67 and can't get a job-is this age discrimination?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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I am a registered nurse and took an early retirement because I was laid off. I have been out of the field for 2 years and would like to work 3 days per week. My license is still active and I am a young 67 year old woman. I miss nursing but am having a hard time finding a position. My references are impeccable. I never had a hard time finding a job. Do you think it's age discrimination?

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Given your experience and excellent references, you should be receiving numerous job offers without difficulty.

Age discrimination is a real issue, and it very well may be a factor in your case. Healthcare employers look for younger nurses, believing them to be more flexible, more willing to work overtime, more eager to prove themselves, and less likely to complain. They are also cheaper to hire.

However, employers deny it, making age discrimination challenging to prove. It's a shame employers don't value experience, which equates to better, safer patient care. In some units, very young nurses with little experience serve as charge nurses.

Your age and two-year employment gap are likely factors in your not yet securing a job. However, knowing that your nursing license is still active and you're eager to return to the field is encouraging! Finding a job is definitely possible, but it will require some strategy and more persistence than you may have needed earlier in your career.

What to do

  • Look for a refresher course that offers clinical experience. In addition to looking good on your resume, you may make connections and find some good job leads.
  • Activate your network. Given that your references are impeccable,  tap into your professional network. A former colleague, supervisor, or someone in your professional circles may be able to recommend positions that are more flexible or accommodating to someone with your experience. Attend any local chapter meetings of your professional organization.
  • Are you landing interviews but not jobs? If so, your interview skills may need improvement. My book has an excellent chapter dedicated to interviews.
  • Are you applying to jobs but not landing interviews? Your resume needs an overhaul. Highlight your vast experience and the skills you bring, but keep it concise and focused.
  • Consider alternative roles. Since you're interested in working part-time, there may be opportunities in case management, telemedicine, or nurse educator positions that offer flexible hours.

Be upfront about your availability. If you're aiming for a part-time position, make sure to communicate this early on. Some facilities or employers might not immediately offer that flexibility, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Look into agencies or even travel nursing. Some staffing agencies specialize in placing nurses who are looking for flexible schedules. Depending on where you live, these might be an excellent fit for your situation.

It's important to leverage your wealth of experience and target workplaces or roles that specifically value what you bring to the table—such as those where your experience, leadership, and mentorship abilities are seen as assets, like case management, nurse educator positions, or patient navigator roles.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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