Starting over at 50

ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN · May 28, 2009

I earned by RN (Associates) when I was 54 and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't regret going into this profession. It is not my age for I'm in excellent physical condition...it is simply that I'm mature enough to recognize that this is not a career that lives up to it's reputation.
Nurses are overworked, underpaid and labor under the concept that they should be selfless angels willing to sacrifice for their worthy profession. If they complain they are simply "not fit", "unworthy", or told "then get out, if you don't like it."
And God help the ones that refuse to be treated poorly and recognize the insanity of finding happiness in sacrificing peace of mind and honor . . .God help the nurses who actually speak up and say, "I didn't go to school to clean up feces, give baths and change sheets . . . (especially when the nurse's aides actually demand their breaks, can't be found, don't respond to pages and the nurse has to do the unskilled chores when he/she hasn't had the time to eat for the last 8 hours...and is expected to clock out on time with EVERYTHING done right). For if you open your mouth and rebel, then you'll hear the BS: You're a nurse and must be willing to take care of the whole patient and this unfortunately is part of it...for shame on you for complaining!
And count on a lack of supplies, a inept or overworked pharmacy that can't get your meds to you on time, too many patients with too many needs, onerous documentation, machines that don't work, doctors who won't take the time to write legibly, and yell at you, computer systems that defy logic, associated departments that don't do their job . . .so make your job harder, etc. etc. etc.
The bottom line...There is no amount of patient appreciation, that actually does come along once in a while, that could possibly, for me at least, make up for the absolute insanity of this "vocation".
Oh, and just to top it off....don't plan on a pat on the back for your hard work...NO! Head's up. You are under constant scrutiny and threat of censure should you dare to be less than perfect. There is no promotion, so to speak and the raises are laughable...To get more money, you have to change hospitals so you'd better work in a city with lots of Medical Centers.
I could go on and on...but I'm really tired...and still looking for a way out.. Don't simply tell someone to leave a job they dislike, it's rude and stupid. It's never that easy and there are bills to pay. I'm simply warning the next guy to get out while they can . . . don't do this to yourself . . . leave skid marks.

Have you thought of a different career within nursing besides bedside care? Maybe working in an office setting? If those jobs take a BSN, you can get your BSN online within a year and your hospital should pay for it. Most of them do. I am 40 and will graduate from an ADN program next May. I, too, do not think beside nursing will be the best fit for me, but I don't know. I start working as a tech in a busy city hospital in June, so that should help me decide quickly! I am thinking of other possibilities down the road within nursing such as CRNA or NP. I would enjoy a job that involves counseling or social work too. There are other possibilites out there for you, don't give up!

cenote · May 28, 2009

I am looking into alternative jobs for RNs right now. While I do not have a BSN, I have an unrelated bachelor's degree, post graduate studies in business (part of an MBA) and the ADN. So far, any thing I've looked into that states it requires a BSN, has accepted my credentials for the positions. But, while I didn't find age discrimination in getting a nursing position, I did find it in getting other jobs. Face it, I'm now 58 and even though I'm physically in good shape, look younger and am not unattractive, it's hard to compete with other RNs who are much younger and also want to get out of bedside nursing.

I'm not giving up but I'm quite disappointed in the nursing profession. How could this abuse of nurses (and here I'm talking about ratios) have gone on for so long with little (except in California) being done about it? I don't hate my job but am totally frustrated by all that is expected from the nurse.

No, I'm not made for this job and I admit it. I expect a job to be "doable" and by that I mean one where you can everything required, do it well and feel good at the end of the day...and where others do the same. This is not happening. I feel ragged, put upon and resentful. I feel I could have done so much more for this patient or that, if I had the time...I feel I'm shortchanging those who depend on me...I feel, well, angry that I can't do what needs to be done.

Oh, and whoever suggested that "teamwork" is part of the answer, that's not my problem. I'm the queen of team players...helping when I can hardly help myself and supporting my fellow nurses whenever and wherever I can. This is not "the answer". The problem is that I've done other jobs unrelated to nursing and know more about how an employee SHOULD be treated and how job conditions SHOULD be, and in fact, are. If you've done nothing but nursing you become inured...not knowing that it doesn't have to be this way.

