Reflections on being an older nurse

[mustlovepoodles, RN]

I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings but I am so glad I'm not a young nurse. Nursing is such a hard job and young grads are so easily overwhelmed. AFter reading some of the new grads posts, their fears and frustrations I just wanted to say things can work out if you give them enough time and effort. I'm in a good situation now--part-time, 6 hour day shifts, busy productive days, guaranteed lunch break, always going home on time. But I remember how it was for me 32 years ago when I was still wet behind the ears. So much to do, so much responsibility and I didn't feel competent to get it all done right. It took me 10 years to find my niche, pediatrics, and I worked in a lot of different settings during that time. I worked about 25 years of night shift and I have the sleep disorder, depression, herniated discs, and ruined feet to show for it. But all that experience comes to bear in my current job, school nurse for an elementary school where I am nurse, mother, teacher, caregiver, social worker, and lover of children. I couldn't have done this job in my 20s. I simply didn't have enough life experience. Now, after over 32 years of nursing I am finally at a place where most of my nursing is cerebral and I'm so glad I didn't give up.

I AM NURSING.

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

I'm glad you didn't give it up either! You sound like a fine school nurse.

[nursel56]

Yes, I know what you are talking about, mustlovepoodles. It sounds like the school nurse job is just perfect for you. I'm in a job now, too, that is (mostly) free of the anxieties, the games people play, and the sharp elbows being thrown as people attempt to find their place in the nursing world. All in all, a good place to be. :)

[Zookeeper3]

ahhh I wish I could find my place. I am soooo happy for you, don't ever look back with regret because everything you've been through is part of who you are and what you can bring to these kids.

School nursing is VITAL, on a brief stint I've seen bullying, abuse, poor learners... and where do they hide out? THE SCHOOL NURSE.

You are a counselor, watcher, mentor, teacher, friend... and so much more. My daughters school nurse was her favorite hang out, and that battle axe was the best, she'd seen it all and the students LOVED her.

enjoy where you are, those kids need and deserve you.. blessings to the difference you make, that few will ever know, but many will benefit from. You are right where you need to be.

[shoegalRN, RN]

As a second career changer into nursing, I'll be so glad when I find my nitche in nursing.

I am currently working a weekend alt program where I work Sat and Sun nights and get paid for a third day. I have M-F off and I love it! Only thing, is I switched from ICU to ER. I can say that I thought ICU was for me, then switched to ER and I can say I don't dread going to work now. However, I often wonder if there is something else out there that I may be good at but havent tried yet.

I don't vomit before going to work now, but I'm not overly excited either.