Harsh realities

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 30, 2010

Many of us have tried to say such things many times here on this website, but there are always others who drown out our voices with encouragement for anyone and everyone who ever thought they might like to be a nurse. They say things like, "I knew someone once who ..." or "Don't give up! You can beat the odds!" "You're only as old as you think you are!" etc. etc. etc.

Insight? Our society doesn't like to deal with harsh realities: so, we gloss them over -- or outright deny them. We strive to be a place "Where never is heard a discouraging word ... and the skies are not cloudy all day." It's not socially acceptable to advise someone against doing something they think they want to do ... or to "burst someone's bubble" ... or "rain on somebody's parade."

We grow up being taught that "quitters never win" ... and "never give up" etc. While that national culture has its advantages, it also has its disadvantages and as a nation, we are experiencing some of those disadvantages now. People thought that their economic situations could only improve, so they borrowed too much money for their houses, their cars, their toys, their educations, etc. -- never thinking about what would happen when the bill came due.

People went to college for degrees they really didn't want ... to prepare themselves for careers they didn't know much about or really want and are now wanting to change their minds and go back to school to get deeper into debt to try a second career with realities they are equally unprepared to face. It is happening all over the place. People don't do their homework ... and they avoid thinking about the down sides of things until they are forced to face them.

I think a lot of people need to hear MORE discouraging words. If there is one good thing that might come out of this recession, maybe it will be a wake-up call for people who have gone through life without looking at the possible down sides to things before they invest their time, energy, and money in things.

llg (age 55 with 33 years of nursing experience)

rosiekay · Jun 30, 2010

llg...Thanks for being a voice in the wilderness! I guess I just needed the ole kick in the pants. While the recession has had a major impact on most of us, it is time to face reality (as ugly as it looks!). I'm tired of saying things like "if only..." Thanks again for your insight!

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2010

I actually have not noted problems with being hired less than younger nurses,and I did not go into nursing until I was 29.

Intern67 · Jul 1, 2010

The nursing school's admissions committee (sp?) will not tell you that once you graduate, it might be twice as tough for you to find a job as your younger counterparts.

Your nursing school's admissions committee is not at all responsible to tell you that younger candidates are sometimes chosen over older ones. This can happen in any profession.

All you can do as an older job seeker is do everything you can to gain experience, references and networking contacts before you graduate. Graduating with a very high GPA will also help.

But to your original question: No, the nursing school is not responsible for telling you that getting older sucks.

(I'm 43 so I am not far behind you and will be facing some of the same issues.)

Good luck!

Hopeful3 · Jul 1, 2010

I am sorry to hear this.... I know many awesome older nurses.

I think this board does sometimes gloss things over, and it is great to encourage but there is reality.

I know there was a discussion on background checks and the reality is if there is something there unfavorable you probably won't get hired, or will have a more difficult time. People just don't WANT to hear that. I got bashed left and right for being honest.

In the area I live (maybe it is different elsewhere) it is very competetive and there is a lot of applicants for ONE position. They have the pick! In the area I live in right now just getting an associates is a JOKE, you need your bachelors if you want to work in a hospital. This may change but for now, it is what it is.

I pray for you there is a job there and good luck. It is a tough place to be in, I appreciate your REAL post though.

Best of luck!

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 1, 2010

I actually have not noted problems with being hired less than younger nurses,and I did not go into nursing until I was 29.

When was the last time you hunted for a job? Things are a lot different now than they were a few years ago ... and 29 is still relatively young. So, you were never an "older new grad."

Hopeful3 · Jul 1, 2010

I actually have not noted problems with being hired less than younger nurses,and I did not go into nursing until I was 29.

I thought I was young, and I am graduating at 38! Since when is 29 old????? LOL!!! :)

pca_85 · Jul 1, 2010

Wisdom comes with age, I've seen older grads get hired over younger ones consistently.

DayDreamin ER CRNP · Jul 1, 2010

Wisdom comes with age, I've seen older grads get hired over younger ones consistently.

That and stability and responsibility too. Older employees take less vacation and are less likely to call in sick when they are not really sick.

meredith

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2010

I thought I was young, and I am graduating at 38! Since when is 29 old????? LOL!!! :)

I am currently 29 years of age. I attended a job interview last year when I was 28, and one of the interviewers commented, "You're older, so what made you decide on nursing?"

I told her that I was still in my twenties and she responded, "Well, you only have three years of experience, so you didn't get into nursing right after high school. That's what I mean."

They offered me the job, but I declined to accept the offer. My point is that some hiring managers regard people in their late 20s or 30s as older than the 21-year-old graduates that they see. You and I might feel that we're younger and at our primes, but the person behind the desk might not feel similarly.

Music in My Heart · Jul 1, 2010

I was 45 when I graduate and was able to find a job, albeit a far-less-than-optimal job... one which many folks would've turned down. It was my only option. Whether due to age or to the brutal competition, who knows?

One classmate was 52 and he found work although it was with a hospice program and he already had experience in hospice administration.

While I think a 50-something can get hired, I'm guessing that you might be passed over in favor of the 30-something new grads who have matured somewhat but are still fairly young.

I'd pursue nursing only if your hand is forced into making a change. Otherwise, continue to build your expertise in you current field and position.