Before I go on......please understand....I am not trying to say anything bad about older nurses........Absolutely no disrespect intended!...We will all be there someday.
We have three nurses on our unit. All older than 60 yrs of age. They consistently leave things in a mess. Consistently make medication errors (mostly errors of omission). Things are frequently "forgotten" like consents are not gotten for blood transfusions, assessments not done nor any charting for an entire shift.
I worry that someday their "ineptness" might end up causing a death or some other sentinel event. Reporting things to the manager is useless. The three of them will come in at the drop of a hat and pull 4-8 hrs of OT so they are a "warm body". Who cares if that "warm body" is actually capable of doing the job or not? Just as long as they are in "the count" and the staffing ratios look good. I say that this is dangerous as all get out.
Now here is where I might get flamed. Let me re-iterate...absolutely no disrespect intended..........
I think that there should be some kind of a test that older nurses should have to take in order to be able to continue to practice nursing. Just as I think that once we turn 60, we all should have to take a road test every two years in order to keep our driver's licenses. I know that most would say that this is age discrimination. I don't think that the safety of people in this world should be jeopardized just so there is no "age discrimination". Please know that when I get to that age, I would expect the same treatment (i.e. having to take some sort of practical test or road test in order to keep my licenses).
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I also think the OP, even though she says she would "expect the same" at 60, has NO idea what she will feel or think when she is 60. As you age, your perceptions and beliefs are battered and challenged by life and its experiences. You have NO idea what your life will be like at 60. Some people work after 60 not due to choice, but circumstance. Some would be out of a home if they did not work. Others have very old parents to care for---sandwiched between their own kids/grandkids (some of whom they are raising) and their aging, declining parents, they must work to support others.
Others are just mentally and physically-active and have no need to slow down. Many people are NOT ready to be relegated to the rocking chair at 60---and why should they? Because the young say so?????
Because they have "lost something there"? Or they are "old fashioned"?????
Think again.....talk to them----and you definately learn something.
My aunt has been an active RN since graduating in 1962. I dare you to tell her she should "expect" to phase out after 60. And I dare you to tell her unit that---they are they ones who keep begging her to come out of semi-retirement to "help them from drowning". Apparently, people over 60 have a LOT to offer, still. As do people of all ages.
I would love to see a stop to "ageism" for once and for all, particularly as our Baby Boom Generation marches through their 60s, I expect it will. They are a real generation of change, if nothing else.
If it's a matter of safety breaches, the suggestions to bring them to Risk Management are good ones.
As one of those older nurses, not 60 but pushing the limit, I want to thank those nurses who support our being employed and feel that we can be an asset to a unit. I KNOW I have earned respect from younger nurses because I do have certain skills and knowledge they have yet to obtain. I am more patient with an elderly, confused patient than many other staff members. I love taking care of kids, even when they are crying and screaming, I love them enough to do what has to be done with a steady hand and a calm voice.
Please understand, I never thought I would be working at this age. I had plans and dreams too, sadly, life and circumstances changes those plans in cruel ways. I may not be as up to date on some of the newer ideas in nursing, I may need a minute or two longer to learn about a new IV pump, call system, or computer program, but honey, when there is a "real" problem, I seem to be left holding the bag to handle it. I don't mind most of the time, that is what I get paid to do, but after I have handled the problem, completed the paperwork, and picked up my own assignment again, a little thank you would be appreciated.
I ask each one of you to be kind and do not judge us older nurses too harshly. Someday, sadly, you may be in our shoes, being pushed and pulled in every direction, and just trying to get by the best we can with what we have until we can lay the burden down. I wish all of you a blessed day.
As one of those older nurses, not 60 but pushing the limit, I want to thank those nurses who support our being employed and feel that we can be an asset to a unit.
REPLY:
That was so very well put, you speak well for all of us. Thank you
Excellent post, Smilingblueeyes. You hit all the important points. Yes I know "older" nurses who are constantly pestered to come out of retirement. I also know ones who support a bunch of family members and who really don't have a choice about whether to retire or not.
I also think the OP, even though she says she would "expect the same" at 60, has NO idea what she will feel or think when she is 60. As you age, your perceptions and beliefs are battered and challenged by life and its experiences. You have NO idea what your life will be like at 60. Some people work after 60 not due to choice, but circumstance. Some would be out of a home if they did not work. Others have very old parents to care for---sandwiched between their own kids/grandkids (some of whom they are raising) and their aging, declining parents, they must work to support others.
Others are just mentally and physically-active and have no need to slow down. Many people are NOT ready to be relegated to the rocking chair at 60---and why should they? Because the young say so?????
Because they have "lost something there"? Or they are "old fashioned"?????
Think again.....talk to them----and you definately learn something.
My aunt has been an active RN since graduating in 1962. I dare you to tell her she should "expect" to phase out after 60. And I dare you to tell her unit that---they are they ones who keep begging her to come out of semi-retirement to "help them from drowning". Apparently, people over 60 have a LOT to offer, still. As do people of all ages.
I would love to see a stop to "ageism" for once and for all, particularly as our Baby Boom Generation marches through their 60s, I expect it will. They are a real generation of change, if nothing else.
If it's a matter of safety breaches, the suggestions to bring them to Risk Management are good ones.
Did you know that loss of memory is not a NORMAL part of aging. :angryfire I am 52 years old. I have a frien who is still working at our county nursing home at 76 years old and I would rather take medications from her any day than a newbie 2 year nurse who last week told me "we did not get to give any IM injections. Could you show me how?" Or the nurse who is 28 years old and barely squeaks by with her mandated CEU's and thinks contiuing education should be optional. I hope you realize that age discrimination is truly the prejudice which makes absolutely no sense because we will all be there one day!!
The whole point is competency and age has nothing to do with it. If these nurses are truly unsafe do something about it. But don't blame it on their age.
SmilingBluEyes
20,964 Posts
I appreciated that story, too. TY For sharing.