Do nurses age more quickly than average?

Blackheartednurse · Apr 7, 2010

1.NO-young looks are usually genes.Also get used to idea that eventually one day you'l start aging-dont stress there is always BOTOX or better yet accepting your fate

2.Hmm-if the relationship is meant to be it is meant to be....we unlike doctors dont have to spend endless hours in the hospital so I definitely dont think nursing job will affect personal relationships

3.There is always a chance you can contract some serious disease,but those are rare instances though

Are a new nurse or a nursing student? Seriously if I would be you I would rather focus on surviving in a ocean full of sharks:)

Crystal112 · Apr 7, 2010

I am a student contemplating nursing... thanks for your reply! I've heard that people can psychologically age which causes physical aging...Hmm...

fiveofpeep · Apr 7, 2010

my hands sure do. I have old lady hands already from the handwashing and Im only 21

foreverday · Apr 7, 2010

Yes. Most I've seen look much older then their age. Aging is a mixture of genetics AND lifestyle. Anyone who works long work hours(with no breaks) and without adequate nutrition while taking on heavy, unrealistic physical workloads will age quicky. Don't forget about the mental stress. The constant worry for getting in trouble and the pain of things you see(its a hospital by the way) will take a toll emotionally. All those things do speed up the aging process.

foreverday · Apr 7, 2010

Also yes it can affect your personal relationships. I remember taking in the abuse others did to me in nursing and then taking it out on my loved ones. I can say before nursing I'd never done that before. Nursing tends to be a very toxic environment. The sad thing is I didn't even realize it until I really took a look at myself. I started sounding and behaving like the evil administration and nurses around me.

and yes crystal to answer your final question you will be exposed to more things than you can even imagine.

Really think hard about pursuing nursing. I mean think REALLY hard.

aura_of_laura · Apr 7, 2010

I think it all depends on what you call "average aging." Compared to whom? There are many jobs that are harder on the body - mining, most manufacturing and "blue collar" jobs are physically demanding, and desk jobs lead to weight gain and a whole host of other issues. From where I stand, nursing appears to be right in the middle.

Your job is only a small part of your health - the effects of aging increase with shift work, true, but also with poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and other lifestyle decisions.

Personal relationships are a complex topic - while many nurses will tell you that nursing is a primary reason for unsuccessful (or nonexistent) relationships, I've been happily married for almost five years, and many others can say the same.

The disease risk is minimal. Yes, we're surrounded by illness and disease every day, but we have the tools to protect ourselves.

Any career has its risks and challenges! I'd be interested to see what other kinds of jobs you are weighing... Remember that job satisfaction and a feeling of doing something good for the world are good for your health

RNperdiem, RN · Apr 7, 2010

I agree with the above where genetics plays a big role in how you age. Nursing isn't bad in aging compared to someone who is a smoking, drinking homeless person. It just takes a little more work in "keeping up your looks" as you get older.

Personal relationships that are strong can handle the irregular hours. Give relationships the required maintainence, and a lot of us do not have problems that can't be worked out.

Incurable disease these days are usually not the contagious kind.

StNeotser, ASN, RN · Apr 7, 2010

I think working noc shift for three and a half years did age me, though I can't be sure if it would have happened anyway. That's a long time to have sleep deprivation, I always had about two days out of the week where I could only sleep five hours and felt miserable. I did love the shift though.

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2010

I think it all depends on how well you take care of yourself. IF you let yourself get the belly fat, sure, you're going to look old and probably come down with an illness. If you work out and try to eat well you have better chance of aging well, no matter what the job. Exercise is key.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Apr 7, 2010

Im 21 and do feel older. MY husband is wonderful so my relationship dont suffer. Sometimes stress causes me to get migraines.

luvRNs, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 7, 2010

Interesting thread :)

I agree that there is more genetics to aging than job. I also agree with fiveofpeep that it can age your hands.That said, there are many positives to balance out the negatives! They include:

1. knowing who are the best doctors in town and knowing who to avoid :eek:

2. Not sweating the small stuff.... when you work with life and death daily, it really puts things into perspective.

3. The built-in fitness aspect. When you work in a job where there is a lot of walking, it is easier to maintain fitness than a desk job.....

4. More job security. Yes, I know that jobs now are tight, but after 41 years I've seen many cycles of nursing shortage come and go. With us boomers aging, the job opening will soon come

5. Flexibility for those who like change...... you can change specialties when life gets too predicable. Can go to critical care, emergency, med-surg, teaching, management, school nursing, psych nursing The list goes on and on. Where else can you do that?

6. You are privledged to see the best in people. I continue to be amazed and thankful for all that I've experienced over the course of my career :heartbeat

7. It's often not 9 to 5. With 12 hour shifts you can string days off together and "vacation" without taking formal time off....

8. The work can be mobile...... tired of one state?? Work in another :up:

The list could go on and on, and I'd choose nuring again in a heartbeat :yeah: