I gave up just short of $1,000 in pay in order to attend an internship fair at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas in October. I dressed up, polished up my resume, made a bunch of copies. I shook hands, smiled, made eye contact, got a lot of encouragement, all the managers I spoke with said they were interested in me. Looked me right in the eye when they said it too.
Let's look at what I have (had) to offer:
By the time the internships start, I'll have a solid year of hospital experience. I volunteer at a community clinic, and I am taking Spanish in order to increase my ability to care for my Spanish-only patients.
I have an exceptionally good evaluation from my first supervisor, with complimentary remarks. I also have written praises from patients, maybe 15 or so that I can actually lay my hands on. Two supervisors and a handful of experienced RN coworkers have enthusiastically agreed to serve as references for me.
I graduated with a 4.0 in nursing from a college that is one of the 7 identified by the ANA for excellence in nursing education.
I have a bachelor's degree and a master's from my prenursing days. I am a dually licensed professional (in psychotherapy). I graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the bachelor's program, which was at a well known and well thought-of nearby state university.
Interestingly, I didn't get so much as an interview or the courtesy of a letter saying they weren't interested.
Gee, could it be because I'm not a 25 year old fresh out of school?
As it happens, I'm 52. My friend who went with me to the fair is 48, and they didn't bother giving her the time of day when it was all over with either. We both look pretty good for our ages. Not that that should matter.
I don't have a criminal record, never been arrested, never have done anything criminal that would have gotten me arrested!
Anybody else experiencing age-ism in nursing? Is there anybody out there who has successfully sued over it? I'm contemplating legal action and would love to hear from anyone with similar experiences, especially if you are in the Dallas area and know of an attorney adept and interested.....
I have not personally experienced agism- As I stated, my friend did. If she filed complaints or not, I don't know.
However, the violations of the nurse practice act I've seen, I've documented and reported to the BON. When a nurse manager pressured me to break the law, I did not, but others did, I reported it to the BON.
I've just been informed by a former co-worker that he saw healthcare workers blatantly using illegal drugs at a party. The drug users are former co-workers of mine. They still work for an employer which I left. The witness reported the drug use to his nurse manager telling her she should require some drug screening. Her reply was "I don't have time to deal with training all new staff, so I'm not screening anyone."
Since this was hearsay, and I was not personally involved, can I rightfully report this to the BON? I know that the person whom actually witnessed the drug use won't report it.
You could report it - but without first hand knowledge, it is likely they wouldnt investigate it.
Frankly - illegal drug use can be reported to the police if it is not an on the job occurence I would think. Criminal charges would be reported to the BNE.
I'm over 40 and starting nursing school in the Fall. Having recently left corporate America, I can tell you in some areas younger is preferred. People also make assumptions about people with previous college degrees.
When I interviewed at a prominent nursing school for a spot in their nursing program, I was asked "Would you feel comfortable being a student with people who are working on their first undergraduate degree?" I thought this was a ridiculous question since I don't have a prior degree in nursing. Then the second interviewer said "students like you challenge our teaching staff and we like our staff to be challenged." I found this offensive since I had no plan of ever challenging anyone and why would they even think this. The last thing I need is a professor feeling challenged by me.
I declined acceptance into that program because I realized they would have me under the microscope or have different expectations of me than other students. They also kept suggesting I go for a second master's degree. I thought they were crazy since I had no desire to get anything other than an RN license at this stage of my learning process. They had a whole set of assumptions.
I am going to the nursing school that said "in order to succeed you would have to be able to take constructive criticism, acknowledge when you're wrong and learn from your mistakes." I asked "Do you think I'm too old?" They said "absolutely not!" and that they prefer career changer students who bring a lot of experience to the table and they said the older students do better in the program than the very young students.
I have observed that if you are more qualified than the interviewer or hiring manager, they are intimidated.
I wouldn't give it too much attention. Believe there is a better opportunity coming up. You are just going through the process of finding what works best for you.
I feel bad for all that have this problem, but I also think that experience does have a major factor in some job postings. I work in the OR and have for almost 30 years so my age is up there, 53 to be exact, and have interviewed over the past few years for jobs and have no problem getting the job because of my experience. They just "drool" when I mention my age and the fact I can run circles around their younger staff, I like to work! I do think there is a age discrimination factor when it comes to certain jobs or program and shouldn't be tolerated. I have always had an opinion of judging one on their enthusiasm and willing to do the job rather on how they look or how old they look. I have seen some nurses who look old for their age and young for their age. When applications don't ask for their birthdates the facilities have to rely solely on work experience and education. Apearences do have a major impact on what people think about you, so if you "look" older then they will assume that. Unfortunately this happens all the time and I guess there isn't much one can do unless they make it quite obvious you are not being considered because of your age, then there is a problem. Good luck!
