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?

[Marisette, BSN, RN]

Hi OP. I'm not at all offended by your suggestions. They sound good to me. After a long career in nursing,I'm ready to take a back seat most days. Oh sure, I can keep up with the twenty somethings, but I'd rather not. I'm not sure if age is the qualifier to want a slower pace in nursing. However, realistically, there does not appear to be a job in nursing that does not require some heavy lifting, stressful situations and so on. Unfortunately, IF your in your 50's now, Social Security and Medicare benefits will not be available untill 67 years of age. Sign me up for all of your suggestions.

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

Hi OP. I'm not at all offended by your suggestions. They sound good to me. After a long career in nursing,I'm ready to take a back seat most days. Oh sure, I can keep up with the twenty somethings, but I'd rather not. I'm not sure if age is the qualifier to want a slower pace in nursing. However, realistically, there does not appear to be a job in nursing that does not require some heavy lifting, stressful situations and so on. Unfortunately, IF your in your 50's now, Social Security and Medicare benefits will not be available untill 67 years of age. Sign me up for all of your suggestions.

Nope, I'm 59-it's 66 years and 4 months for me for full Social Security benefits. February 1, 2023 here I come lol. Medicare eligibility based on age is is 65 for everyone.

It's one thing for someone to START their Nursing career when they're 50ish. I have been doing this for 36 years at this point, and will have been an RN for almost 44 years when I retire.

For me, that's long enough. I'm not saying I won't do something very part time after I retire, because I like to keep active, but it won't be in Nursing.

[DrKim]

Nursing is one of the few professions that provide members with a variety of options. All of the options you wish exist, already exist and prefer nurses with experience. You already know the answer to your own question :)

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I think this thread is just a tiny bit insulting to those of us over 50-60. Not outraged, I can't believe you said that insulting. I just have a problem with blanket assumptions about any group of people. Those of us nearing 60 already have a hard time with the biases in nursing. The OP is simply confirming that as nurses age they lose their value. That we just can't carry our weight anymore. That we need "easier" jobs to accommodate our tired old bodies and brains. I really hate that.

I think this thread is MORE than just a tiny bit insulting.

[Libby1987]

I think this thread is MORE than just a tiny bit insulting.

I interpreted OP as either on the less fit/general health end of the aging continuum or is confusing the workload expected of floor staff with an aging issue.

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

I think this thread is MORE than just a tiny bit insulting.

Unintentionally, perhaps. It was worded clumsily.

For myself, the older I get the less insulted I am at embarrassing or odd questions. It usually isn't worth it.

OP has already apologized for the wording (possibly more than once, I don't recall), and thanked people for suggestions. In her case, she admitted that she can no longer keep up with younger nurses. There's no shame in that, it happens.

I can keep up. I just don't feel like dealing with hospital [emoji90] anymore. I'm not ready to leave patient care yet, however. Fortunately, I found my niche in Hospice.

[smartassmommy]

For an experienced nurse of any age who can't keep up with acute care, there is a place they are needed. Education!!! Without experienced nurses to teach the next generation, nursing care will go downhill. Just my two cents.

[loriangel14, RN]

I will be 50 next month and I don't consider myself old.

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

I will be 50 next month and I don't consider myself old.

I don't consider myself old either, but several places near me start their senior discount at 55. Do I take advantage of it? Damn skippy lol.

[Elle23]

I always thought it would be cool to be a ship nurse for a cruise line when I retire.

...till a mass norovirus outbreak occurs.

(*shudders*)

[Elle23]

I'm 43 and feel very young, except I have bad feet (flat as pancakes and prone to tendinitis, plus some nasty heel spurs). That alone will limit my options as I get older. I simply cannot be on my feet for extended periods of time.

I started doing private duty 2 1/2 years ago, and it is definitely the perfect pace for anyone wanting out of the craziness of floor nursing. Not sure if I will do it indefinitely (I have always wanted to do hospice), but it has been great thus far.

[TamDar429]

Thank you for your suggestions/responses. You have made me feel more confident in myself. I see now that there are more options out there. IF I ever try to open an agency, perhaps the name should be SteadyQual....for nurses who work steadily and with quality. :-)