Ever try to "retire early" from nursing?

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  1. Have you ever tried to "retire early" from nursing?

    • 2
      Yes, and I succeeded.
    • 5
      Yes, but I went back to nursing.
    • 13
      No, but I've thought of it often.
    • 3
      No, and I would never do that.

23 members have participated

Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..

I have about 3 times decided NEVER EVER to work as a nurse again. Usually because of my intermittent depression, but more often because nursing is just SO difficult sometimes, what with low staffing, morale, difficult patients, even more difficult doctors. But "something" always calls me back.

I've posted a poll just for my own information. Would LOVE to hear your comments!

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I have tried to leave nursing, too, after feeling that there was just no hope for it to become tolerable. I applied at vet's offices, but got no response.

I went back (part-time) because I don't know anything else. But- I quit five jobs in one year until I finally found something tolerable. Working only two (12 hr) shifts a week helps it to remain tolerable.

I absolutely refuse to work in any facility or for any organization that disregards me, therefore disregarding pt care.

My thinking is "What's good for the nurses is good for the pts".

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I too work part-time, as it's the only way I'm going to last physically AND mentally. As far as retirement goes, I got started way too late in life to ever be able to afford to retire.....after all the kids are out of the house, I'll probably go with agency nursing so my DH and I can travel around the country like we've always planned. In the meantime, I'm trying to resurrect my writing career (for which I've had no time in the past 10 years) and make a few bucks if I can. But retire? I WISH!

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
Originally posted by Hellllllo Nurse

I applied at vet's offices, but got no response.

Thanks, Helllllo!

I even tried to get in to WAL MART once, and they wouldn't take me, LOL!

I think it's cuz I failed their ethics test; I am wicked soft and would give people second chances ie counseling or rehab (questions on drug use, stealing, etc.) and maybe they are not so understanding, ha ha!

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
Originally posted by mjlrn97

I'm trying to resurrect my writing career (for which I've had no time in the past 10 years) and make a few bucks if I can. But retire? I WISH!

I went to school full time when I "retired", for my English degree. I took too many writing courses though and didn't complete my major. I had six classes still to go when I returned to nursing :)

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
Originally posted by mjlrn97

God loves us the way we are, but he loves us too much to leave us that way.

ps. Max Lacado? LOVED that book!

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Specializes in Gen Surg, Peds, family med, geriatrics.

I stopped working when my first was born and thought I would never go back. About 4 years later I found myself working in a pediatric clinic "just to keep my license current". Now 10+ years later I'm still nursing. :rolleyes: I don't know, there's just something about being a nurse.

....or......

You can take a nurse out of nursing but you can never take nursing out of the nurse.

Still, the day will come, and quite soon for me, that I will finally retire from nursing once and for all.

Laura :nurse:

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Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.

Still trying to get out, but know I can't quite yet! I have wanted to do ther things, but have to earn similar to what I do now to get by. There lies the problem! At least in nursing the working different specialties can help you maintain your sanity while on your way to the finish line!

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Yes I've thought about it, but the $$ constraints keep me in it as well. Part time/PRN status is DEFINITELY the key for me. :)

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I too am working on leaving nursing, and I am making progress. It hard work but worth every bit of it. My wife a trauma nurse of 27 years + is now down to 2 days a week.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Don't know what else I would want to do at this point. I worked so hard to become a nurse. I don't want to work that hard doing anything else. I'm too young to retire. I've got to win the lottery.

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3rd shift guy

just off work at my conventional job.

If you are looking for something else we should talk.

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