Does ageism exist in nursing?

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