Is it hard for a 46 y/o new lpn to get hired?

amjowens · Feb 22, 2009

I think the amount of difficulty you have getting a nursing job is all about LOCATION. It truly depends on your region. Anyway, the only thing "aging" you is that you think 46 is "old" or limiting! 40 is the new 30! Good luck!

emilysmom,RN · Feb 22, 2009

I am a new 45yr old RN. I have been working for 6months now in a large city hosp outside of Philly. The only suggestion I have is keep calling nurse recruiters and let them know you are very interested in working for them. You will have to be flexible with schedules. I work 4nites a week and everyother weekend and everyother holiday. It is hard on me and my family but that is what we have to do as new nurses. Good luck

lpn2icu · Feb 22, 2009

The average age for RN is 47!

I don't know about the LPN's average age!

In this kind of economy, even you are 20ish will have a hard time to look for work! Are you considering relocation!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2009

I'm a 28-year-old LVN/LPN in Texas.

I asked my former unit manager, "Why do you guys dislike older nurses?"

She responded, "Older nurses are more argumentative and harder to deal with. We tend to have an easier time dealing with younger nurses." Keep in mind that this particular manager was also in her forties.

I'm simply mentioning this because people should remain cognizant that ageism is still an issue in the hiring practices of some entities.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Feb 22, 2009

Don't fill in the age or birthday line. It's against FEDERAL law. Look around and see what jobs your classmates have. Throw those shoulders back. Regiment your attitude. You want this job now show it. It's their loss if it's not offered. Smile, "Thanks for seeing me' and MOOOOOOVE on to the next one. MAKE em wish they'd taken you. You are the best thing crossed their thresh hold in many a day.

Whatever you do don't whine and grovel....that's sandbox mentality. YOU are a NURSE now act like one.

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2009

I'm a 28-year-old LVN/LPN in Texas.
I asked my former unit manager, "Why do you guys dislike older nurses?"
She responded, "Older nurses are more argumentative and harder to deal with. We tend to have an easier time dealing with younger nurses." Keep in mind that this particular manager was also in her forties.
I'm simply mentioning this because people should remain cognizant that ageism is still an issue in the hiring practices of some entities.

?????

This statement doesn't make a lick of sense, to me. 40 something does not even come close to being "older nurses!" IMO.....Flat Ridiculous!!

If it were me.....I wouldn't have even dignified that remark with a response on this board!

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2009

I have a applied for an LPN/LVN position but as of now nobody has called. Is is harder for an older Lpn/Lvn to get hired?

NO! Not at all!

rhondaa83 · Feb 22, 2009

I'm a 28-year-old LVN/LPN in Texas.
I asked my former unit manager, "Why do you guys dislike older nurses?"
She responded, "Older nurses are more argumentative and harder to deal with. We tend to have an easier time dealing with younger nurses." Keep in mind that this particular manager was also in her forties.
I'm simply mentioning this because people should remain cognizant that ageism is still an issue in the hiring practices of some entities.

I think that they are talking about experienced nurses that are argumentative, becasue they are set in their ways. New nurses in 40's are not argumentative, we are curious as to why things are they way they are.

Rhone · Feb 22, 2009

?????
This statement doesn't make a lick of sense, to me. 40 something does not even come close to being "older nurses!" IMO.....Flat Ridiculous!!

TheCommuter didn't say anything about 40-something being old, she just relayed an example of ageism to show that it exists.

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2009

TheCommuter didn't say anything about 40-something being old, she just relayed an example of ageism to show that it exists.

I know the commuter didn't say it. What I said is that I wouldn't have dignified the remark that her "former manager" said. By relaying this example spoken by this "manager" continues to display ageism, in my opinion.

ImAgypsy · Feb 22, 2009

I believe that it is much more difficult for any person to find any job once they hit their 40's and beyond. The reason is that this is the start of the increased percentages and likelyhood of someone becoming a high-cost health risk that affects the company's group health insurance rates when there are claims. Such as all your Cardiac and Cancer illnesses. MUCH more expensive for insurances to pay out than the younger 20-30's aged ladies having a baby now and then.

Your year of LPN Graduation is recent; so that SHOULD be on your resume'. Review it an make sure you do not have any more than the past 10 years of Other work or life experience on it; that way, it appears that you MAY be in your late 20's; which may help you get at least some initial responses to your rez.

Many of my over 45 year old friends have had a great deal of difficulty getting hired for new jobs after they hit this age; compared to prior.

Even though nobody can "prove anything"; the response to excellent resume's and applications plummets.

We have found that whenever possible, do not put the years down of High School, Nursing, College Graduations until AFTER an initial personal interview. Same as "Salary Expected/Desire" questions. We just put down "To be discussed upon personal interview" or "$00.00 - $200,000" if it is a numeric request for info.

Good Luck to you. And don't rule out applying to Dr. Offices and clinics that advertise for MA's (Medical Assistants). They do not pay as well as LPN, and you can not work within the limitations of knowledge/education as an MA; you must work to the best of your skills/education as a LPN in any situation.

But, you may be able to convince a practice that you would be much more valuable to them as a LPN, for maybe a couple dollars more an hour; to get started, experience, and a real LPN job on your rez for the next couple years.

Just make sure you get a "Profit Sharing" clause/benefit included as part of your contract if you go w/a private practice. It can really be a nice surprise at the end of each fiscal year when you find out that your little 1-2% of the profits the practice made add up to several thousand dollars.