I agree with blue eyes. From an HR standpoint you really are overqualified to be a staff RN. Have you thought about administration like DON or research. There are so many higher positions you are qualified for. If you are really interested you could also apply online to local hospitals in your area. I hope it works out for you.
Wow- sounds just like what happened to my friend a few months ago! She interviewed at Baylor in Dallas. She is a BSN and is in her 50s. The interviewer said to her- "Let's be realistic. At your age, you'll tire easily."
Of course, she didn't get an offer. She went back to her home state and got a great job in ER.
Now THERE are grounds for a lawsuit....I once had a business teacher tell us that she interviewed as a slightly older new MBA graduate for a position with a bank. The recruiter said something to the effect that her age might be a problem. Our instructor, stopped and took a breath, looked this recruiter in the eye and said, "Do you want to offer me that job right now or would you prefer I become the new owner of this company after I sue?" I thought that was TERRIFIC!! She wasn't really interested in the job or the company before or after this interview, but I think it's extremely healthy to make someone aware when they verbalize something like that when they should know better!!
The friend mentioned in the post should've gone right down to the EEOC or someone to see what her options were!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.......
I keep hearing and reading about the horrific RN shortages and how it will only get worse. Got a newsletter from the state BON with a big article about RN shortages and how they were contacting some newer graduates pleading for feedback to try to get to the root of the shortage. Doom and gloom, blah blah blah.
So why the is it that you go apply for jobs and don't get so much as a call back? I even went to this stupid "job fair" at University Medical Center in Lebanon, TN and the women/nurse recruiters, whoever or *whatever* they are were so snotty to me it was hard to turn around and walk out without telling them exactly how I felt (which I can't say on this board). This really pi%%%ed me off to no end and I'm SICK of hearing the whining about our nursing shortage. And I don't doubt at all that if you were some 22 yr. old bee bopping in all bright-eyed and bushy tailed you would have been snatched right then and there.
And they still had the nerve to look you in the eye and "act" interested.
Ummm, this is for internships. They are actually for "new grads," aren't they?
And this hospital is offering several thousand dollars in sign-on and retention, only to "new grads." They specifically told me in the internship meeting in the auditorium that because I had a years' experience, I didn't qualify. (My friend who went with me did, they said. But she's 48 and they ignored her too, after the fair was over.)
And I did apply online, before and after. Complete with pasted resume. Each and every time they send me an announcement about a job that "fit" my qualifications and criteria.
Nada.
i am a little confused. you said that you were told that "you do not qualify", but you are upset that they didn't accept you for the internship? you said that they seemed interested, looked you right in the eyes (well, maybe they were interested, but as you said "you didn't qualify"). you said that you were more qualified than any of the others that were hired. do you know everyone that was hired and their qualifications? this is obviously not agism, it's not getting the internship that you want because you do not qualify! agism is discrimination based on age.
we, as a society, are to quick to blame others when things do not go our way. some people don't get a job because of typos on a resume. i think many GREAT candidates are passed over for this very reason (which i think is wrong), but i'm sure some of them said..."it's because i'm 57." people are fired for not being able to perform the job, just like a previous poster stated, but that poster thought that it was agism. NO, it was people not performing their job. why should an employer pay someone who is not performing their job properly. if employers could only fire young people for poor performance then THAT would be agism!
i am sure that some HR people discriminate based on age, but i highly dought it is a wide spread problem in nursing. it is one of the GREAT things about nursing. i would be terrified if i was going to school for anything other than nursing at the age of 31. then i KNOW i would see agism! i know a nurse that retired and now at the age of 62 she works prn at 2 different hospitals. can anyone here see themselves at 62 going back to a marketing firm and say oh i want to come back to marketing, get hired, go down the street, and get hired at a second marketing firm...please fill free to change marketing firm with anything you like...police dept., fire dept., accountant firm, etc..
