Older New Grad RNs Job Discrimination

vanburbian · Jan 7, 2012

I was hired into ER (not a new grad, but was away from bedside nursing for 9 years) by a manager who told me she preferred to add more people with a more mature point of view, as she had too many youthful employees, and wanted to have people with more life experience.

Prior to that however, I spent close to 5 years off and on applying for acute care jobs, and I do believe my age was a factor in NOT being offered those jobs.

I could find all kinds of Case Management jobs, which I took to pay the bills, but...acute care? It was difficult, even with 20+ years of experience.

peacelisah · Jan 7, 2012

I just graduated Dec 2011 and I just had my first interview. I have worked at my hospital for 28 months as part-time switchboard operator and 12 months as a nurse tech. I left the nurse tech job last summer so I did not spread myself too thin for my final semester. Human Resources pulled and filed my first few applications in October because they didn't see that I was in the ADN program (it was on the cover letter). The hospital is "suppose" to give internal employees priority but I am not feeling it. I dropped by RN/LVN new employee orientation because my daughter got an LVN job at the LTC facility and my classmates that were there were all nurse techs prior. I think my "nurse recruiter" is interim. OR.....it is my age of 52 that hinders me. I went and talked with the recruiter and she said there was no reason I'm not being interviewed accept the timing. Too many new grads on floors which I should have been one of the first if she would have done her job right.

GM2RN · Jan 7, 2012

I just graduated Dec 2011 and I just had my first interview. I have worked at my hospital for 28 months as part-time switchboard operator and 12 months as a nurse tech. I left the nurse tech job last summer so I did not spread myself too thin for my final semester. Human Resources pulled and filed my first few applications in October because they didn't see that I was in the ADN program (it was on the cover letter). The hospital is "suppose" to give internal employees priority but I am not feeling it. I dropped by RN/LVN new employee orientation because my daughter got an LVN job at the LTC facility and my classmates that were there were all nurse techs prior. I think my "nurse recruiter" is interim. OR.....it is my age of 52 that hinders me. I went and talked with the recruiter and she said there was no reason I'm not being interviewed accept the timing. Too many new grads on floors which I should have been one of the first if she would have done her job right.

Unfortunately, being internal could be working against you in this case because you can't hide your age.

peacelisah · Jan 7, 2012

Hmm!! What a shame.

anotherone, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2012

Alhtough your age may be a factor, Thousands less than half your age expereince/d that. especially class of 2008 and 2009 in the east coast and CA. Apply to other places even if it means relocating.

K+MgSO4, BSN · Jan 8, 2012

I am 27 and am acting in my NM role while she is on leave, the majority of the under 30 nurses are either

1) wanting to go travelling

2) getting pregnant

3) are unwilling to commit to taking on more responsibilities such as preceptoring, ward based trainers for no lift BLS etc.

I have a few mid 40s nurses who have the same amount of experience as the young nurses and they are willing and keen to take on these roles, their kids are teens or already left home, they are settled and devoted to their new jobs.

So I don't think it is your age. Have a look at your cover letter and resume.

GM2RN · Jan 8, 2012

I am 27 and am acting in my NM role while she is on leave, the majority of the under 30 nurses are either
1) wanting to go travelling
2) getting pregnant
3) are unwilling to commit to taking on more responsibilities such as preceptoring, ward based trainers for no lift BLS etc.
I have a few mid 40s nurses who have the same amount of experience as the young nurses and they are willing and keen to take on these roles, their kids are teens or already left home, they are settled and devoted to their new jobs.
So I don't think it is your age. Have a look at your cover letter and resume.

I agree with this, but also be willing to brush up on your interviewing skills. You DID get 3 interviews but no offers, so be open to doing whatever is necessary to brush up. And don't underestimate the necessity to appear eager and energetic during the interview. A fifty something who appears to have the same energy as a twenty something is going to be much more attractive than one who just sort of sits there like a bump on a log. Obviously I don't know which applies to you, but do be willing to re-evaluate everything and make the necessary changes.

And good luck to you!

danh3190 · Jan 8, 2012

I applied to most of the ERs in the area and several ICUs when I graduated at 55 y/o 4 years ago. I had a number of interviews but couldn't get hired. I have tons of prehospital experience but no luck. I may just be a lousy interviewee or it could be that they don't like paramedics. One doctor I mentioned all this to said that the ERs want young dynamic people.

GM2RN · Jan 8, 2012

For those of you having difficulty getting hired in a FT position, be open to taking any PRN position in the hospital that you can get. Employers seem to be more willing to hire for PRN positions those that they reject for FT positions. A PRN position will get you the experience that you need to be attractive for other positions, AND it will allow you to apply for other positions as an internal employee.