So.... How many years have YOU been a nurse??

[Monica RN,BSN]

Searchin for the longest experienced nurse out there. Was just wondering as I was thinking about all the tremendous changes nursing has brought about through out the years. Nursing doesn't seem the same as it was 16 yrs ago ( For myself ), or even 10 or even 5 years ago!

Thanks for sharing

[AHRN]

Graduated with BSN in 1972. Have been working ever since in pediatrics.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

I have a nurse on my staff who passed exam on 12/30/1955!

Still works 2 days a week 3 years after retirement and is tickled pink to have bought a duplex home with another RN last friday.

Now plans on working 10 more years till morgage paid off.

[Disablednurse]

Although I last worked on Dec 19, 2001, I have been a nurse for 26 years and I do count all my nursing years, LPN and RN. I am now disabled due to failed back syndrome and miss nursing terribly.

[healingtouchRN]

congrats!!!!! things will change!!!!

[JBudd, MSN]

22 years RN-BSN, 2 years aide, 2 years candystriper

I've done medsurg, GS camp nurse, volunteer work in orphanages in Bangladesh & India, more medsurg, oncology, dermatology, step down critical care, and now 7 years ER. Love ER.:)

[Guardian]

Dear Disabled Nurse,

Please tell me more about your failed back syndrome. I have similar problems and have had a very rough summer. I have had surgery only once and don't consider myself yet disabled, but have lived on savings for the last two months as I am a freelance nurse. There are many people who have failed back syndrome. Could you share more? I can't stay at the computer long.

[Darla]

Though I've only been an RN for 16 years I've noticed many changes. Most prominent is the hiring of untrained staff to assist with patient care. My current medical unit has hired employees who have never had formal training let alone been in a healthcare settng. As the RN it's my responsibility to train them in basic bedside care like taking VS, bedmaking, etc. I don't mind teaching but since patients come into the hospital "much sicker" it's safer to have trained assistants working alongside the RN. A positive change is that nurses are able to complete tasks that only physicians were allowed to complete. This is contradictory to my first statement but I do enjoy the "technical" aspects of nursing care. Thanks for letting me share.

[jenac]

One year as an LPN next week. Eight years as a STNA before that.

[shrinkyrn]

I've been an RN for 29 years. Working in various areas of Psychiatry the whole time.

[Shed13911]

I have been a nuse for 25 years. The first 17 years as an LVN and the last 8 years as an RN. Many, many changes as the years go by. I remember not using gloves to clean the delivery rooms, metal bedpans that were cleaned and reused. Glass syringes to give shots. I think we call it PROGRESS!! LOL

[grneyes676]

1 year, 1 month, and 1 day.....lol

[shodobe]

I have been an RN for 27 years and before that worked as an EMT in an ER and also 5 years as a Paramedic. All my years except one has been in the OR. Mike