Almost 80 working RN on med/surg??!!

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I work with a 78 year old RN. She's been an RN for about 58 years. While I was amazed at first, I really wonder how safe this is. I followed her once and found she hung the wrong IV bag on a patient. Fortunately it was very close, but still it was an error. I have a feeling, she gets the easier patients, but still I question safety. I've heard she has done other things involving other nurses. I'm all for people working and not completely retiring, but working in such a demanding job as a nurse you really need to be on your toes.....

I just had a patient crash on me. Fortunately I caught him in time and turned him around. Well he was in the same room as the a patient the nurse above had. My patient was coming around to the point he called me via his call bell. I went in quick to make sure he wasn't in need of anything. He said he was fine, but said "that lady just fell." It was the RN above. She brushed it off, but said her knee hurt a bit, but she'd be fine. I was thrilled my patient was able to take care of us as he could have gone the other way!!!

Anyway, I let the charge nurse know she had fallen, but was okay for the moment, but thought a heads up wouldn't hurt as we were already short. Well, I didn't realize it was such an issue. She had to fill out forms, go to the ED and was ready to kill me. I've never been looked at in such an evil way in my entire life. My husband said she was just mad because at her age she probably wants to appear trouble-free. This is making her look less than perfect. I suppose he's right, but should I have kept my mouth shut? It seems like you can't win. I'm sure my patient mentioned it to others and then I would've been asked why I DIDN'T say tell them. I really thought it wouldn't hurtl anyone to know and just give her a bit more help when possible if her knee started hurting more during the rest of the shift.

Do you think it's safe to have RNs nearly 80 years old working on such a demanding floor? Thanks

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Specializes in med-surg.

I've followed RN's in their 20's who hang the wrong meds; patient falls are an unfortunate event. Are you sure that you're not looking for any errors that this elderly RN might make? Just wondering....

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

These days , age is really just a state of mind. If this RN is still working Med Surg, it's great!

Focus not on the age but performance of the individual whether they are 25 or 75 is what counts and your Manager is most likely doing just that.

Idea of reporting fall is correct. She's embarrassed that it happen. Probably concerned it might be used as an "excuse" to get rid of her or find out a health problem didn't want to acknowledge..... mind can go wild "projecting" here.

State the facts and only the facts, not conjecture will help you long term in your career...for both patient and staff concerns.

Can you find out what type shoes she's wearing to be able to zip up a Med Surg hallway... need to find a pair cause I can't do that at half her age.

PS.... Two RN's with least mistakes working in my homecare office are in their 70's, keep working 2 days/wk "to keep their mind sharp".

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Specializes in Day Surgery/Infusion/ED.

Perfect example of younger nurses "eating" older nurses.

For the record, I'm in my 40s. I have made med errors, and have fallen more than once at work. I guess that means I am too decrepit to continue working.

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So sorry...I could tell you all the complaints from patients of how this nurse repeats herself, not realizing it, issues with others, but that is impossible. I assumed some things we give each other credit for. As I said, when meeting this nurse I was impressed with her and it was after a year that this has happened. We need to give each other some credit for what is being said and not be so confrontational.

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Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.
So sorry...I could tell you all the complaints from patients of how this nurse repeats herself, not realizing it, issues with others, but that is impossible. I assumed some things we give each other credit for. As I said, when meeting this nurse I was impressed with her and it was after a year that this has happened. We need to give each other some credit for what is being said and not be so confrontational.

But aren't those things that really have nothing to do with her age?? I can't tell you how many times I've repeated something...especially if it's something I'm excited about!! I drive my husband crazy doing it...hehe

And the fall?? Heck, I slid on my behind across the pt refreshment room floor and landed against the fridge to the delight of my friend standing there waiting on me :imbar All day long she gave me "grades" on my landing LOL

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

Can I ask the OP why were you following her? Are you a new nurse and were you being orientated.

Because if anybody followed me around to check if I made mistakes I would be extreemly cross.

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My mother is 83 years old and can spin circles around me!!. Not only is she smart as a whip but has never let anything stand in her way. Do I worry about her??? Heck no!!. She is a community leader, can outdrive me anyday and to ask her to slow down because she is older?? I wouldn't dream of it. As for the 78 year old RN, we all make mistakes, we all repeat ourselves (I am forever doing that). I dunno, I think you need to lighten up.

Just my thots.

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I still think everyone is missing the point. I have known many 90+ year old people who have sharp minds, but that is not the case here. Not every 80 year old has a sharp mind and should be driving let alone nursing!! Surely some can handle this, but many of us question this nurse. Should we all wait until harm is done and then regret it? The case in point is THIS nearly 80 year old nurse who has made many mistakes. It wasn't the fact she fell, but the way she acted after the fall. We've had many nurses hurt their backs, but no one has been upset as this nurse because they had to fill out a form and go to employee health, etc. She acted foolish placing more focus on the situation than needed.

We need to open our minds people!!

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

You know when you posted this thread you knew it was going to be aggresively discussed and that there was always going to be posters who disagreed with you. :lol2: Only you know the problems with any nurse, but you have to admire a 78yr old who is working. I have met many 22yr old nurses who have dissolved into tears at anything? I imagine at 78 she was petrified at getting fired, why is she still working at her age-I imagine there are good reasons, support her it wont hurt.

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I fall all the time and I'm in my late 20s. I would be mad if you ratted me out to the supervisor and I had to go through the pain in the butt employee health makes it;)

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Specializes in Day Surgery/Infusion/ED.
Can I ask the OP why were you following her? Are you a new nurse and were you being orientated.

Because if anybody followed me around to check if I made mistakes I would be extreemly cross.

Seriously. It sounds like stalking. :angryfire

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