Agism as New Psych NP?

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Sep 5, 2020

Why would there be ageism? Do you or your husband have any evidence of ageism? I venture neither one of you does.

I became an NP at age 56, after being a business executive. I had 9 job offers after graduating from my AGPCNP MSN program.

At least in California, PMHNPs are in very short supply. No one cares about age. In fact, when it comes to mental health, having some gray hairs is an advantage. Most patients do not want to talk to a mental health provider who looks like they are 12 years old!

I'm sick of people whining about ageism. You don't have to advertise your age and it is illegal to discriminate based on age. People can also make themselves look more youthful quite easily, simply by changing hair, makeup, clothing, and attitude.

My own psychiatrist did not retire until he was 83! And he was doing great until he finally retired - his patients begged him to keep working.

graceomalleyRN, RN · Sep 6, 2020

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Adina bat Reuven · Sep 23, 2020

I am thinking of doing the same thing.

DrCOVID, DNP · Sep 27, 2020

On 9/5/2020 at 3:58 PM, FullGlass said:

You don't have to advertise your age and it is illegal to discriminate based on age.

I mostly agree with your post but; there are a lot of "older" practitioners that think they know it all and don't really keep up with new literature. Also, just because something is illegal doesn't mean it doesn't happen...

But yes, psych is so unpopular, age I think will not be a big issue. Just please don't be one of those crusty nurses that treats students poorly, doesn't stay up to date and never reads new things. As you age, you need to use your brain and challenge it to stave off things like Alzheimer's.

I also did chose psych because I knew I could do it into my 70-80's as long as my brain is still there.

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Sep 27, 2020

2 hours ago, adammRN said:

I mostly agree with your post but; there are a lot of "older" practitioners that think they know it all and don't really keep up with new literature. Also, just because something is illegal doesn't mean it doesn't happen...

But yes, psych is so unpopular, age I think will not be a big issue. Just please don't be one of those crusty nurses that treats students poorly, doesn't stay up to date and never reads new things. As you age, you need to use your brain and challenge it to stave off things like Alzheimer's.

I also did chose psych because I knew I could do it into my 70-80's as long as my brain is still there.

Your post is very offensive. In addition, the term is nurse practitioner. BTW - in my experience, it is younger people that seem to think they know it all.

DrCOVID, DNP · Sep 29, 2020

Can you explain how my post is offensive? Regardless, I don't know much if that's what you are implying... I was only expressing my opinion as most are doing here? The only person to take offense at my post would be an old crusty angry person.

And why can't I use practitioner to refer to nurses and medical doctors?

Beata Reshetar · Oct 9, 2020

A new and free group for PMHNP students to Pass Boards EZ. Please join us

https://www.facebook.com/groups/786841055451310/?ref=share

graceomalleyRN, RN · Apr 4, 2021

On 9/5/2020 at 8:17 PM, graceomalleyRN said:

Thank you for sharing your experience. To answer your question, I did encounter ageism in my undergraduate BSN program. I’m not sure I understand your question about having “evidence” of ageism other than my experience. Again, thanks for your reply.

db2xs · Apr 13, 2021

On 9/4/2020 at 12:01 PM, graceomalleyRN said:

Hello,

I am seriously considering starting a 36 month Psych NP program at the age of 54. My projected retirement age is 67. Additionally, if my current employer goes belly up, I would end up going full time and finish sooner.

My question is really my husband’s: is it difficult for a 57 year old new grad to get hired? My area (Colorado) constantly has openings for Psych NP’s, but his concern is that I would not be hired due to agism.

Can anyone speak to this? Thank you in advance.

While I am not a PMHNP, I can tell you about my NP coworker who is 68. From what I could deduce, she went to NP school at 61 years old.

djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 13, 2021

I can’t imagine ageism would be a specific factor in the hiring. But I would consider my age a factor in my personal decision. Especially from a financial perspective. If I had the money to burn and no loans to take then I might consider it. Especially since psych has the least intensive “bedside” necessity in terms of procedures and hands on physical evaluation it’s something you could easily continue past your expectation of retiring at 67. Also if I had concerns of losing my current job maybe I would make that choice as well. But if I had a solid job as an RN with a significant above of time/stability with a company at 54, I likely wouldn’t go that route. But my reasons are purely financial.

PMHNP Student 2021 · Apr 24, 2021

On 9/4/2020 at 2:01 PM, graceomalleyRN said:

Hello,

I am seriously considering starting a 36 month Psych NP program at the age of 54. My projected retirement age is 67. Additionally, if my current employer goes belly up, I would end up going full time and finish sooner.

My question is really my husband’s: is it difficult for a 57 year old new grad to get hired? My area (Colorado) constantly has openings for Psych NP’s, but his concern is that I would not be hired due to agism.

Can anyone speak to this? Thank you in advance.

Honestly with COVID age is no problem. And the truth be told... most patients like mature people - it may equate to experience and wisdom. ? My advice go for it - and never think of age. I tell my mentees the only time they should think of age, is if they intend to retire within the next 5 years. If not keep going.