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?

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

I work part time in a smaller nursing home on the evening shift. It has worked out great for me. I love it.

[Jensmom7, BSN, 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.

I think it's more of a mental thing for me-I worked my ass off in hospitals doing acute care bedside nursing for 26 years. I finally decided enough was enough.

In Hospice, as long as your patient's symptoms are managed, and they have everything in place that they need, there are no emergencies.

For the most part, families are appreciative and actually like us (except for the members who live 1500 miles away, swoop in for one visit, tell the family who has been dealing with everything how terrible they are for "giving up on a miracle" and then swoop out again, leaving us to pick up the pieces, but that's another conversation).

[TamDar429]

Thanks. When the patient is actually passing, don't you have to go to the home no matter what time it is?

[Farawyn]

What about p4p, the Over 40 Edition?

I work 2 jobs, but they are considered "softer jobs" SN and HH. I'm not 50 yet, in my 40s.

I work 6 days a week. I think it would easier for me to go back to the clinic or the floors some days. At least when I left work, I left it there.

Totally agree with BTDT on the $$$ thing.

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

Thanks. When the patient is actually passing, don't you have to go to the home no matter what time it is?

If you're on call, yes. We have dedicated after hours and weekend staff, and we do 3-4 backup on call shifts/month, so it's rarely an issue.

My patients are all in one facility, so unless the family requests Hospice support we don't have to go.

[CathRN]

Try State Surveyor jobs, lots of travel, but easier on the body, but it is stressful. How about home health, hospice or MDS coordinator for a nursing facility? Weekend RN supervisor for nursing facilities, home telephonic case management, the possibilities are only limited by what you desire.

[Wrench Party]

Private duty or home health. I can see these being great options- more autonomy, ability to set your own schedule, not a lot of heavy lifting. Typically work 8 or 12s in private duty, depending on the case.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

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?

I'm ten years older than you. I can still keep up with the new grads, and in some respects run circles around them. I don't want to work for less money, and a less stressful job would be boring. I'm still valuable, and I want to be paid for my value. I'm being fully utilized as a bedside nurse, charge, preceptor and instructor. If YOU can't keep up and want and easier job, I understand that. But please don't generalize that "aging nurses can't keep up." I can.

[bagladyrn, RN]

Thank you Ruby Vee! I was searching for the right words. You expressed what I feel perfectly.

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

Lol. My mom is 53 and runs several miles a day on the treadmill. She is in way better shape than my fat, twenty-something ass.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

This is extremely individual. I am in my 50's and have 2 jobs that gets me 80=100hours per pay period. That is double annual skills lab, double mandatory classes and staff meeting and mandatory certifications.

You can get me and I can have your vascular access placed in record speed,done a vascular access evaluation and made a plan for the most appropriate VAD after 3 nurses have been trying for a few hours to get access. So, "NO", am better than ever and not slowing down. I have purposely educate myself on a routine basis. If you are unable to keep up you need to find a job that is more your pace but this too may require that you get some training and education because you are correct you have a lot to offer!

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

You could see what is available in your current facility--wound care clinic, employee health, even IV team. Or risk management as opposed to case management.

Or you could get certified as a consultant--lactation, EMR,surveyor that kind of a thing.

You could even see about teaching at a local vocational school/adult ed. There's even community schools that have early evening classes on health/medication management/stress reduction that are well paid, part time.

Or you could go part time or per diem at your current position, and ask to be charge. If you want to work full time for less money, I would be inclined to reduce hours for same money, just less hours.