i am sorry for all that experience agism. it is very wrong. if you have limitations because of your age, well that isn't agism. that's not being able to perform the job; and if your limitations cause too much of an incovenience to the hospital or patients that YOU must care for then it's UNFAIR to both your patients and the hospital to force that hospital to keep you on just so you don't feel discriminated against. this is not meant to offend anyone. i just don't understand how when people are fired or don't get a job it's always "it's because of my age, color, sex, etc..." yes, sometimes it is and sometimes it is because you are not qualified, don't perform adequately, have typos on your resume, take too many breaks, come dressed for interview inappropriately, chew gum at interview, etc... and yes, sometimes you and the interviewer just don't match up..that is one of the reasons for the interview...to see if you are a good fit for the company. some people look great on paper, but are obnoxious in person. IF qualifications were all that mattered there wouldn't need to be an interview, just a background check of references and other info on resume. so again, I DON'T MEAN TO OFFEND. if you've been discriminated against, by all means sue, but first LOOK to see where maybe you went wrong.....accusing someone falsely of agism, racism, sexism is also a HORRIBLE thing to do.
Specializes in obstetrics(high risk antepartum, L/D,etc.
Can anyone explain this one?
I have >30 years experience in OB, both low and high risk, level II nursery, and postpartum. I applied for a job as an OB telephone triage/case manager. The qualifications listed were: at least 2 years experience, preferably in high risk OB. History of telephone triage (OB would be an asset) I was told a few days later that they were interviewing someone who was better qualified. The ad remains on their web site and in their newspaper ads, and job line. I keep wondering "Just how old is this person?"
I gave up just short of $1,000 in pay in order to attend an internship fair at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas in October. I dressed up, polished up my resume, made a bunch of copies. I shook hands, smiled, made eye contact, got a lot of encouragement, all the managers I spoke with said they were interested in me. Looked me right in the eye when they said it too.
Let's look at what I have (had) to offer:
By the time the internships start, I'll have a solid year of hospital experience. I volunteer at a community clinic, and I am taking Spanish in order to increase my ability to care for my Spanish-only patients.
I have an exceptionally good evaluation from my first supervisor, with complimentary remarks. I also have written praises from patients, maybe 15 or so that I can actually lay my hands on. Two supervisors and a handful of experienced RN coworkers have enthusiastically agreed to serve as references for me.
I graduated with a 4.0 in nursing from a college that is one of the 7 identified by the ANA for excellence in nursing education.
I have a bachelor's degree and a master's from my prenursing days. I am a dually licensed professional (in psychotherapy). I graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the bachelor's program, which was at a well known and well thought-of nearby state university.
Interestingly, I didn't get so much as an interview or the courtesy of a letter saying they weren't interested.
Gee, could it be because I'm not a 25 year old fresh out of school?
As it happens, I'm 52. My friend who went with me to the fair is 48, and they didn't bother giving her the time of day when it was all over with either. We both look pretty good for our ages. Not that that should matter.
I don't have a criminal record, never been arrested, never have done anything criminal that would have gotten me arrested!
Anybody else experiencing age-ism in nursing? Is there anybody out there who has successfully sued over it? I'm contemplating legal action and would love to hear from anyone with similar experiences, especially if you are in the Dallas area and know of an attorney adept and interested.....
Thanks. :angryfire
Sorry this has happened. I have learned that it is tough when you are in Limbo which you are. Already an RN with past RN experience, ergo not a new grad just a returning nurse and it has been a long time since you graduated. You need to take a refresher program. That is what I did. Although I was still a functioning RN I had been out of the acute care setting for 9 years. No one wanted me. A head hunter said I was worse then a new grad in the eyes of employers. After taking the course and getting a recommendation from the instrustor, Doors opened wide. It is not agism as the average age of a nurse is 48.
Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN
2 Articles; 3,563 Posts
I have not personally experienced agism- As I stated, my friend did. If she filed complaints or not, I don't know.
However, the violations of the nurse practice act I've seen, I've documented and reported to the BON. When a nurse manager pressured me to break the law, I did not, but others did, I reported it to the BON.
I've just been informed by a former co-worker that he saw healthcare workers blatantly using illegal drugs at a party. The drug users are former co-workers of mine. They still work for an employer which I left. The witness reported the drug use to his nurse manager telling her she should require some drug screening. Her reply was "I don't have time to deal with training all new staff, so I'm not screening anyone."
Since this was hearsay, and I was not personally involved, can I rightfully report this to the BON? I know that the person whom actually witnessed the drug use won't report it.