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:
Older people are more expensive
Older people are more resistant to change
Older people are harder to train
Older people are more moody
Older people are less energetic
Older people will disagree with management more
Older people offer less longevity for the organization
Older people will be less likely to pick up extra shifts
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
Yes my program was a BSN specifically for those with credentials exceeding the course requirements in the regular 4 year course. Nursing has been an excellent career and I had great placements but Im not sure I would have done a 4 year course. I do recall one school who definitely refused me admission due to ageism.
Ageism definitely is an issue - mostly because, as others have stated, the hospitals don't want to pay for the experienced nurse, knowing the new grads are a dime a dozen and can be brought on for less money and probably to positions other than what they applied for.
New grads are leaving the hospitals in droves where I live - most staying a year or two at best. It has gotten so bad with the new grads leaving in less than 2 yrs that the hospital is going after them legally to repay any bonus money that was given to them as part of the offer. In the past, the hospital basically let it go. Not anymore.
Most of the outpatient doctors offices in my area are filled with new grads/nurses with less than 2 yrs experience as well as the home health agencies. A few I've talked to have said they weren't prepared for how the hospital setting would "really" be, they realized they didn't want to be a nurse but it was too late or they couldn't deal with the 12 + hr shifts on a continual basis. Most took paycuts and cuts in benefits but don't seem to care.
It's a disservice to older nurses/employees of any kind, who can and do bring a lot to the professional table to be overlooked or dismissed for all the wrong reasons. Healthcare claims to value all but doesn't seem to realize one of the largest drivers of ageism in healthcare systems themselves.
In response to Zaphina; I initially was interested in pediatrics and threw myself into learning all I could from my coworkers that would allow me to function the best I could. When I graduated, I went to a small community hospital and the experience of jumping from the frying pan into the fire was immense. I have to credit nurses that had been functioning in this way for many years, especially (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAMES - PLEASE DO NOT POST IDENTIFYING INFO ABOUT OTHERS) as well as my LPN's and aides. I learned to start IVs successfully by following a CRNA. After I moved to Colorado, I was PRN at St Anthony's where I tried all facets of nursing from cardiac to ortho to ER but my previous experience in Peds was the opening in the door. When I went to OB, I started in nursery and when an opening in L/D, I applied. At first they did question my ability and I plainly stated that it was a great interest to me and that I would love to show them that I had the stamina and eagerness for this. We settled on a trial run of 6 months and then to reevaluate. I never looked back but did add NICU to my skills. You asked about traveling, With Med Solutions they allowed my to focus on OB but I also filled out skills lists for Peds and step down Med surg. Your recruiter can be your best ally or worst enemy in locating skills that you desire. The oomph that you put into your desires and if this radiates through interviews will be your calling card of success. Good luck
lrslinger
8 Posts
Yes my program was a BSN specifically for those with credentials exceeding the course requirements in the regular 4 year course. Nursing has been an excellent career and I had great placements but Im not sure I would have done a 4 year course. I do recall one school who definitely refused me admission due to ageism.