CVICU for Nurses 59 years old and older

[GoNightingale, BSN, RN]

I became a nurse late in life. At age 51 I received my BSN and quickly progressed from Med/Surg to Telemetry, Cardiac Step Down which is now called PCU. While i do love bedside nursing and the Heart and anything heart-related is my love, I have to confess that now, at age 58 (going on 59 in a few months) it does take me a little longer to recover from a shift. I am also a night nurse- I definitely find that the day shift is way too hectic for me. My admiration goes out to the day shift in any area of nursing. While the night shift can get very hectic (the nurse to patient ratio can get as high as 1:6 and sometimes with just one PCA to the whole floor), I find that it is a different type of care than day shift and is more manageable for me.

I am trying to shape my career path for years to come- hopefully to retire at 67. Thank God I am healthy and fit at this time. I have quite a bit nore energy than some of my younger colleagues, but still, with some of the total care patients i need help when I have to change them. I am trying to stay fit by doing yoga, eating right and hiking. Still, when I work 2 nights in a row, I'll sleep the entire day folllowing that shift and I still feel a little tired on the following day off.

I would really like to stay in direct patient care and cardiac care as these are my passion. is there anyone put there is their 60's doing CVICU? I would love to hear what you have to say.

It would be ideal if I could just work 2 shifts a week, but my budget does not allow it.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Biffbradford]

It depends upon what kind of program they have. If it's a large hospital with transplants, LVADs, BiVADS, total artificial hearts ... then no, I don't think it's a good idea to plan on that as a route to retirement. I bailed on that scene at age 47 and others are bailing at much younger ages. It's too hectic ... you wouldn't believe the assignments you can get with even just 2 ICU patients, even on night shift. I'm not saying that you shouldn't try it if you really have the desire, but it's not easy in any stretch of the imagination. Even if you're just 24.

If it's a smaller hospital, that only does a few hearts a week (as apposed to 5 per day in the large unit above) and the rest is general ICU, heart caths, and the like, then yes ... you probably would have a better chance at surviving to age 67. (I'm 53)

It would be far easier to try to land a position in a cardiac clinic, checking INRs for Coumadin dosing, running halter monitoring and the like.

In my opinion, most CVICU nurses are in their 20's to early 30's, stay in that area 5-10 years at the most, either looking for the experience while working on their NP's, or because the genuinely like the acuity, last 5-10 years and then move on. There are a few that survive until retirement in CVICU, but if you ask them, I honestly would say they would rather not be there.

My 2 cent.

[marilnb]

I am 63 and working in a CVICU. I would say it is medium paced (2-3 hearts/day) and the only way I survive is to try to work only 8 hour shifts. I am lucky as I am also the unit educator and therefore do not work weekends as that would require 3 12 hour shifts in a row and would probably be the end of me. I have been doing this for years, so the difference might be in starting out, not just continueing. I plan on doing this for at least 4 more years, but admit to scanning other opportunities that might be lower key. I think if this is your passion, go for it, but be ready for the long haul. Nothing irritates the unit more than someone who moves on after 6,12,24 months and we now have to orient someone new. FYI: The average age in my unit is late 40s!

[armyicurn]

My admiration goes to all of the members above my post!!! People like you give me the motivation to continue working at the bedside for as long as I can. I truly admire your drive. I can only hope to be able to remain healthy enough to care for myself and care for those in need besides my family. It is not easy working in the ICU regardless of the specialty.

[clarkheart]

I worked CVICU for over 12 years and found the best 12 hour shift schedule for me was every Tue and Thur and every other weekend. That way I had a day off after every shift except my biweekly weekend shift.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I'd rather do a 12 in a CTPACU, CVICU than one in a ED or anywhere else. Split them up take a day to recover.

[marilynbaker]

Will your facility allow you to work every other day? I think that may be beneficial to you as you would still get a 36 hour work week.