RN MGR Told me I'm too old.

[gumbi_12]

I graduated last May with my BSN, mid 40's. I had a phone interview, the RN Mgr didn't remember me at first, but then she did from a recent career fair. She told me the unit was "very heavy" and fast-paced, I need "alot of stamina", if I get tired that would affect my "critical thinking" skills, "I'm 57 and I can't do bedside nursing anymore", the young ones can do it. "I can let you shadow a shift, so you can see what you're getting into."

I told her thanks, but not thanks. I did call her on having an issue with my age and she denied it. I left a voice mail with the HR person that set up the interview and asked to call me back and let me know what units do hire "mature" RN candidates.

Should I call and complain to the hospital about this? Did I make a mistake my getting my BSN at 47? I'm completely floored, my self-esteem is really low. I wanted to do this my whole life, excited to finally make some money, and now this.

Thanks in advance.

[bgxyrnf, MSN, RN]

Legit question: My resume shows that I received a BS in another field in the mid-1980's. How would an interviewer NOT know that I'm at least 50-something?

Of course they do.

That's why I do not show dates/years on my resume.

Of course, the problem is that many web sites REQUIRE the dates to be added to degrees and jobs.

In all cases, personal connections at the employer are vital for getting hired.

Ageism is rampant... and simply a reflection of our culture.

[runningknows]

I'm following this with interest because I'll be graduating with an ADN at the tender age of 48 (after another career). I'm a weightlifter and an ultracyclist who can bike around 350 to 400 miles in 24 hours, so my personal stamina shouldn't be an issue. I am concerned with stereotyping, though. I do know one thing.... it can be dangerous to piss people off when you're looking for work. Yes, there are lots of "oughts" and "ought nots" with respect to the law, but just because you've been wronged doesn't mean you'll get justice, and you'll be potentially pegged as a squeaky wheel. The HR community can be small, as can the local medical community. Word gets around. Even if you're legally in the right you may shoot yourself in the foot by hitting that point too hard. As I was always told in the Navy..... "The toe you step on today may be connected to the butt you have to kiss tomorrow." Best of luck!

[gumbi_12]

Yes, I'm a new grad, I've only been licensed since last Aug.

[gumbi_12]

I'm a little chubby, but I do hot yoga. But the point is they judged me only by appearances, I don't have grey hear, just some strands here and there, I was dressed with an expensive suit at the career fair. I've been shell-shocked with how I've been treated. If I were you I'd put some feelers out and ask around about who hires nurses of all ages, etc, or do a google search. One big clue that I chose to overlook was that about 90% of the nurses at my former hospital were 30 and under, it looked like a sorority house. I didn't get a clue as to 'why' there are only 'young' nurses. Now I know. I'd go to the hospitals, go look at the nurses and you'll get an idea of what you're up against. Best of luck! We can overcome this. We will.

[gumbi_12]

Yes, unfortunately, ageism is very real. But I never, ever imagined I'd experience ageism at 47! I know it's not young, it's not geriatric either. I'm sick of people looking at me like I have two heads when I tell them I'm a new graduate nurse. I plan on learning and improving myself until I'm gone.

[gumbi_12]

I know it sounds bad, but I have a BA in another field and I took it off my resume and I've gotten many calls now. They only want information relevant to the job. No one has criticized me for leaving it off. But they find out I'm "mature' when I interview. During a phone interview I even asked if they're hired mature applicants, my moral was so low at that point.

[gumbi_12]

I don't think I made a mistake not to shadow. It was apparent by speaking to her on the phone the manager had NO intention of considering me for the position, and our exchange was pretty tense. I respect myself enough not to put myself through more humiliation and discrimination. Plus,I don't think I'd act too professional with her after they vile things she said to me.