Concern: Age Discrimination for a New 58 RN

cubby777 · Aug 16, 2013

So sad that this is happening. Older nurses have so much experience that is such an asset to

patient care and most patients happily recognize that their nurse "knows what she's doing".

Ageism is out there - you will definitely feel it if you are 60 and working.

cubby777 · Aug 16, 2013

Wow - unbelievable!

kath7880 · Mar 22, 2014

Go for it! My dream was to become an RN after my last child left home. I went for it I did really well in school and on the NCLEX. Now almost a year later I am still looking for a decent job. Their reason not to hire me? I don't have enough experience. Ironic all my younger classmates got a job soon as they graduated. BUT I have not given up there is something out there for me. I am 60. Good luck and follow your dream and do it.

Chronicallychanging · Aug 21, 2018

Eight years later and this still is a hot topic and one that continues to place doubt of their future in the older nursing graduate. In an industry that stands for the caring of all persons rich,poor,all cultures, ethnicity, genders, and the very youngest to the oldest of old why is ageism the one that prevails? Stumped...

cubby777 · Aug 22, 2018

Actually, it's age 66 to collect full benefits and age 70 to collect the additional 8% a year that you can make from age 66 to 70. You make a very good point though...that older nurses have much skill and experience to offer, yet can easily get the impression that employers and coworkers don't seem to notice this.

EdithC · Feb 2, 2019

I am an Rn in Australia, who is 55,and who has been an Rn since age 47. Age discrimination never occurred to me when I started nursing and I got a graduate program very easily, however now I find it quite difficult to get new jobs or change specialties and I guess it is due to age as well as surplus of nurses.

I don't think it helps that nursing industry workforce researchers are always going on about the aging nursing populations and how nurses are retiring at a later age and therefore new grads are not getting positions. Do they say that about accountants or lawyers or other occupations that are not as female dominated. Yes it is very ageist and sexist.

Another thing I've noticed that overseas recruited nurses have to be under 45 years of age, so this is sending a message that you have to be young to be a nurse.

I have also experienced more rudeness from nurses now, than when I first started, as I am an agency nurse, but I also think it is my age. People are less afraid to bully an older person, unless that older person is in a position of authority. Also a lot of cultures don't have as many older women working, as western culturre, could this be a factor. However I'm sure male nurses suffer ageism too as it appears to be the nature of the industry.

Anyway, it is an issue with me, and I don't tolerate any kind of discrimination in the workplace.

Older people have just as much right to become nurses as younger people. If you are a nurse for the later period of your life and enjoy it and enjoy the experience of studying then go for it.

How many younger nurses become nurses for 10 years and then move onto something else? thousands.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Feb 3, 2019

Why do you want to become an RN?

Have you discussed your concerns with an academic advisor? Where would you use your degree?

Nursing is a physically demanding profession, I certainly felt it in my 50's... and was looking for something less strenuous. At the very least, nursing clinical rotations will be demanding, then most nurses need to do at least a year of heavy duty physical labor in the hospital setting to gain experience.

There is a nursing shortage, corporate America has decided to answer that, by making nurses do the work of two.

I do wish you the best... but I would not do it.