Are you too old, tired and unable to do your job?

[hbncns35]

Here's one for you -

Yesterday I did a presentation with 6 other 20somethings on the differences between the 8hr and 12hr work day. Because the group was so disorganized, we had not met a final time before show time. I wish we did.

Three out of the six stood up there motionless behing the podium and read off their papers each one saying that "older" nurses chose and 8 hour day because they were just too tired, couldn't keep up and couldn't get the job done in a 12 hour day. They went on to say that 8hr days were meant for the "older" nurses because they had families and couldn't keep up with "two" jobs. (nursing and their families) The part of the presentation next was a girl (21) who stood up and called her section, "Not grandma's shift" and went on to say that the younger group of nurses did better with 12's.

My part of the presentation dealt with compassion fatigue and how it affects any age group. I felt like saying " Well, Let's here it for the older nurses out there" since we were just bashed by our younger counterparts.

Does anyone else have a problem with this? Do you think younger nurses can outrun older ones in a 12 hour or is this just plain age discrimination?

How many of you "older" nurses over 35 can handle a 12? Thoughts please...HB

[Kelly_the_Great]

Hmm, I guess old meat is tastin' pretty good too. Who says we can only eat the young?

Nurses need to show more respect to the "older" (what ever definition that might be) nurse and consider her/his unique needs. Something we need to start looking at is indeed the length of hours a nurse is required to work each shift. I'm not in favor of this whole mandatory 12 hour shifts the local hospitals have gone to in my area. I think it should be the nurses choice.

We need to consider shortened shift hours. The older nurse is going to have earned the right to retire soon, if we want them to continue to help/contribute, we are going to have to start considering their needs and advocating for them.

Just b/c 12 hours works for me (btw, i used to do 2 16's w/ an 8 off between 12 years ago - can't do that anymore) doesn't mean it is or should be ideal for everyone.

You know what, just as a little side note too, ever worked somewhere you were so bored, time just dragged and dragged, making you even more tired at the end of the day? Who says these 12 hour shifts just might be a drag to the older nurse who has adapted herself to completing her work in 8 hrs. vs. 12? Maybe it's just not taking her as long to get her sh*t together as some of her "younger" counterparts?

Just my

[SouthernLPN2RN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

I worked with a 71 year old RN last night, and she had about 3 times my energy!

[ZZTopRN, BSN, RN]

You know, I am older and more physically fit and healthy than some of my younger counterparts who have physical problems, diabetes, bad backs or other medical problems or obesity and cannot move quickly. However, I catch it as being my age because I want 8-hour shifts. My children are grown, I've done my 12-hour shifts and I feel like I've earned the right to still do what Iwant part-time, 8 hours and pursue a lot of my interests that I never had time for before because of the 12-hour and full time shifts. I want more time to enjoy my life. How much catching up essentials at home do you have to do after the 12-hour shifts?

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

How old is "older"?

[berniemcr]

I am finishing nursing school in less than 2 weeks and am hoping to work the 12 hour shifts even though I am OLDER. I am 57 yo and for the past 3 1/2 years have been up at 6 AM every morning to go to my full time job--left there to go to school which has been 4 nights a weeks and I would get home b/t 9 and 11:30 PM. On Fridays, I would also be at my day job, but then go to a night job which I would leave at midnight (waitressing).

I am divorced, a homeowners and mother of grown children. Doesn't matter if they are grown, they still want to talk to you and there are meals they love to be invited to and I love to cook. I have to cook for myself for the week, so the more the merrier. There are also 2 dsogs and 4 cats to walk and care for besides the housework that gets done.

I think the 12 hour shift 3x/wk will be cake. Anyone who has been here agree?

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

If anything I choose 3 12hr shifts because I'm too old and tired to work five days a week.

We all run our butts off on my unit, youngers and oldsters alike. In my old age I'm doing very well with the physical demands of it.

Many who choose to work 8 hour shfits are the youngsters with kids to pick up from school. We all have our reasons.

I'm sure age might be a consideration for some people, but I wonder where they got this information. Is it documented or are they basing it on interviews, or just guessing?

[hbncns35]

Unfortunately,

I go to school with some pretty self absorbed people who think they will be super nurses. I do not doubt that many of them will become good nurses but first they will have to resurrect a cooperative attitude instead of a know it all one. Listening is an Art and I do hope that they will acquire it over time. I am just so suprised at the attitudes among them at the presentation. They seemed so sure of their rigid outlooks. I guess when you are 20 its hard to see both sides. (For some) I wonder what will happen on the floor when they realize most nurses average age is 43?

Cliques are dead.

Heather

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

I don't think age matters too much. We have a 60 something y/o nurse who can run circles around anyone for either length shift, and a 25 y/o who is pooped out after 4 hours. I think ones general health matters more.

[CseMgr1, ASN, RN]

Unfortunately,

I go to school with some pretty self absorbed people who think they will be super nurses. I do not doubt that many of them will become good nurses but first they will have to resurrect a cooperative attitude instead of a know it all one. Listening is an Art and I do hope that they will acquire it over time. I am just so suprised at the attitudes among them at the presentation. They seemed so sure of their rigid outlooks. I guess when you are 20 its hard to see both sides. (For some) I wonder what will happen on the floor when they realize most nurses average age is 43?

Cliques are dead.

Heather

It's called Reality Shock.

[Bipley]

Honestly, it is definitely the older nurses I work with complaining that we have to work 12 hours. I have never heard younger nurses say they want 8 hour shifts. I think this is mainly related to the fact that the younger nurses work nights more often than the older nurses. If you work nights, 8 hour shifts are killers. It's a lot easier to do 3 12s a week than 5 8s. For dayshifters, I can understand the appeal of 8s.

Perfect post, Fergus.

I used to do 7-12's and then 7-off. That was two years ago. Today my feet are killing me at the end of 8. But I'm thinking there is a medical reason for that. Oh, I am 43.

[Bipley]

I worked with a 71 year old RN last night, and she had about 3 times my energy!

I know someone like that. I don't know how old she is but I would guess she is in her late 60's. She works circles around everyone else. Plus, she's a joy to work with. And she is also quite beautiful.

She's an amazing lady.