Age vs Years Nursing

Davey Do · Apr 30, 2020

12 hours ago, PollywogNP said:
I was a teenage LPN at 19

If there's a time I could go back and do it over again, Pollywog, it would be with my LPN.

Anomaly High School had a vocational program which had, among others, an LPN program. A high school student, in three years along with their diploma, would be eligible to take state boards.

Man! Had I known nursing would be my niche, like you, Pollywog, I would have gone through that program in a heartbeat!

And I'm as serious as a myocardial infarction!

But noooooo...

I had to have an MVA at the age of 19, become interested in emergency medicine, get my EMT, and not get my LPN until I was 26 years of age.

Oh well.

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 30, 2020

I am 65 and have been an RN for 43 years.

I graduated with BSN at 22 in 1977. That 43 years of continuous practice makes me the winner so far in this thread. ?

If I really want to "stretch" the definition of nursing ... as a 6-year-old, I helped my Dad administer polio vaccine at community events. I spread the sugar cubes out on the trays for him to put the vaccine on. Then I handed out the information pamphlets and consent forms to the people waiting in line and told them that I had already gotten my vaccine and it didn't taste all that bad. If they had any questions, they should ask the nurse and the doctor at the table where the vaccine was. I've always said that was actually my first nursing job. If I counted that experience with public health and answering my Dad's phone, taking messages, and sending them to the ER if they seemed to need a doctor ... I could exaggerate and say I have been a nurse for 59 years. But no, I won't do that. ?

RNperdiem, RN · Apr 30, 2020

46 years old. RN 22 years.

allnurses Guide · Apr 30, 2020

I will be 76 in September. I worked 42 years in hospitals as a CNA, LVN, and RN.

amoLucia · Apr 30, 2020

RN 1974, age 24. Retired 2010, age 60. Health issues. Total 36 yrs active nsg.

Gave up my license shortly after - age 62 ish.

You piqued my curiosity. Can you give a few details about your project? Sounds interesting.

We all answered YOUR question. How about you answering mine? TY

Stay safe & stay strong.

allnurses Guide · Apr 30, 2020

49 years old, 8 years in nursing.

juliet_cardiacRN, BSN · Apr 30, 2020

36 years old. 3 years as LPN, 11 years as RN.

DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN · May 1, 2020

56 years old and been a nurse 34 years (with a 2 year break, so 32 years of practice).

DextersDisciple, BSN, RN · May 1, 2020

29 years old 7 years an RN

PollywogNP, ADN, BSN, MSN, LPN, NP · May 1, 2020

DAVEY DO, I was lucky, this August I will start 44th year as a nurse, it was August 1977 when I graduated from LPN school & I had really had very little idea what I was getting into, in fact after getting my ADN I figured I would try it for a while (5years) before deciding if I wanted to work as a nurse for the rest of my life. I have been very fortunate, even returning to teach where I went to school, served on hospital ship Comfort that just left NYC during Gulf War. Glad you’re back, I love your cartoons & the names you give the places you’ve worked. How much longer are you planning to work as a nurse?

Home Health Columnist / Guide · May 1, 2020

60-65.

1973 started as nursing home aide.

Licensed LPN 1977; BSN RN 1982. 43 years total.

Registered Nurses : Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm

and Registered nurses | Data USA https://datausa.io/profile/soc/291141/

has info that may help you.

Good luck in project.

Davey Do · May 1, 2020

@PollywogNP:Thanks for the kind words and attention. You yourself have had quite a history.

As far as how much longer I plan to work as a nurse, that's sort of up in the air. I'm actively applying for positions and am open to continue working, but it's going to be on my terms, as I'm enjoying not working so very much.