All of these stereotypes are false, but the interviewer's perceptions may be more important than the facts. To fight stereotypes, come to an interview prepared with examples that show that these stereotypes aren't true for you. Older nurses are more likely to use sick time excessively. Older nurses can't learn anything new, and their clinical skills are outdated. Older nurses can't handle high-tech equipment or computers.
Older nurses are bossy, critical, and difficult to manage.
Older nurses are inflexible. Older nurses aren't fun to work with anymore and have difficulty interacting with younger staff. Play to Your Strengths During an interview, make sure to showcase the abilities that only an experienced nurse holds. Demonstrate how you have honed your critical thinking skills during your long career, and how these skills provide value regardless of practice specialty. Nurses often remark that convalescing patients seek out younger nurses, but sick patients want an older experienced nurse.