Any Tips on how the 50+ new RN can get a job?

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Aug 21, 2018

Concern: Age Discrimination for a New 58 RN

caliotter3 · Aug 21, 2018

I was told by a worker at the employment department that older people should dye their hair. That makes sense. Also gave the advice about leaving obvious dates off one's resume and job applications. No need to put on those that you graduated from high school in 1968, or the university of nowhere in 1972. That dates you. Also for the employment history, only go back no more than ten years. An HR person once told me to only go back seven years for employment history because that is how far back their background check went. That also makes sense.

Chronicallychanging · Aug 21, 2018

Thank you for these amazing threads! It seems that almost 10 years later things have'nt changed. This is so sad, especially for an industry that is supposed to be caring, accepting and nurturing to all facets of humanity.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 21, 2018

How physically fit are you? How physically fit do you appear to be? That's where the age-factor often comes in. Are you applying for jobs that will require a lot of physical fitness? If so, you should try to look as fit as you can. Some hiring managers have legitimate concerns about the ability of some applicants' ability to be on their feet for 12 hours, lifting patients, working rotating shifts, etc. Help to alleviate their fears by appearing as fit as you can and/or apply for jobs that are within your abilities.

I am in my early 60's and there is no way my feet and hips would be well-suited for a job that required me to be on my feet from 12 hours.

unknownjulie · Aug 23, 2018

Yes, dye the hair, get a chemical peel and/or plastic surgery. Also, wear youthful clothes and be thin and fit. Don't mention your kids at all. That is my advice and I am still having a hard time getting hired. I have one job but would like another and back in a hospital because I feel my skills are stagnating. My last interview was with 3 women who were 15-20 years younger than me. I can do it, but I have been going to Zumba almost everyday to prepare for the 12's in a hospital again. Good luck! You can do it!

Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2018

â€‹Welcome to the toughest part, actually working. Congrats on completing your exams.!

Do not discuss or reveal your age to those asking ,just smile ,they will google you any way.

If you want,it is best to look well put together,clean,neat,smelling good not perfumy,you would be surprised at the good noses you will be working with,nurses have detective noses,so make sure you have enough uniforms so you can wear a clean fresh one every day.

Talk to your hairdresser about coloring options ,cause maintaining is expensive,but you might want to color ,just to get your foot in the door and gain some experience.

Are you good at doing your makeup? There are some tutorials by nurses on U tube on how to do a clean professional look,practice.

Good luck ,Blessings for your future.

Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2018

It is a business like any other these days.

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Aug 24, 2018

If you have the opportunity to do so look at the staff at places you are planning to apply. If the current staff is age diverse the odds of age discrimination in their hiring process will probably be lower but if every single nurse there is young chances are that means they lean towards only hiring the young. Employers aren't consciously doing this, it's not like they narrow candidates down to two and say "let's hire the young one!" that would after all be blatant age discrimination. But then age discrimination especially at the hiring phase is just about impossible to prove.

You might also look at jobs outside the hospital setting. Purely anecdotal evidence but it seems age is less of a barrier if you are willing to look at nursing jobs in LTC, clinics, school nursing, etc.

Chronicallychanging · Aug 24, 2018

Well, ladies and gents,

I'm pretty much hired at a LTC. I have my orientation on ------- with HR. I went there without dyeing my hair, they didn't bat a eye at my DOB. I imagine that they are in need of nurses (any nurse). I was interviewed by a much younger nurse however I felt comfortable with her. She informed me that I would learn alot if I came to work there. She stated that hospital nurses have everything handed to them (labs, continuous vital signs,computer data etc ) and they don't develop critical thinking skills or their own sixth sense. I was told that I would be swapping back and forth between unstable long term and rehabilitation units.

I have a interview at the hospital the day after the orientation at the LTC. Recently I happened to be in this hospitals ER and the nurse there told me that I shouldn't go to a LTC because my skills would be suppressed and I'm setting myself up for a career as a LTC nurse.

I am unsure as what to do....should I go to the interview and see if they call me with a job and then make a decision? I just hate to waste their time at the hospital, I am sure they are super busy. Is this the norm to always work on a med-surg floor upon graduating?

Chronicallychanging · Aug 24, 2018

Thank you so much for this list Karen!

Have Nurse, ADN, RN · Aug 24, 2018

I can't say that I honestly can agree with my colleagues though they are sincere, I am sure. The reasons that you gave for your time at home are valid. Nothing to hide there. I wouldn't volunteer it though unless they ask outright why the gap? Your former years as a C.N.A., and as a volunteer speak of your dedication to the human condition.

If you are concerned about physical stamina, may I suggest something in Home Health or Medical Coding? Coding does require additional education and maybe that would be something you would consider later if needed.

In your downtime, it may be helpful to have a personal routine for fitness, that's your call.

As for coloring your hair: Have it done professionally so that the color and hue chosen compliments your skin so you can avoid the appearance of looking too harsh.

Best to you!