question about age

[nursepenelope]

Hi, I know most nurses graduate young. I waited until my kids were older and I have more life experience as a result than younger nurses. On the other hand, I have not been able to get a job in acute care. I have interviewed and applied to many jobs. I don't know if it is my age, resume, do I interview horrible. I have gotten other jobs, but I just don't seem to be worthy of acute care, and that's why I went to nursing school. I wanted to work in the hospital. By the way, I am now 46, was 39 at graduation.

Any advice? Anyone? I would really appreciate someone who interviews and hires to respond to this.

Thanks!!!

[NursesRmofun, ASN, RN]

I'm still physically fit and high energy but if my job weren't in such high demand I guarantee I'd get passed over for the younger gals. All cries of ageism aside it is probably something we would benefit from accepting as part of the aging process and life experience. I wish it wasn't this way but then again I also wish I could still wear tiny tank tops and look cute but sadly that ain't happening either.

I think it happens on both ends of the spectrum for the really young looking nurses as well as the older looking ones. Personally if I were hiring, credentials were comparable and both people were pleasant I would probably hire a 30 something over a 50 something and I am a 50 something.

Can't disagree with you, except I would hire a nurse who seemed very well seasoned over the extra young one every time, if I were doing the interviewing. Most of us have also been patients, and, as a patient...I want a good nurse, no matter what her age...unless she can't see well enough or something like that.