Older New Grad RNs Job Discrimination

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Jan 6, 2012

No but us younger ones are...

netglow, ASN, RN · Jan 6, 2012

I know lots of people unable to either get their first RN job, or just change jobs. I cannot tell you how many I know of with even 2-5 years experience in acute care that cannot get out of absolute hell holes. Yes those folks are supposed to be very mobile (just enough and not too much experience) and jobs are posted seemingly everywhere looking for 2+ yrs exp. But, I think many are just "ghost" postings.

And, remember healthcare is one of the most un-professional fields you can enter. Things dont' run well at all to say the least. This makes the job hunt even more difficult.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jan 6, 2012

I became a nurse at 52 and had a job before I graduated. I can't say that I have ever experienced age discrimination. Age "What was I thinking? I'm too old for this shizzle!" thoughts yes, but that's internal.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 6, 2012

I became a nurse at 52 and had a job before I graduated. I can't say that I have ever experienced age discrimination. Age "What was I thinking? I'm too old for this shizzle!" thoughts yes, but that's internal.

Then again, Sue, keep in mind that you graduated from nursing school during a period when economic times were a heck of a lot better. Local nursing employment markets had more jobs to offer 5 or 6 years ago. Today, the picture looks more bleak for many inexperienced nurses who are seeking that first job.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 6, 2012

I think new grads are getting the short end of the stick regardless of their age. That's not to say there isn't any age discrimination because I'm sure there is...but it's also very likely that the fact that you're one new grad of way too many competing for way too few positions is the reason why it's so tough for you to land something.

SoullusRN · Jan 6, 2012

In my opinion, I don't think it's your age, I think it is your resume that you need to have redone. If you really put out over 200-300 applications and only heard back from 3, then it's your resume. You should at least be getting call backs or should be considered for another interview (even if you don't get the job.)

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Jan 6, 2012

Did you get any experience in healthcare during school?

allnurses Guide · Jan 6, 2012

I am 41. I was told repeatedly in my interviews that being older right now is a positive, not a negative. They are noticing a trend with the younger new grads having poor communication and people skills but high technology skills. Many studies are proving this out, that the newest generation of individuals entering the workforce are struggling with face to face communication (in generalities of course), peer relationships and the ability to deal with stressful situations with tact and aplomb.

I think it is more likely you are having the same struggle every new grad is having - there is a serious deficit in available jobs compared to the number of applicants.

montecarlo64, ASN, BSN, LPN · Jan 6, 2012

I am 47 years old. I graduated in May 2010 in a LPN to ASN program..I had been an LPN for 17 years, most of which was in LTC..I have yet to find hospital employment...I have had a few interviews but no offers..Most all the nurse managers are much younger than I am..Don't know if my age has anything to do with it, but it does make me FEEL old and like I am a washed up/has-been nurse...I am really discouraged & I am starting this monday towards a RN-BSN program...I hope that might give me a better chance of landing my dream job before I am too old...I really feel that I have so much to offer & have a good base of knowledge and experience for which to expand upon since I worked as an LPN for so many years...Good luck to all of us mature unemployed nurses:)

WorldTravelingYogi · Jan 7, 2012

First of all, how do they know your age? The only way they could try to figure out my age is if they looked at my resume and saw the year I completed my first Bachelors degree which was 10 years after I graduated from high school so they would be wrong.

Maybe it is different in other states but in CA it is illegal to ask age, birth date or anything along those lines. Then on the opposite side of that when I lived in France it is a requirement that you disclose all that info AND include a photo. Talk about discrimination! I worked at a place and they discarded people's CVs just because they did not like the way the person looked. Eeeks.

But yeah how do they kno your age?

And no I don't think it is your age. I had a friend pounding the pavement for 11.5 months and just finally found a job. Another friend looking for 9 months and ended up working in a jail (eeks). Another friend is still looking after a year. It is not easy for new grads out there.

GM2RN · Jan 7, 2012

I have to agree with those who stated or implied that you need to rethink your resume. If you can at least get the interview you will be in a position to sell yourself.

I graduated when I was 49. I had a 21 year work history with general motors and a few years after that in various other positions, but those were not on my resume. Primarily because they had nothing to do with nursing, but they would also have given clues to my age, which I did not want. Plus, it's accepted practice to not include work experience further back than 10 years unless you feel that it is relevant to the current position and you want to use it.

I also refused to put anything on a paper application that would allow HR to figure out my age, such as a social security number or driver's license number. I wrote in those spaces that I would be happy to provide that information after I was given an offer of employment. I think it's perfectly reasonable due to the risk of identity theft, and no one even questioned it.

Finally, before I went on any job interview, I made sure to have my hair cut and colored, purchased a new and fashionale suit, and made sure to wear an appropriate amount of makeup. During the interview, I made sure to avoid any mention of an adult child, grandchild, job history, or anything else that would indicate my true age. I also made sure to be upbeat and energetic.

Now all of these things didn't hide the fact that I obviously wasn't in my twenties, but I I didn't look 49 either, and I actually had one NM tell me that she liked my maturity level and I had three job offers before graduation.