Does ageism exist in nursing?

[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 specialty.  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

[colleen69]

There are 2 reasons competent nurses who are full adults are not hired : 

they have to pay more for your knowledge and skills which are greater

you are less likely to be pushed around.

Many managers are bullying nurses young nurses  to take on added duties or more patients regularly. Admin often sees nurses as assembly line workers  . Several young nurses have sought counsel from my team for these issues. 

[PatrickDGarrison]

Also wondering about this! Just graduated and have a similar profile with a MS/BA in another field and in my late 40's. Getting no interviews and passed on all residency's. Worried with my profile and no experience yet I will find it very difficult to break in competing with 20 something's. Almost my entire class of younger grads found jobs immediately, while the few of us older folks had to move out of state or wait over a year to find work. 
 

Would love any advice!!

[Mrsexylegs]

Sorry I can't really put more then a personal input. It could also be you intimidate them(make them feel insecure). 

[lrslinger]

I retired as a Scientist at 60, went to nursing school for an accelerated (2yr) BScN program, graduated, passed NCLEX and initially had issues finding a job. Asked  a very senior head of nursing for advice. She suggested I leave my previous position out. I did not do this but  did minimize my previous work history adding it on as relevant work history  on my resume with details at the end and wrote very targeted cover letters for 3 positions. Got 3 interviews and 3 job offers. Initially bullied a lot by experienced RPNs  since RNs have leadership roles where I worked and they didn't like any new RNs let alone an 'old' one.  Bullying stopped after I asked  the worst offenders for their help and stood my ground when necessary. Subsequently had great nursing career where I always watched for the bullying of new staff which is all too common. I became a highly valued of the team and  retired at 76. Hang in there.

[PatrickDGarrison]

Thanks so much for your reply lrslinger! I'll make these changes to my resume! 

[Patricia Ordnung]

Nope.  Not true.  In fact, when I was still working the floor (I do community health now) my kids were grown and gone, and we crusty old bats covered many holidays and shifts for the younger nurses.  

[rhellner57]

I am a diploma grad and later in my career got my BSN.  I feel like the basics received  during my initial education was the backbone of my knowledge and the way I practiced. As for the questions in ageism- years of experience do add to the salary offered.  As for being resistant to change and harder to train, I disagree as I was a traveling nurse in OB for 12 years.  During which I learned new processes and computers in each new facility.  My last 4 yrs were in SNF/Rehab where I learned new ideas regarding sepsis and Alzheimer's care which are newer entities since 1978.  Going back to when I started, many changes have occurred and one must keep up to function as a team.  As for the next 5 questions, older nurses are less moody, more energetic, less likely to be on the cellphone, and often negotiate picking up shifts for the betterment of the team and our patients.  We may come across as questioning management and have a hardened exterior but the years of being the servant to the hospital and doctor are of the past and we found a voice.  As for longevity that we offer, retirement does come with benefits and as an older nurse, we must call it quits for our own well-being.  Sorry this was lengthy but From my beginnings to  now, I have had to adjust to EBP, new equipment and learned through hands on experiences.  Newer nurses have much less bedside experience when the graduate than the older nurse had and they need to understand that we are willing to assist them in the basics.

[Zaphina]

I also had that very question in mind. I have people ask me about my high school, wonder why my birthdate is not listed. My physical appearance most days do not match up with the years of experience on the resume. So I get the 'good luck' or 'that was a great answer’- to the 5 head nods and note taking. I am currently looking for work and it is unbelievably difficult. The verbiage in the job search is clearly for the 20-30 something people. I am not that old that I cannot bring experience and common sense to the table. 

[Zaphina]

 also have been told to take the MS off the resume. Which I think is very sad. Irslinger you did A lot to get 16 years of work, coming from straight Science to nursing science. For those of us that have been in nursing science since 2004, and cannot retire, what advice do you have. Rhellner as a traveler you only get the assignments that you last completed. So OB will get OB. If it is OB Clinic they will not send you the L&D Unit. If you have worked in the OR for 15 years - they will not get you a job on a Med-Surg Tele floor. Unless your recruiter has the vision to see the experience you have and sell that most of us are stuck. Unless we find a place to do PRN work that will throw you in there. What is your advice? And I have redone my resume at least 7 different times to accommodate and still get the questions - But where did you do that at?

[lrslinger]

I did a 2 yr  BsN  ( since I had a PhD in Neuroscience) at Bloomberg in Toronto.  Not only did I  target my resume and a cover letter (where one was required) to particular departments I removed all of my grants, publications, and University committees from my resume. I did leave in my significant teaching experience but no details for it. Teaching is recognized as a transferable skill and you likely have some? In the end it was a 2 page resume, not a CV and in the top section I emphasized team work, critical thinking and an real interest in whatever area they were advertising. I should say I have edited literally hundreds of student CVs/ applications so I know how to be ruthless. After I was hired no one knew my background for 4 years when I was outed by a curious patient who Googled everyone. By then colleagues knew me and I subsequently  I often talked science especially during Covid.  Good luck!

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[Zaphina]

In the states a 2year RN is an AAS. You have to go back to get the BSN. I have my BS in Psych. I'm impressed with your diligence the nursing go round and the PhD route.