Is this a possible case of age discrimination?

[Nurse Beth]

I had my instructor review my resume and give me some tips, but I still had no interviews. Two months later, I had an interview with a medical practice for an office LPN and they knew I was a new grad but they said they were willing to train me. The next day I got offered the job which of course I accepted.

Once I was hired and went through some computer and lab training, I was assigned to work with a provider that was verbally abusive and everyday he always told me that he hated working with new nurses and he preferred to work with CMA's because they are more "savvy". I went to my supervisor with my concerns and I was told to "let it go in one ear and out the other" because it was "just his personality". He still persisted in calling me "old" "slow" and "fat". I am not slow and I do keep up just fine.

After working for two months, I was called into my supervisor's office and told that they were terminating me because the provider "didn't have the time or the patience to work with a new nurse". If this was the case, why did they hire a nurse they knew was newly licensed?

I was devastated but maintained my composure and went home. I filed for unemployment and starting looking for another job.

The upside to the situation is that I learned a wealth of information - as well as doing many blood draws and lab tests, charting, etc. I felt I should list the job on my resume because of the experience I gained, but I'm not sure if that is working for me or against me. I've never been fired from a job - ever.

It has been hard finding work and I feel that maybe this practice is either torpedoing me or again, it could be my age. I've been on three interviews - which always go well - and then nothing. I always follow up with an email thanking them for their time, etc., but then nothing. I am getting worried because I need to find work as a nurse for the experience because I'm new, but I'm starting to lose hope.

Do you have any suggestions as far as my resume? Should I have listed this practice or would I have been better to leave it off.

Thank you.

Dear Worried,

What a devastating experience to have when you are just starting your nursing career! There are so many things wrong with how you were treated that I can't even go there- my blood pressure will go up, I'm afraid.

You are to be commended for having grace under fire and showing composure.

Landing a job as an LPN is a function of market need and supply in your geographical area. One of the largest employers of LPNs is sub-acute care facilities.

You are landing interviews, so your resume is effective - but your interviewing skills may need honing. Call the three employers/hiring managers who did not hire you and simply ask "I would appreciate your feedback, I am working on improving my interviewing skills, can you help me with some feedback?"

Read "Age Discrimination in Nursing" as it is real, but you can strategize.

If you are lucky, maybe one of them will respond - but it's worth your time, as you have nothing to lose.

Regarding whether or not you should leave off this job on your applications - It's always wise to answer all questions on a job application honestly and completely, as being found out later will cost you the job. It's too big of a risk. And you will have no peace of mind waiting for the shoe to drop. Be prepared to speak to the short tenure if asked: "It wasn't a good fit although I gained many skills" and segue forward positively "I look forward to joining an organization that shares my values." Period.

Related posts: How to Land a Job

How to Answer "What's Your Greatest Weakness?"

How to Prepare for Your Interview

[RobbiRN, RN]

A couple of people have suggested getting a lawyer and filing a lawsuit. You may very well have a great case. You might win, teach the mean doctor a lesson and be financially compensated. But the legal world can be capricious and justice is not always served. Do you want to spend the next few months, or even years, reliving the negative energy or would you rather put it behind you hand move on to a better job?

A good friend was doing well at a job, given a raise and voted employee of the month, just before she went to the owner/president about his son sexually harassing her at work. The incidents were witnessed and she would have had a great lawsuit, but she chose to walk away when it was clear that management wouldn't back her. She just didn't want the stress of the lawsuit. She is applying for a new job and, as a gentle reminder of the actual circumstances, she called the president to ask what he would say to prospective employers if they called him. He assured her that he would give her an excellent recommendation.

My point is that the boss who said "just let it go in one ear and out the other" is likely aware of their potential legal liability. A simple phone call might be a good reminder: "I'm currently applying for a new job. I appreciated your support while I was there and the way you told me 'that's just the way he is' when provider x was telling me I was old, slow and fat. I just wanted to ask you what kind of a recommendation would you give me if a prospective new employer calls you?"

[arod189]

Don't give up hope. I can sympathize with you. I went through a similar situation. I am 48. I thought working in acute facility was my dream job as an LVN or LPN depending what state you live in. I was let go from the acute facility. I tried a long term facility that had a bad reputation . I tried a community community clinic so much unorganization. I found a great long term facility. More pay then an RN ,less stress, less invasive procedures and no lock down unit. and a LVN charge nurse. Keep looking and praying to GOD AND NEVER GIVE UP HOPE. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I graduated in August 2011 and due to person issues did not take my board test until 2013. Took several times but passed with last time with minimal required. So Never give up Hope. A.R.

[TraumaNurse95]

I'm sorry to hear about your treatment. Unfortunately, age discrimination is alive and well, but is often easily disguised with various HR excuses to avoid lawsuits. I believe that it sounds like a solid case of age discrimination, but even so, its hard to retain an attorney and difficult to prove & fight in court, unless its a "slam-dunk" case. I have fought the Ivy League Hospitals once before on harassment and the bottom line is that they have more money than we do and thats why they have HR to protect them. Truth is that as we age our brains process information slower and the "middle-age" category is not nearly as marketable as the new young kids that are tech savvy and desperate for any job they can land. We have strengths and weaknesses so make your strengths well known and work harder on areas that require more attention (ie, computer skills, new medical knowledge, processes). Do your homework and study at home when you do find a new job (and you will) so you can shine and gain more confidence and learn their systems, specialties, people, culture, etc. You may also consider relocation if its possible for you so you can put yourself into a market where you are in demand.

