Aging Nurses - Where do we go?

[TamDar429]

I am an aging nurse (50) who can't really keep up with the young new grads. Why can't there be a nurse company (or hospital or nursing home or staffing agency) that employs such nurses that will work for less money and do less stressful/multi-tasking nursing jobs? I mean we are still valuable. Seems like money and doing things in a rush are what employers want but everywhere is so short staffed. I don't mean to be disrespectful to anyone or anywhere; I just think we are resources that are not being utilized. Thoughts please?

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

I hear you, but I will be 67 in March, I have no real desire to retire, I tried that three times, and each time after a few months always came back....I can still hang in critical care ICU/ER....but honestly the 12 hr. Shifts take a toll....

currently I work in a rural physician clinic....awesome hours, and liberal holiday schedule..THE MONEY IS NOT AS GREAT, BUT THE SATISFACTION, AND "physical toll" is far better....I see me doing this as long as endurance and cognition permits....

best wishes

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

Home health and Hospice are also great avenues, Weekend sups. in LTC/SNF...also a option

[loriangel14, RN]

Oh dear heavens you think 50 is old? Just shoot me now. I work 2 jobs and work out 4-5 times a week. I'm not slowing down yet. I ski. I hike and I travel as well.

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

I'm on the downside of my career (59) and I've done Hospice for the last 5 years or so. I love it. I spent 26 years doing bedside Nursing in a hospital setting, and left it 10 years ago.

Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but I just got tired of dealing with acute care and all the rules and restrictions they place on patients.

Nothing makes me happier than when I tell one of my patients "Hospice is about choices. Eat dessert before dinner. Hell, eat dessert INSTEAD of dinner" and their eyes light up and they start to understand.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

My friend's mother is 64 years old with severely arthritic knees. Her new niche during the final years of her nursing career is working the night shift at a nursing home. The pace is breathable and she is able to relax while at work.

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

MDS. telephonic, case management great options.

[Libby1987]

I'm 50, in home health, none of the younger nurses work more efficiently than me. I'm seeing less fit younger nurses..

I think the learning curve uses up a lot of energy.

[TamDar429]

Thanks, I've been an MDS in a nursing home twice and it was very stressful, not enough time to get done what needs to be, so end up working 60 hrs / wk. I have friends who are Case Mgrs who cry about the job and say they are the definition of multi-taskers with no end.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Interesting poll, however no responses apply. Work for LESS money? We are more valuable than ever,think outside the box a little.

At 50, I was traveling to Hawaii, doing private duty, and agency nursing. At 60, I found my dream job working from home.

Please.. don't sell yourself short.

[Mom2boysRN]

Home health is great for older nurses. You aren't generally doing much lifting, transfers, or rolling. You also can set your own schedule. The hardest part on your body is that if you are doing wound care you usually have to bend beause even if a patient has a hospital bed they don't raise.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Sorry to say I'm 50 and don't at all consider myself slower or unable to keep up. I work 12 hour shifts and more than keep up. And I'm not what you would even call close to in great shape.