Negative Stereotyping of Older Nurses Despite Contact and Mere Exposure: The Case of Nursing Recruiters in Western Australia |
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| Authors: | Eyal Gringart PhD Bronwyn Jones PhD Edward Helmes PhD Janis Jansz PhD Leanne Monterosso PhD Mary Edwards BA |
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| Institution: | 1. Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology and Social Science , Edith Cowan University , Joondalup , Western Australia , Australia e.gringart@ecu.edu.au;3. Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery , Murdoch University , Mandurah , Western Australia , Australia;4. Professor, Department of Psychology , James Cook University , Townsville , Queensland , Australia;5. Senior Lecturer, School of Public Health , Curtin University of Technology , Perth , Western Australia , Australia;6. Professor and Chair, School of Nursing , University of Notre Dame , Perth , Western Australia , Australia;7. Research Assistant, School of Psychology and Social Science , Edith Cowan University , Joondalup , Western Australia , Australia |
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| Abstract: | Ageist attitudes have been identified across different industries. The nursing profession has a high proportion of older workers. As this facilitates regular contact with, as well as exposure to, older nurses, it may be expected to show less ageism. This study investigated 163 Western Australian nursing recruiters' attitudes toward older nurses. Results showed clear evidence of both negative and positive stereotyping of older nurses. Nursing recruiters indicated that they would be more than likely to hire older nurses and that age was less relevant in making hiring decisions. These findings suggest that enhancing the employability of older workers does not necessarily change ageist attitudes. This is relevant to policy formulation, attitude change interventions, and the well-being of older workers. |
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| Keywords: | ageism negative stereotyping older nurses workplace discrimination |
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