Graduating in December

RNGO4IT · Sep 30, 2011

I'm 53...in case you haven't heard 30 is now the new 50 making me 33...the majority of my class is b/w the ages of 45-55' however we bring lots of nurse experience into the game...I have 31 years...the VA system has hired 2 nurses that were 65 years old...they run circles around the young ones. I think your fear is unfounded...use it on the certification test...lol

msjones · Sep 30, 2011

LOL. I know you are right but so many of my classmates here in Atlanta are very young and inexperienced some without nursing experience period. However the instructors give them prime clinically sites. I have had to find a site to gain the experience I need and I have it but many of the instructors seem to favor the younger nurses versus experienced nurses and I am hoping it is not a similar experience in the job market.

texasfnp · Sep 30, 2011

I have worked at a community health center for 7 years and find them to be very receptive to older NPs/PAs. It really isn't an issue here at all. You might want to check out the health departments, public health, community health centers, and so forth. They tend to be short staffed due to the fact that they pay less than the private sector, but they are still enjoyable places to work.

CCRNDiva, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2011

LOL. I know you are right but so many of my classmates here in Atlanta are very young and inexperienced some without nursing experience period. However the instructors give them prime clinically sites. I have had to find a site to gain the experience I need and I have it but many of the instructors seem to favor the younger nurses versus experienced nurses and I am hoping it is not a similar experience in the job market.

I'm going to play devil's advocate here and I hope I don't offend you. Maybe they are giving the "prime spots" to the younger, less experienced classmates because they feel you have a wealth of experience to draw on and do not require as much support as they do. You can probably spot an ill patient from a mile away and they can't. Look at it, you were able to find a clinical site to gain the experience you need, undoubtedly through the connections and respect you've garnered throughout your nursing career.

I don't think you have anything to worry about because an overwhelming amount of the job postings I've reviewed prefer NPs with nursing experience. You will bring a wealth of knowledge to the table and I'm sure employers will definitely realize that.

mammac5 · Oct 1, 2011

I'm 45 and graduated in August. My age has been a great asset in my job search, actually. It's really all how you spin it on your resume and when you get the interview, either in person or on the phone. I had no experience as an RN but loads of experience in other areas of healthcare, coupled with excellent communications and critical thinking skills.

If nothing else, my advanced life experience has taught me to assess a situation and make a decision. This is a skill that may be lacking in your average 24 yo - not because he or she is not intelligent, but because they just haven't had to do that much of it yet in life.

I wear the silver highlights in my hair proudly and would never apologize or feel less ready, willing, or able to do a great job and provide great patient care.

zenman · Oct 2, 2011

I started as an NP at age of 60.

msjones · Oct 5, 2011

Thank you all for the responses, I am feeling more confident now. CCRNdiva, I never thought of this situation that way-it seems very clear now.

manoagirl · Nov 10, 2011

Wait a minute....you began your NP career at 60? Ok..that's the best news yet. I graduated from nursing school over 60...for all those out there that think life isn't constantly renewing itself...60 is glorious! I already have an RN job, love life, and can't wait for all the new information to begin again. I plan on opening my own business when I graduate as an FNP. I have tons of business experience and successes, so this should be exciting. Any advice?