At what point are you too old?

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Is there a magic age number when it becomes apparent that you are too old for the OR? I will be a guy at 37 years of age starting hopefully in the OR, what is my expected longevity?

Specializes in O.R., ED, M/S.

30 years in the OR and still going strong. I still work full-time one place and part-time at 2 other places. I don't plan on throwing in the towel for quite some time. I do come away with a sore back if I have scrubbed a case for more than 3 or 4 hours. If you are healthy then you should have no problems.

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Specializes in general nursing.

when u cannot perform any activity in ur life based on a disability and age.

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Specializes in OR, and more recently PACU and SDC.

We just hired a 58 year old female to begin orientation soon.

We have a 68 year female who still works full time, takes call and works weekends.

I'll be here til they roll me out the back door! lol

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Whatever your age, take care of your health. Exercise. Do back exercises to strengthen your back to make back injury less likely. Nursing is physically demanding and stressful, so be good to your body.

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Specializes in OR.

One of our per diem nurses is 70 and she's still doing one heck of a job :w00t:

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Specializes in Perioperative; Gyn-Onc.
Is there a magic age number when it becomes apparent that you are too old for the OR? I will be a guy at 37 years of age starting hopefully in the OR, what is my expected longevity?

I had to chuckle at your comment.... thanks :) I'm a "new grad" (graduated last May and worked as a gyn-onc floor nurse for 8 months) who was just recently hired in the OR. I'm 48 years old.

Am I too old? Of course not! Am I as physically fit as I was in my 20's? Of course not! Can I withstand the rigors of OR nursing? Of course I can! I'm used to working 3 or 4 12-hr shifts in a row... so I think I can do 5 8-hour shifts. As for longevity, I hope to remain in the OR until I retire! ;)

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Specializes in OR, community nursing.

Where I used to work, there were at least 5 nurses in their 60's. One per diem nurse was 74 and she was collecting social security while making $60-65/hr when she was in the OR. All the nurses want to be like her when they grow up.

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Cinja,

I worked with an O.R. nurse who hung up her scrubs at 77 years old !!:yeah:

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