Input Wanted... Older Nurses Phased Out

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Although I do realize it is illegal for an employer to discriminate with regard to age, I was curious as to whether any other nurses out there had faced issues with only new grads/young nurses as co-workers?

Long story short, at 60 years of age, I don't qualify for retirement benefits, and I'm not financially independent. Working is not an option for me, I HAVE to work.

My last employer (where I worked for nine months) was very "youth" oriented as far as hiring. I was the oldest employee at the facility.

Although I gave respect to the DON, ADON, and other Management, I never felt as though I was given any respect in return. New graduates on their first job trying to impress management, young enough to be my children, trying to tell me what and how to do things.

Granted, I have always tried to be gracious, wanting to learn any new or better ways of doing something, but when a new graduate LPN, walks into the room of MY assigned patient, and begins to make a decision regarding their care... 'nuff said.

It became very clear that the facility only wanted the new graduates coming to work there, even going so far as to hiring "graduating classes". They would take a job for a couple of dollars less than what I was paid, I was used to train them, then I was of no further use. The new graduates were the protege's of the DON, ADON, and I suppose "revered" the DON. Maybe this is what they wanted rather than quality and experienced nursing care.

I must also say that I was accurate, never was late, able to do my assigned tasks, worked overtime, all holidays. There was never a question as to whether I was physically able to do the job.

One young nurse, admitted to giving a patient insulin that wasn't even diabetic... didn't report the incident to management. This same nurse gave medications that were d/c'd for over a month... nothing happened to her. She had numerous occasions of temper tantrums in front of other nurses, patients, and visitors, again.. nothing happened. New orientee nurses complained about the hateful attitude she had with them... again, you guessed it. This nurse also takes prescription diet drugs that make her hyperactive, not able to concentrate (known by the DON, and ADON).

This same nurse is a beautiful, blonde with a perfect smile, the doctors loved to flirt with her, but face it.. the experience is not there, mistakes were made and noted by other nurses. She was able to interact with families, laugh.. be everywhere at once. Oh, did I mention that this nurse was and is allowed preferential treatment when it comes to overtime, etc?

Other than looking at their nurses employed there, the majority in their 20's, and 30's, how can I go about proving an age discrimination issue?

As I said, I was the oldest employee at the facility, nursing and non-nursing. It just seems that instead of managment regarding older nurses with years of experience as an asset, we're seen as a liability, when it comes to the bottom line.:sasq:

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I have noticed that some facilities are looking to have a certain public image, and that these facilites hire a lot of young, thin model-looking nurses.

I have also noted that many of these nurses are incompetent, but are not called on it or counseled.

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I have seen older nurses complain of discrimination in hiring also.Its illegal, but oh so hard to prove in a court of law.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Don't be fooled, people. Ageism is alive and well in America. Middle-aged and older workers are often viewed as "too costly" to the organization. However, it can be tremendously difficult to prove that workplaces are actively practicing ageism.

To the OP: I am so sorry about your plight. You have so much to offer, so it's a shame that any manager would want to shove you aside in favor of the inexperienced youth.

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I've run into this practice for years now. I was able to "feel" what was going on when things were said in a certain way and I was not hired or something else adverse happened. I also clearly remember the plight of an older nurse who was basically bullied out of nursing. She didn't do anything wrong, but had some health issues. I remember her as a competent, caring, knowledgeable nurse and very kind person. I wish there was something I could say to encourage you. Unfortunately, I believe you may be better off getting those less desirable jobs in nursing homes. I remember so many of the nurses that worked there were older. I was told that at least one was forced out of acute care hospital nursing. It may not be the greatest place to work, but at least you would not be up against so many odds. You would be employed and the management types would not be so quick to get on your back. Good luck and I hope you can find a place where you can survive your remaining working years. BTW, I'm in the same boat about age and needing to work. I don't like it.

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Actually, it was a LTC facility where this occured, "for profit" I might add. HR goes to the graduating class and presents "employment opportunities". Over half of one graduating class was hired. Of course fewer than 6 of them remain, but considering the floor nurse totals are fewer than 10....And yes, you can "feel" the atmosphere. Others going to breaks together, being left out of meetings, discussions, hushed whispers, etc.

Thanks so much for the replies and encouragement :)

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Specializes in LTC.
Actually, it was a LTC facility where this occured, "for profit" I might add. HR goes to the graduating class and presents "employment opportunities". Over half of one graduating class was hired. Of course fewer than 6 of them remain, but considering the floor nurse totals are fewer than 10....And yes, you can "feel" the atmosphere. Others going to breaks together, being left out of meetings, discussions, hushed whispers, etc.

Thanks so much for the replies and encouragement :)

I am sorry that the new nurses and managers are oblivious to the experience you have to offer. I am a "new" nurse, having been licensed for all of 2 months, and I work with a nurse who is nearly 60. (She would KILL me if she knew I printed that!). But, she is new to our facility having put in 19 years at her former LTC facility, and was fired for the same situation as you had described. I have found her to be INVALUABLE to not only me, but to the residents as well. I tend to go into "panic" mode for things she nonchalantly handles with grace and accuracy. She is making me a better nurse day after day. I think it's sad, scary, and more than a little egotistical that a new nurse thinks she knows more than you. I hope for your sake you can find a good place to work that respects the experience you have to offer. Good luck to you.

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i sit here reading all the wonderful replies to my original post with tears streaming down my cheeks... thank you for the words of encouragement, hope, and spirit. although i'm moving from my hometown to accept another position, maybe a "fresh start" is what i need.

two interviews this monday, (maybe three) waiting on the phone call!!

i think there are times we all "hit the wall", question whether we are capable of being in nursing any longer, whether we can make a difference in someone's life.

you've helped me remember "why" i chose nursing so many years ago, whether it's a patient or a co-worker....it's all about being of service/help. thank you from the bottom of my heart...and good luck in your nursing career.

if i can stop one heart the aching, i shall not live in vain

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

So sorry this is happening. I worked in a level one ER and loved it. However, those of us in our 40's started to be replaced by new young grads. So...back to school I went. Now, at 49, I'm a sought-after commodity as an APN.

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Specializes in med/surg.

So sorry to read your post. I'm a new nurse not even a month under my belt. I work on a med/surg unit & we have a number of older experienced nurses... all are a wealth of information & suport. They all seem really interested in helping me learn & state they look forward to watching me mature as a nurse. Awesome. I feel older experienced nurse are anassest and obviously so does my employer, so yes I think maybe a fresh start will be just right. Good luck I'm sure you'll find a facility who appreciates all you have to offer.

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Actually, it was a LTC facility where this occured, "for profit" I might add. HR goes to the graduating class and presents "employment opportunities". Over half of one graduating class was hired. Of course fewer than 6 of them remain, but considering the floor nurse totals are fewer than 10...

They are CHEAPER!!!!! The facility doesn't want to pay a seasoned nurse, she makes too much money!!!!!!

I do believe that is the reason! I don't think it has anything to do with wanting to maintain an " image" they want to keep the $ their pockets!

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Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice.

I am so sorry this is happening to you. Personally, I love working with the older nurses. I have learned so much from them, and they have taught me so much. I'm probably going to be in the same boat, as I went back to school at 45. I am praying that you find something better (that you deserve) soon.

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