disturbing observation at the Children's hospital...

[NurseCard]

Alright... so my eight year old son has been in the hospital for the past three days after an episode of non responsiveness and seizure. He had never had this happen before and the docs are trying to figure out what happened.

He is in a children's hospital which is attached to a large university teaching hospital.

My son is doing well and so I've had more of a chance to observe what is going on around me. The doctors and nurses here have been wonderful and I can't complain about the care.

But my goodness... I feel OLD being here. I mean, are hospitals these days pretty much only hiring the youngest, prettiest nurses? Seriously... I have seen maybe two nurses who look like they are over 30 and most of the nurses are skinny and blonde.

Look.. yeah I'm old and heavy. And yeah at this point in my career maybe I should be settled into a place and not thinking "gee I like this place I would kinda like to work here".

I think it's just due to yes, I've watched my nursing career go down the toilet mostly and wish I could go back to being that fresh faced young nurse again.

I kinda feel bad for older new nurses who would maybe want to work in a place like this, though.

[Marshall1]

The hospital I work has more young vs older nurses but that is only because the turn over rate is so high because the overall conditions for the nurses have plummeted in the past few years so many of the nurses are new grads..which is bringing it's own set of problems. All the management and upper management are well over 40. The nurses 40+ are either leaving or working schedules more conducive to what they want - they may be older but they have more "power" in some regards. Looks or no looks.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

Say it ain't so, based only on your name and feisty posts I pictured you as super cute and kind of funky. :)

Aw, that is so sweet! I am frumpy and still struggle with acne. But you can picture me however you like.

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

One point the op is making is that she (he) somehow feels she's made a mess of her career and now has limited job opportunities. I am right there with her. I went into nursing at the tender age of 38. While I am not unattractive very few people would call me pretty. Despite eating healthy I have a weight problem but I do have the advantage of looking about ten years younger than I look. My history is no secret and I was in a diversion program for alcoholism I stole several vials of benedryl (but no opiates) from the hospital where I worked and because of that decision the hospital system in my area which owns the 4 major hospitals will not hire me again. That is the price of my crime - I accept it an bear it. I am moving forward into another area of nursing. My advice to the OP is that no matter how much of a mess you have made of your life/career it's never too late to remake yourself. It requires complete acceptance of the past, a willingness to take responsibility for it and the fortitude to move forward.

Peace and Namaste

Hppy

[anon456, BSN, RN]

I have not read all the comments so I apologize if my answer is redundant.

I work in a peds hospital that is not attached to any other hospital. Here is my take on the observations:

1. There is a move to hire BSN's for new hires. This is something that many new grads are getting, where us "older" folks are trying to play catch-up. Several months ago I applied to a different children's hospital, along with two younger BSN co-workers. They got hired. I never got a call. I then revised my resume to include that I was currently enrolled in a BSN program (which I am) and I immediately got a call back.

2. Peds has a high turnover rate, especially the ICU areas. It's too intense for many people-- technically, emotionally, and otherwise. Out of every batch of new hires, about half leave before 6 months is up.

3. Peds requires a lot of emotional energy, friendly faces, etc. I am sure that part of the interview process is not hire someone who looks grumpy and tired. It may not be an intentional form of age discrimination.

[Julius Seizure]

Every job that I've ever gotten was offered based on a telephone interview, so I can assure you that at least not ALL hospitals hire on appearance.

I think the hospital you are at is probably more skewed to young and attractive nurses in part because its attached to a university and the hospital hires new grads from the school. Therefore more fresh faced nurses :)

[TransportJockey, EMT-P]

Better than the observation me and my partners keep making every time we go to the PICU or NICU... I won't let my female partners drink the water up there, since it seems like a vast majority of those nurses are expecting lol

[anon456, BSN, RN]

Better than the observation me and my partners keep making every time we go to the PICU or NICU... I won't let my female partners drink the water up there, since it seems like a vast majority of those nurses are expecting lol

I have noticed this, too! It's probably just because they are so many younger nurses, it's the right age to be having babies.

[anie10]

at least your child's hospital visit was/is safe... I run far from specialty hospitals and university hospitals... Never had good treatment in either - and I had federal bluecross/blueshield - so payment wasn't a problem. Too much glitz and not enough focus on healthcare.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I run far from specialty hospitals and university hospitals... Never had good treatment in either - and I had federal bluecross/blueshield - so payment wasn't a problem. Too much glitz and not enough focus on healthcare.

I feel your points are salient. Since university hospitals are teaching facilities, they utilize a heavy proportion of residents and interns, a.k.a. 'June Docs,' whose inexperience sometimes results in wacky orders and half-baked decisions.

Specialty hospitals are an entirely different animal. The overwhelming majority are for-profit and very much profit-driven, so essentially revenue is prioritized over optimal patient outcomes.

[Jules A, MSN]

It really is just a matter common sense. Young and pretty beats old and worn any day of the week.

The one edge old and worn has is experience, and young and pretty can be taught. Not much of an edge.

I was young and pretty. I've journeyed half a life time in this body, and I can tell you first hand, young and pretty has more opportunities. It's the way things work whether we like it or not.

I agree 100%. As we age and our facial features start to fall and it appears as if a frown is plastered there. That said and I know I'll get called out for ageism but I personally prefer a younger provider, not a fresh faced right out of school baby, but as a general rule I have no interest in seeing a physician over 60.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Just taking a guess but in my experience those large teaching hospitals that appear to staffed by young fresh faced RNs are likely heavy on reputation aka "looks great on my resume" and light on pay. Older, more experienced nurses tend to get tired of that atmosphere aka "low pay".

Jules A hit the nail on the head with this one. I spent the first 5 years of my career in a pediatric hospital. The average age of nurses on my floor was probably 27. Most new hires were new grads because experienced nurses from the city knew that they didn't want to touch this hospital with a ten foot pole. Turnover was high. I left three years ago and know almost no one who still works there.

[danielle2000, MSN, RN]

I do not! Because what these new skinny nurses do not have is experience and critical thinking. Sure, they are forcing nurses that have been in this game for many years but a BSN doesn't compare. I realize for me at least, that bedside nursing has run its course. I have no desire to do all those things back when I was a new grad. I enrolled in a Nurse Practitioner program and will be a new grad in 2016. This is one of the aspects about nursing I love! You can remain at bedside or find another route and keep it moving. I am 47 years old and I admire seeing young faces with such enthusiasm, but I am over it!!! I am not suggesting everyone run out and go to and advanced practice program, but I do realize working long hours, weekends and holidays is not an option for me. I want to make an impact but at my own pace. I say to nurses who are going to stay in this profession find your niche. If you like bedside, cool get certified but if you are not happy move on and find something that will fulfill you .