Getting older...feeling forced out

[KYMDSRN]

Feeling somewhat stuck. I'm almost 45 and have been a nurse for 19 years. I've experienced a lot in my career and am very glad I had those opportunities to learn and grow. For the last few years my ability to handle the stress of dealing with difficult situations, long shifts, bad scheduling, heavy physical activity and night shift have taken a toll. I have learned that nurses like me...older ADN's...aren't really desirable. I have pretty much been told if I can't handle the work then I should find other employment. I have never had a bad evaluation and am a preceptor to new nurses along with charge nurse. I think it's pretty sad that I have invested so much in my career and when the time has come for me to slow down management would rather I leave my job than help me. I have seen a couple of nurses pressured into leaving. I am looking elsewhere so I can get back some quality of life but wondered if there are any other nurses experiencing this.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I remember this happening around my mid-40s. There were several of us "older" nurses on the Med/Surg unit, and we almost always got the worst assignments---heavy-care patients, fresh post-ops (with no tech to help with Q 30 minute vitals), lots of admits. It was a passive-aggressive way to get us to quit, and most of us did. We got the message; besides, every nurse in the leadership ranks and union reps were well under 45. Of course, age discrimination is usually VERY hard to prove, but it was there. I've never regretted getting out, even though I had to have a major meltdown to force me to recognize it.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

In our hospital it is actually the younger people who use more FMLA (excluding maternity) than the older ones. I have found the younger generations work ethic to be lacking. You are right, seniority means nothing anymore.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Exactly. I have a master's but I missed bedside nursing too much. The point is this: Why should nurses who have worked for 30+years feel they aren't valued anymore? Why should the place you have worked at for all those years decide you aren't worthy to work there anymore? I just find it incredibly sad.

Well, it is because the older nurses have a completely different agenda than what any facility is wanting us to have. The more in tune one is to patient's medical needs, discharge needs, education needs the less likely one is to succeed. If you are a patient advocate, you are not looked up to, you are a facility advocate and accolades all around.

For me, I felt that I was so fortunate to be an LPN in acute care for as long as I was. I was really, really good at what I did due to numerous mentors and perfecting the practice of taking care of people. A squeaky wheel may get grease, but just enough to start a grease fire.

Newer nurses go into nursing with a whole different outlook. YES of course patient's need to be alive at the end of the day, but most will find that a "bedside nurse" is just a button pusher, a nice, sweet, bowing ray of sunshine. That is very highly educated. And THAT makes the hospital look good.

Crusty old bats need to get off their high horse--because no one cares one bit that you know your patients. They prefer you to "talk up" the next nurse, document reimburseables as priority, and have all of your "regulars" that you know like the back of your hand wonder what the heck ails you....it is demoralizing.

Nursing is no more an art. Heck, at times not even a science.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I'm almost 56, am valued as a professional and plan to cont to work for many more years.

My advice:

1. Stay current on EBP, volunteer for committees, to precept, to be charge

2. Go back to school even if it means student loans. I got a BSN (had an ADN) when I was 44, MSN at 45, post MSN cert at 46 and a second one at 52. Education keeps you current.

3. Don't talk "old". Dont complain about aches and pains, dint discuss medical problems or mention meds while at work.

4. Keep a smile on your face, be someone friendly who others want to be around.

I'm very much past 40

i agree with Most of what you wrote.

While I don't agree that post-masters certs are necessary, it is important that every clinician shows continued professional growth throughout their career. That can be committees, certification, attending conferences, etc. it's fine to be remain at the bedside if that is your passion, but if one can't demonstrate why they are as good, or better than, the younger applicant it's hard to justify ones worth.

BTW, 2 of the last 3 nurses I hired were well over 50. Saving a few $$ by hiring younger, less experienced nurses simply isn't a consideration anyplace I've ever worked.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

I seriously fear for my job at least once a week. Ten years

ago I'd have quit and moved on. If I quit now, only the places

nobody wants to work would hire me.

[caliotter3]

When I started my nursing career (second time around), more than 20 years ago, I actually was asked illegal questions about my age during a job interview. That opened my eyes 20 years ago and it has only gotten worse as the years have ticked by. I actually had a home health client tell me that they were told that I could not make a schedule change (full time day shift), because I was too old to do the job. The client assured me that they would cooperate should I choose legal action. After all, they knew my job performance first hand and had asked for me to take over the new schedule because they wanted someone who could and would do the job. Oh, of course, I talked myself out of bothering to do anything and voila, the offending employer got rid of me lock, stock, and barrel, only a matter of weeks after that incident. It is bad enough that employers discriminate based on age to begin with, but when they openly broadcast what they are doing, that is more than insulting. And when you talk to an employment attorney, they will tell you upfront that you are fighting a losing battle.

[featherzRN, MSN]

I did a BSN at 46, now about to start working on an MBA at 47. I work outpatient, but I really haven't noticed any slowing down and my coworkers actually have a few years on me. Maybe just a change of pace is what you need! :)

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I wanted to add that being healthy is probably the biggest factor in being able to cont nursing.

[Penelope512]

Hi!

I was a ADN also, I understand, however the BSN is becoming preferred especially in MAGNET hospitals. In order to maintain Magnet status you need to show an increase in BSN levels. At our hospital, so far, the ADN and Diploma nurses are ok however if you apply to our hospital as an ADN you have 3 years upon hire to become a BSN.We are surrounded by ADN schools, I can only imagine how those feel when they hear the news. However at 53 with 34 years in, I have went back, yes 25 years later, for my BSN on line, MSN,MHA and now DNP.I am sure it is an obsession now! Your young, check out your hospitals tuition reimbursement program, take on line classes and trust me, it is a picnic compared to nursing school and taking the exam. What do you have to lose except a little sleep and time. You will keep your job you love. You will also see that you are still and RN and no test to take after!

[aboucherrn]

Ditto...

I have a BSN, yet I feel exactly like you. I give 100% at work, but canʻt seem to keep up with the charting, the constant changes, and management down my throat to "do a little better". I keep asking myself, "whatʻs the point?".

Getting that degree does nothing for your pay, your workload, or your sanity. Trust me.

If healthcare is moving towards "customer service" and "patient satisfaction", why do we need degrees in the first place? We are just going to do whatever the "customer" wants to get that high score, right?

Iʻd take a hospital staffed with ADNʻs and LPNʻs any day :)