For all you old-timers: How have you lasted in nursing so long?

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

I have been in bedside nursing for 12 years now, and I am wondering just how much longer my body can take it. When I get off work, my back and neck hurt, my legs/feet are swollen from not getting to sit down for more than a few minutes at a time, and I have chronic plantar fasciitis. I don't think I can do this for more than another year- and I absolutely love my job.

For those of you who have been doing this longer than I have: What is your secret? How have you been able to do this for so long without your body completely breaking down? Do you feel like nursing has aged you? I sure do. I'm only 38, and I feel like I'm about 70 when I get off work.

Hats off to all you old-timers, and those of you who have made it to retirement age. You have my deepest admiration and respect.

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I just changed specialties. I was in the ER my entire career until a month ago, when I started in home health. Totally different ballgame, and I love it. Sometimes that's all you need to rejuvenate.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

So far so good for me after 15 years of med-surg and turning 48. But I'm finishing up my BSN precisely because I'm not sure I can do it forever. Right now I'm doing charge nurse which is a bit less physical, but only a bit.

I guess exercise, keeping the weight down and yoga helps. Although I haven't been to yoga class since my finances changed after my ex left.

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

I am finishing up my BSN, too.

Tazzi- I did change specialties from ER to ICU in January, and I thought it would be different, but I still run my tail off. I had looked into home health in my area, but they don't pay as well, and a friend of mine who works in home health says she's being forced to do lots of OT without time and a half. No way am I getting into that mess in my town. Otherwise, I would love to do something like that. 1 patient at a time sounds great!

Tweety- you're right. I need to get back into the gym. I'm just afraid I'll hurt myself there :). I don't know how you've managed to do med/surg for so long- charge or not. Kudos to you. What are you wanting to do when you get your BSN? Do you think you'll stay at the bedside in some capacity?

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Tweety- you're right. I need to get back into the gym. I'm just afraid I'll hurt myself there :). I don't know how you've managed to do med/surg for so long- charge or not. Kudos to you. What are you wanting to do when you get your BSN? Do you think you'll stay at the bedside in some capacity?

I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I've got the itch to teach, but not sure I have the energy to keep going for a Masters. I'm getting the BSN to probably eventually get away fromt he bedside: teach, case management, quality or other BSN-preferred positions where I work. Our educators can have a BSN, but Masters are pre-ferred, and I might do that. I've spent 15 years at this facility and have good pay, vacation time, and good start on a 403B, so I'd like to stay here. But I may get a Masters and work for a college/university nursing school.

Who knows. But I'm feeling you, I'm not sure I'll have the physical stamina to continue onto retirement age. :)

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Specializes in transplant case management.

My heart goes out to you, I did ICU nursing for 20 years, and if I sat for 5 minutes during a 12 hout shift I was lucky.

I like you had chronic plantar fascitis. I finally realized that I could not do that to my body anymore. I never thought I woud find anything I loved more than ICU nursing......big time adrenaline junkie here, but I found a job in Case Management in an Insurance company and just love it. The pay is better, the hours are fantastic and I get to eat lunch everyday now. LOL. I recently obtained my certification as a Case Manager. So loook around, one of the best parts of being a nurse is the variety of jobs we can do. you will find one you love as much as the one you have now. Good luck!

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

I do teach clinicals part time- and I don't feel nearly as wiped out after a day of that as I do at the bedside. I'm hoping for full time in the future as I advance my degree, but I have to do both jobs for now.

InsuranceRN- did your PF go away? Am I going to have this foot problem for the rest of my life? I have a podiatrist appt. this month.

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I've only been a nurse for 3 years and I also have chronic PF, and I started having trouble after working only 1 year as a nurse. I had surgery 9 months ago, but still having trouble. Now when I have flare ups, I take a medrol dose pack, and I am much better for a month or so, well...I can walk and almost get through my 12 hour shift without to much pain. Good luck!

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Specializes in NICU as Staff, Registry & Travel.

Hi you all,

This is the first post for me - this is such a great site for us! This is going to be alot of fun!

Here is how I have lasted -

The NICU is a great place to last for years. The patients are not heavy and for the most part they are close together. There are days that you are up on your feet alot with really sick babies though. Loving NICU has helped too. I feel like I could last another 10 - 15 years there with my plan below.

I wear the most comfortable shoes I can.

Went to dayshift in 2000. Working nights was very tiring for me.

Also to last longer I space day shifts apart, no more than 2 days in a row at most working 12's so I can rest in between. I am mentally and physically exhausted at the end of 3 in a row especially with different assignments each day at this point in my career. To last longer I have chosen to work weekends and Wednesdays for less stress in traffic and to have 2 days to recoup in between days to work. The unit is a little quieter on the weekends too.

I get plenty of sleep.

I Try to watch my finances so that I am not trapped into working overtime and wearing myself out anymore.

If I have problems at work that I can solve, I try to do something about it or let it go if I can't. To do otherwise is just way too draining and stressful.

Being flexible helps you last also. Swimming up the river is alot harder than going with the flow!

Cheers!

Judy

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Specializes in transplant case management.

Hi Baptized,

Unfortunately after trying rverything else, I had surgery for my PF. Was the best thing I ever did........no more cortisne shots for me, OUCH!!!!

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Welcome to Allnurses, NICUnursey- and thanks for the tips. I didn't think about the NICU. How hard is the transition from adult ICU to NICU? Peds is one area that I have not worked in.

InsuranceRN- I will be evaluated for surgery next week. Ugh.

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I've been working for 39 years. Have had desk jobs (10 yrs), but most of the time, bedside (med-surg 1yr, ICU 2 yrs, NICU ?26). Yes, I weigh too dang much, my feet, legs, back, one shoulder, all bother me most of the time. I really like doing what I do, and I certainly need the $$; most of the time I just grab the Tylenol and the Alleve and "suck it up". As long as my liver can take the Tylenol, I'm in business.

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