Recommended reading:

Corporate Confidential: 50 secrets your company doesnt' want you to know- and what to do about them by Cynthia Shapiro

[historylady, MSN, RN]

Age discrimination is alive and well in the nursing world. When I started nursing ( at at 49) I was told that hospitals and such don not want to take on new nurses over age 45. It takes 2 to 3 months to get a new grad trained to work independently. That is costly for the facility and they don't want to spend the money on someone who has a shorter career life expectancy.

They told me that I should go start in a nursing home. Get some experience and then move onto acute care. My one year in LTC has long passed. I went to many interviews and filled out countless applications. I have received no job offers outside of LTC. I am a good nurse, I have good skills. I want to be challenged. No one wants me. That is depressing.

No one gives me a straight answer. "You were just not a good fit" is the usual response when I ask. I am not alone. Many older nurses I know are finding the same thing. There is a nursing shortage, but there is no nursing shortage. There is a shortage of new young nurses.

[Fiddleback]

Okay, I'm generally just an observer here but this caught my attention. I would say this isn't possible sexual harassment - it IS sexual harassment.

Some of the replies here are a good example of what drives me bonkers about nursing. Like the OP I became an LVN later in life after 30+ years in the "real world". I have been at it for a little over 10 years now and am still constantly amazed at the passivity, "don't make waves", "let it go", "you have to expect that as a nurse" attitude that has been bred into the profession.

The reason the doctor in question gets away with his behavior is because the facility management lets him. The reason they let him is because they have every expectation that no nurse will dare to rock the boat and push the issue to the point of filing a hostile work environment charge against the place. Finally, the nurses fulfill that expectation thus the cycle repeats.

In my previous life this would have been a no-brainer. Only in nursing, the military, college athletics, and upper echelons of corporate America are we so quick to lower the "Cone of Silence" and sweep everything under the rug. The OP has to do what she thinks best for herself and her family but my vote (for what it's worth) is that she should nail that doctor's hide up to the side of the barn along side that of the human resource manager. That's the only way to put a stop to this kind of stuff.

[cheryl whatley]

Good luck in your search. Don't let anyone put you down regardless of the position they hold. Physicians learn from nurses until they think that they can stand on their two feet and than they kick you. The younger, savvy nurses and your ex-supervisor need to stand up for what is right and stop bowing to pressure trying to please the physician. Where are that supervisor's managerial and leadership skills? Why would she want to ignore insults from a physician who is definitely not a team player, because he is too full of himself or most likely insecure?

[TraumaNurse95]

and may I suggest it be done with video or hard evidence, as well as testimony from others ? Trust me, I agree with you, but I have gone up against the big guys for racial discrimination & retaliation. I retained an attorney and rallied people. The ER staff would come to me and complain for years, yet no one...not a single person...would put their job on the line to fight with me.

So, it continues until someone has the time, the money, and the resources to put up the fight or until it goes public and the get bad press...

[she244]

So sorry to hear you were treated badly. Keep applying and Praying for God to lead you in the right direction. You will find something. Keep applying and keep your resume ready. I am a 61 year old woman who graduated at 42 years old. I was working part-time as a CNA when I graduated in a hospital so they hired me on 3rd shift once I graduated in one of the departments I worked in. Realized working 3rd shift I was not learning the skills I needed to advance, so I took a position in long term care for a year. Stayed there a year then moved on to the Emergency Room where I stayed for 11 years. I am not looking at retirement and realize with all the skills I have acquired and maintained I will be unemployable due to not having a BSN degree. I have a ADN degree. My advice is to keep looking. Long term care facilities hire LPN's, also look at Insurance Companies while you are waiting. Also, not sure if you would be willing to work there, but Correction Systems hire Nurses to administer medications and do wound care. Look at State and Government Job sites. Good Luck and Keep your Head Up.

[Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN]

I have noticed a new way for them to find out my age. They ask on the application what year you graduated from high school. And for most places you have to fill it out. You can't leave it blank. Even though I have a BSN, they still want to know. Then in the off chance you do get an interview, they say they want to do a background check, and to do that they need your date of birth. Then I never hear from them again.

[antinarelli]

there definitely is job discrimination as far as age goes , I see it all the time I am a older LVN and look for positions all the time and no answer to any of the jobs I apply too

I have been a lvn for 16 years

keep trying is all I can say someone will hire you

[wolf9653]

from your resume they shouldn't be able to tell your age since you are a recent grad they could just as well assume you are 19yr old.

Age is funny. I've had a few dons tell me they don't like millennials since they have a (perceived) inferior work ethic.

[wolf9653]

Myself, and I may be chicken little, would be cautious about a lawsuit. anyone can google these days. and if one's name were associated with a lawsuit, I'd expect a potential employer to shy away from them. so basically, unless I expect a payout equal to the wages I'd loose by never finding work again, I wouldn't file.