in other threads, often getting quite heated.

I have seen ageism on both "sides".......older nurses being treated horribly and even pushed out, by employers in favor of younger, better looking ones (that also cost less money)----and also younger nurses being treated badly by older, more established ones.

One does not win over the other. It's happening all over for a lot of people.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

https://allnurses.com/nurse-colleague-patient/ageism-in-nursing-751533.html

https://allnurses.com/nurse-colleague-patient/concern-age-discrimination-585877.html

https://allnurses.com/nurse-colleague-patient/over-60-seasoned-789733-page2.html

https://allnurses.com/nursing-advice-column/

Feel free to do a search "eating our young" and you will find a ton of threads on that, too.

It's been done, A LOT here already.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Ageism is an issue in a society that places a premium value on youth. 'Older' people in all walks of life are often devalued. This happens in nursing as well as other professions and occupations.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

Considering I am 52 and fitter than most of the under 30 nurses, it's not a problem. the only I see with ageism is the $$ factor. Most have maxed out their pay and they CAN'T get raises anymore. They will get a one time bonus each year, but that's it. I know that HR would love for many of them to retire.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.
Considering I am 52 and fitter than most of the under 30 nurses, it's not a problem. the only I see with ageism is the $$ factor. Most have maxed out their pay and they CAN'T get raises anymore. They will get a one time bonus each year, but that's it. I know that HR would love for many of them to retire.

That would be me, haven't had a raise in 7 years. I get a check once in a while for about $700 when the raises go out. Most of my colleagues have left. I have been a nurse for most of my coworkers lives.

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

Since I went to school later, the only ageism I have experienced was from a clinical instructor. I tend to look at another nurse's skills and work rather than age too. There are some great younger nurses out there.

As has been said, in society in general, younger people are valued more than us older ones, yet we older ones have a lot to offer younger ones.

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