Patient care tech

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · May 19, 2016

Have you had any interviews? They shouldn't be able to tell your age from an application.

TMORRIS52 · May 19, 2016

No interviews yet. But all the applications I have filled out have ask my birthdate, race and date I finished Highschool. I am just hoping that because I was called into nursing a little later in life that my age won't hurt be in finding a job. Unfortunately one of my classmates is having the same issue and she 's 42. If you or anyone else has any ideas to help us get hired as a Nursing Tech or even later as a RN after we graduate next May it will be gratly appreciated.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · May 20, 2016

Okay - I am shocked that age & race are required (not optional) fields on a job application. These ask you to divulge "protected class" information. OMG. These organizations are not only opening the "sue us for discrimination" door, they're putting out the welcome mat.

That being said, age discrimination is definitely a 'thing' in the employment process but it is nearly impossible to prove because you can't get information about all the other people being hired... which would be needed to prove your case. Best advice? (as a crusty old bat, it kills me to say this) Do as much as you can to look and act younger. Not saying you should go overboard, but visible signs of "old" will be a disadvantage when you're vying with much younger students for what is essentially an entry-level position. Also, make sure you market the advantages you can bring - such as emotional stability, organizational skills, adaptability, highly developed people skills, etc.

Best of luck. Keep us posted on your progress.

TMORRIS52 · May 20, 2016

Thank you so much ! I do try to present a younger. Most people think I am in my late 30's which I guess is good when it comes to the workforce. I will do everything I can to take your advice !!

AceOfHearts<3 · May 21, 2016

What type of places are you applying to? If you are applying to hospitals depending on the market in your area you may need experience to even be considered. I know some areas people have to started off in a skilled or assisted living facility before being able to secure a CNA/PCT job in a hospital. Good luck!

TMORRIS52 · May 21, 2016

I have been applying to hospitals. I am a jr. nursing student so I have logged in many clinical hours in the areas of med surg.( wound care, Pacu, OR, ect ) labor and delivery , and nursing home care. I even have volunteer hours. I have listed all of this on my resume.. Thanks for you help !

Leonardsmom,LPN · May 21, 2016

What type of places are you applying to? If you are applying to hospitals depending on the market in your area you may need experience to even be considered. I know some areas people have to started off in a skilled or assisted living facility before being able to secure a CNA/PCT job in a hospital. Good luck!

This I know is a big thing for many of the hospitals in my area for getting hired in as a PCT. If you don't have at least a year or two experience working as a CNA they will not look at your application. Even with your experience that you have gained in clinicals and volunteering for some hospitals this may not satisfy the experience they are looking for. Not saying that you still shouldn't try and put applications in, but also realize they may opt for someone who has more experience in patient care.

TMORRIS52 · May 21, 2016

Thank you for your honesty !

fcp4life · May 21, 2016

Hit them with a solid cover letter, I am so glad I got to skip working at a Nursing home and went straight to an acute rehab hospital. Read the Mission Statement most of them are equal and talk about patient centered care, as well as evidence based practice

TMORRIS52 · Jun 16, 2016

I want to thank you all for your advice ! I listened to each one of you and now have an interview for a Nurse extern position .