I have a friend who is a two year RN. She has been RN for 20 years. She is 48. I am 50.
She has been very supportive of me through nursing school (BSN, May 2005).
HOWEVER.
I started out in an ER a couple months ago. She discouraged me from doing the ER, but the ER was my second desire, NICU was my first, but I landed the ER job first. She thought I should do 2 years Med/Surg first. I hate Med/Surg! She kept poo-pooing me the last three months I've been in ER, telling me I am "too old", "twelve hour shifts are gonna kill you, you are too old..."
Well, after 90 days in the ER I knew I needed a more organized and calm working atmosphere. I could handle the 12 hour shifts, it is just that this particular ER is understaffed and so disorganized it is laughable.
SO. I applied for a NICU Intern program - a GREAT one - that is 6 MONTHS long, two day a week classes and two day a week preceptor/clinicals in the NICU. A big NICU, too. Three levels, well equipped, the manager is very organized, been there 17 years.
Well, I told my friend I got the NICU last night.
You know what she told me?
She said: "Jerico, you know when you get older our hands begin to shake...12 hour shifts?....what did I tell you before?....NICU!!!....you need something more laid back, my job - all I have to do is take vitals and monitor the patient, chart... (she is a GI lab nurse)"
WHAT is WITH her? I've known her 12 years! Is SHE having a crisis???
Every time I turn around she talks about how she is getting older.
Am I right in thinking she seems to be having a midlife crisis?
I am in great shape for 50, weight on target. I am very active, never back off a challenge. I love change. I think the next 50 years are gonna be better than the last 50.
Opinions? Comments? The NICU is my DREAM job as I intend on becoming a neonatal NP or doc perhaps. She thinks I am nuts even THINKING about going to more school. I almost feel like she is heading out to pasture!
