starting to worry I'm to old (51) to be hired.

loriangel14, RN · Apr 19, 2013

Congratulations and best of luck on your journey.

NewRNat50 · Apr 19, 2013

I graduated from nursing school and only had trouble finding a position because my area is overly saturated with new grads! Otherwise, I had no problem starting in a LTC facility and then per diem at a nearby hospital! Your age comes with years of life skills that are quite desirable so don't be so discouraged! By the way.. I have been working as an RN for 2 years and I love it! I am 53 years young!

missnurse01, MSN, RN · Apr 19, 2013

I am on the interview committee at work, we care about what people say, not how old they are. That being said, we haven't had anyone probably over 32 apply. Usually older nurses are nurses that have been nurses a long time and have found they place that they want to stay till they retire, not start in a new area. I don't think age will hinder you!

Patricia Moore · Apr 19, 2013

Thank you, I am hoping to work in aged care.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2013

Ageism is alive and well in nursing but your chances of being hired as anew grad will be LTC. Many facilities look at older nurses as financial responsibility because we are on the high end of the pay sclae. Some areas of the country have as high as 47% unemployment of new grads/nurses.

I wish you the best on your journey

allnurses Guide · Apr 19, 2013

Our rural area is hurting for nurses. We need some hospice nurses too!

Age has nothing to do with it - we just want ethical hardworking nurses who believe in teamwork!

HM-8404, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2013

I have wondered the same thing. I will be close to that age when I graduate next year. The main reason I have concerns is over the past 14 months I have applied for over 100 positions as a PCA/PCT in local hospitals that do "in-house" training, as well as Student Nurse positions that only require someone be enrolled in a nursing program. To this date I have only been contacted one time for an interview and that interview was cancelled the morning of the interview.

My past work history is excellent, my background spotless, and grades are above average. With HR only looking at apps. it has to be either my age or sex that is preventing me from being hired.

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2013

I hate to be the wet blanket, but statistics show that past 50 is no mans land for being hired for a new job. Any job.

There aren't as many nursing jobs as there used to be. Fewer jobs and alot more applicants. Health care facilities can be picky about who they hire. It's reality. Where I work, there hasn't been a single new hire over 30 in the past year. Not a single one.

I'm well over 50, and the above makes me shiver.

After I've rained all over your parade:unsure: I'll wish you the best of luck. I truly hope you are one of the exceptions to the statistics.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 22, 2013

I hate to be the wet blanket, but statistics show that past 50 is no mans land for being hired for a new job. Any job.
There aren't as many nursing jobs as there used to be. Fewer jobs and alot more applicants. Health care facilities can be picky about who they hire. It's reality. Where I work, there hasn't been a single new hire over 30 in the past year. Not a single one.
I'm well over 50, and the above makes me shiver.

Wow, that is scary. Unless the applicant pool is very abnormal (no one over 30) your organization is very vulnerable to claims of discrimination. I'm surprised it hasn't happened already.

lovetheocean · Apr 24, 2013

I know and work with plenty of nurses over 50 who have landed superior roles in great organizations. It all depends on the location and pool of applicants. If you meet the qualifications, are marketable and have the level of experience they are looking for, companies are willing to hire. Keep your chin up, OP. Be diligent and something will come through. It's tough out there right now, regardless of how old you are.