When do you say, "Enough is enough?"

RNforLongTime · Feb 17, 2002

The way I see it, with medicare the way it is and Social Security, I should be able to retire in about 40 years. When I'm 69!!!

kaycee · Feb 17, 2002

We frequently talk about this at work. There are a few of us in our mid forties to early 50's and we often joke about coming to work with our walkers and canes. I'll probably work until I physically can't do it anymore. Don't know how long I'll last continuing in the ER but I'll need to work somewhere at least until 65. So with 18 more years to go maybe I oughta save up for an electric wheelchair.

NurseDennie, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2002

I'll be one of the oldest nurses on the planet, I'm sure. Lots of things have contributed to me having NO savings, and still being in debt right now. *sigh*

I can't do the unit or floor nursing any more - I'm doing research now, but I long to retire. I am tired, I guess. Aren't we all? I've been working at least two jobs at a time (even now) and I figure that I've put in at least enough "Dennie hours" for a normal career, plus!

My husband knows what's what, too. Once when we were first married, living in married student housing at Purdue, I tried to take an afternoon off. He literally picked me up and carried me out of the apartment. I should have seen it coming, then!

Love

Dennie

night owl · Feb 17, 2002

I'll tell you, I work with two nurses and both of them are over 70!

One of them walks out of the building as fast as she walked in. I on the other hand may walk fast into the place but practically crawl out to my car. Both of these old timers never let anything bother them, it's really amazing. But I'm afraid that one day I'll go around the corner and find one of them sprawled out on the floor! I guess I'll just have to get out my spackle knife and start scraping them up and put em in a brown bag (waxed of course) labeled, "Old bag in the bag" send it to the lab and have him/her analyzed! Sheesh, maybe they'll be scarping me up first! OMG :eek:

mario_ragucci · Feb 17, 2002

Haven't yall heard of recombinant DNA technology? Its really a simple proceedure in which you just go for a "DNA pit stop" and your cells are back in business:D

Whats the big deal:roll

oramar · Feb 17, 2002

There are probably as many reasons for getting out of nursing as there are nurses. For sure when you get that very depressed, I can't stand to go in, I can't stand to get out of bed feeling it is time to make changes. That is your mind telling you your body is heading for trouble.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Feb 17, 2002

What retirement?? I guess I'll still be working when I am 85!

PhantomRN · Feb 17, 2002

I dont see myself quitting work until I am forced out. The only thing I am trying to do is find an area of nursing that I can physically and mentally tolerate for the next 25 years.

kids · Feb 17, 2002

My Mom is 72 and has tried to retire several times since turning 62, but working a couple of days a week has always ended up being full time plus within a couple of months. Her health is now shot (asthma) and the arthritis in her hims is getting bad and she is finally "giving up" her plan is to work 2 days a week when she feels better. The great plan we came up with is she is about to move into a brand apartment with an income limit-with her SS if she works more than 9 days a month she will make to much money to live there and she HATES to move.

Whats really sad is she has been with the same SNF for >12 years and they have always been a great facility-they don't hesitate to call agency when needed by census or to help out with vacations, pay a competative wage and have good benefits. They have been really tolerant of Mom's absenteeism over the last year etc...she has been out on medical leave for the last 2 weeks (going to take 12) under the Federal law...the staffing person has called her 5 times asking her to work. I took the last call and told her if she called again asking Mom to work while on medical leave ordered by her Physician and as allowed by FEDERAL law I would be calling the Regional VP.

As for me, Nursing is retirement...in my former career I was a housewife.

-nancy

night owl · Feb 17, 2002

Nancy,

Arthritis in her hims is getting bad...Sounds like mine! God bless her... 72 and still working when she can. I can't even see myself doing any kind of nursing at 65! By then it'll be my turn in the "Home." God I hope not.

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2002

12-year-old triplet girls that I have to clothe now ($$$!!) and then put through college and then weddings...I'm gonna be working until I'm dead. Maybe longer.