Harsh realities

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!

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

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!

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!

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!!! :)

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

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

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.

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.

Last time that I interviewed for a new job was 15 monthes ago at the age of 44. Not a bit of a problem. And I am currently the third oldest staffer on the floor. I get no prejudice here. It is a major teaching hospital.

Previous job was approximately 16 monthes prior, applied, got an interview in 5 days and was hired. I was about in the midrange of the ages of the floor nurses. Community hospital there.

Prior to that, I was a traveler for 7 years. I pretty much got the jobs that I wanted and interviewed for. And all of those employers know your approximate age and years in the workplace. No problems there.