colleague does not want to take day off

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I worked with a colleague who is in her 60's who seems has a lot of energy. She said she loves to work and would not want to take days off if she could. I asked her what makes her motivated to work everyday. She said jokingly if you see your bills that gets you kicked out of bed. She is hyperactive at work and she could work 12 hours all week without taking days off. I can get exhausted at the end of the day just like everybody else and working long hours is not my cup of tea. Is there something wrong with her? Is that an indication that she may be manic or ADD?

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That's pretty ageist sweetheart ! My dad is 80, works full time at his construction co., plays in two tennis leagues and goes out to listen to jazz three nights a week and meets out with friends or goes to dinner with my mom the other four. He is not manic or ADD, just has a lot of energy ! Oh, and he smokes a bit of pot every night, maybe THAT'S their secret ;).

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I worked with a colleague who is in her 60's who seems has a lot of energy. She said she loves to work and would not want to take days off if she could. I asked her what makes her motivated to work everyday. She said jokingly if you see your bills that gets you kicked out of bed. She is hyperactive at work and she could work 12 hours all week without taking days off. I can get exhausted at the end of the day just like everybody else and working long hours is not my cup of tea. Is there something wrong with her? Is that an indication that she may be manic or ADD?

Just curious, why do you assume the worst of her?

Some people have boundless energy. Some of those energetic people will run unbelievable amounts of miles per week and compete in marathons every chance they get to expend that energy. Others spend all day in the garden, or spend every waking moment out and about, involved in productive activities.

And some people work all the time.

DH works 7 days a week, often until the wee hours of the morning (he has a large office in our house where his business is based). He doesn't have to, he just likes to. He owns his own business and it captivates his mind and attention all the time. I work only when I feel like it, which is not all that often, maybe once or twice a week nowadays. Different strokes.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Some people have more energy than others. That doesn't mean there is something wrong with them!

I am just really amused imagining someone going to their supervisor and saying, "I am concerned about nurse Marathon. She is very energetic and hyper, while I am not. I just can't keep up with her! She is bursting with energy and Its blowing my mind. Do you think there is something wrong with her? I mean, she doesn't even act sixty!" I guess she could be on meth, she could be manic, or she could be way more healthy and active then you are. Of all of the possibilities I am leaning towards the last idea.

Truly, sixty is not old. I know healthcare workers in their 70's who can run circles around me (mid 20's). I have had many patients in their 70's or 70's who are healthier than the 20-30 year old rooming next to them.

I would advise to stick to worrying more about your energy level then your coworkers.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

As a 60 year old who could likely run circles around you OP, I assure you that one does not need to be mentally ill or have some type of condition to be energetic at work. The fact that you think so is offensively ageist. I have worked full time since age 16- including during my LPN, AAS, BSN, MSN and now doctoral programs. Hard work is good for you.

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.
I worked with a colleague who is in her 60's who seems has a lot of energy. She said she loves to work and would not want to take days off if she could. I asked her what makes her motivated to work everyday. She said jokingly if you see your bills that gets you kicked out of bed. She is hyperactive at work and she could work 12 hours all week without taking days off. I can get exhausted at the end of the day just like everybody else and working long hours is not my cup of tea. Is there something wrong with her? Is that an indication that she may be manic or ADD?

No.

Next question.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

She sounds delightful. Seriously, I wish more people had that kind of attitude.

Or maybe she snorts a line before work.

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.
She sounds delightful. Seriously, I wish more people had that kind of attitude.

Or maybe she snorts a line before work.

That only gets you through half a day at best.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

....and a bump at lunchtime.

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Specializes in L&D.
That's pretty ageist sweetheart ! My dad is 80, works full time at his construction co., plays in two tennis leagues and goes out to listen to jazz three nights a week and meets out with friends or goes to dinner with my mom the other four. He is not manic or ADD, just has a lot of energy ! Oh, and he smokes a bit of pot every night, maybe THAT'S their secret ;).

GO DAD!!

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Specializes in L&D.
She sounds delightful. Seriously, I wish more people had that kind of attitude.

Or maybe she snorts a line before work.

BAHAHAHAHAGA!!!!! You people know how to party!

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Specializes in Medical-Surgial, Cardiac, Pediatrics.

Yes, anyone with lots of energy and enthusiasm for something is CLEARLY manic. Especially older folks. Because don't all older individuals just sit at home and knit and watch "The Price is Right"? Who does she think she is, enjoying her job and being all energetic? Clearly psychotic is a legitimate diagnosis.

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