Ageism

[chilipepper79]

I'm in my late 40s and my current unit hires mostly 20-somethings - almost exclusively.  Recently, most of the older nurses I used to work with and love have retired.  This shift has caused a huge culture change.  I have been thinking for a while to branch out of my speciality.  But I always feel I'm being interviewed as a courtesy and not as a true candidate.  I get the "good luck" at the end of the interview every time.  Nursing is my second career so I have a BA/MS in another area.  I sometimes think that might be intimidating and I should just take that part of my life off my resume?  And then I think it's my age.  I'm pretty solid with all my answers as I've had plenty of practice interviewing.  But I know of several 20-somthing nurses that show up at career fairs and get hired on the spot.  I'm curious if managers can give their insight into why they would be reluctant to hiring more mature candidates (it would be greatly appreciated and helpful to understand).

Here are my thoughts as to why an older candidate would not be thought of as desirable:   1. Older people are more expensive 2. Older people are more resistant to change 3. Older people are harder to train 4. Older people are more moody 5. Older people are less energetic 6. Older people will disagree with management more 7. Older people offer less longevity for the organization 8. Older people will be less likely to pick up extra shifts 9. Older people have developed a harden exterior from years of nursing

Hiring managers:::Is there any truth to these generalizations and, if so, how do I combat these preconceived notions and come out ahead?  Thanks