Now,...Nurses out there....rise up and demand change, if not for yourself, then for your patients. And don't take no for an answer...go to the CEO directly, write the board of directors, find some doctor advocates and complain about what's happening...and never never accept the line...."We just don't have the resourses..." . (Hey, put an ad in the paper telling patients to ask about the ratios before choosing a hospital...get the public involved).

Thanks for all your support...I am in awe of you all and love and respect what you do.

Hey, maybe I can get a job as a lobbyist for nurses...boy, I'd eat that up...lol

regularRN · May 28, 2009

And God help the ones that refuse to be treated poorly and recognize the insanity of finding happiness in sacrificing peace of mind and honor . . .God help the nurses who actually speak up and say, "I didn't go to school to clean up feces, give baths and change sheets . . . (especially when the nurse's aides actually demand their breaks, can't be found, don't respond to pages and the nurse has to do the unskilled chores when he/she hasn't had the time to eat for the last 8 hours...and is expected to clock out on time with EVERYTHING done right). For if you open your mouth and rebel, then you'll hear the BS: You're a nurse and must be willing to take care of the whole patient and this unfortunately is part of it...for shame on you for complaining!

In my opinion, performing physical care for pt.'s is a vital part of the RN's assessment process... this work is not unskilled and is a valuable tool, essential for gathering data and building a therapeutic pt./RN relationship.

OP - you are never too old to do anything! There are so many options in nursing, that if you find floor work too physically demanding there are many other less strenuous choices.

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · May 28, 2009

I earned by RN (Associates) when I was 54 and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't regret going into this profession. It is not my age for I'm in excellent physical condition...it is simply that I'm mature enough to recognize that this is not a career that lives up to it's reputation.
Nurses are overworked, underpaid and labor under the concept that they should be selfless angels willing to sacrifice for their worthy profession. If they complain they are simply "not fit", "unworthy", or told "then get out, if you don't like it."
And God help the ones that refuse to be treated poorly and recognize the insanity of finding happiness in sacrificing peace of mind and honor . . .God help the nurses who actually speak up and say, "I didn't go to school to clean up feces, give baths and change sheets . . . (especially when the nurse's aides actually demand their breaks, can't be found, don't respond to pages and the nurse has to do the unskilled chores when he/she hasn't had the time to eat for the last 8 hours...and is expected to clock out on time with EVERYTHING done right). For if you open your mouth and rebel, then you'll hear the BS: You're a nurse and must be willing to take care of the whole patient and this unfortunately is part of it...for shame on you for complaining!
And count on a lack of supplies, a inept or overworked pharmacy that can't get your meds to you on time, too many patients with too many needs, onerous documentation, machines that don't work, doctors who won't take the time to write legibly, and yell at you, computer systems that defy logic, associated departments that don't do their job . . .so make your job harder, etc. etc. etc.
The bottom line...There is no amount of patient appreciation, that actually does come along once in a while, that could possibly, for me at least, make up for the absolute insanity of this "vocation".
Oh, and just to top it off....don't plan on a pat on the back for your hard work...NO! Head's up. You are under constant scrutiny and threat of censure should you dare to be less than perfect. There is no promotion, so to speak and the raises are laughable...To get more money, you have to change hospitals so you'd better work in a city with lots of Medical Centers.
I could go on and on...but I'm really tired...and still looking for a way out.. Don't simply tell someone to leave a job they dislike, it's rude and stupid. It's never that easy and there are bills to pay. I'm simply warning the next guy to get out while they can . . . don't do this to yourself . . . leave skid marks.

I'm sorry you feel this way, but not every one does. I absolutely love my job. There is a great amount of patient appreciation where I work. To me, it's all about attitude. I have patients that thank me on almost a nightly basis, they say they are glad to have me and not some nurse that is burnt out and hating her job.

I also get pats on the back from my manager who often praises my hard work. I may run out of supplies at times, but the last non-nursing job I had, the same problem exist. I think that is every where.

To the OP. You will be 55 anyway, whether you go to school or not. May as well make that accomplishment so that you won't have any regrets. I say go for it and good luck!

ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN · May 28, 2009

And God help the ones that refuse to be treated poorly and recognize the insanity of finding happiness in sacrificing peace of mind and honor . . .God help the nurses who actually speak up and say, "I didn't go to school to clean up feces, give baths and change sheets . . . (especially when the nurse's aides actually demand their breaks, can't be found, don't respond to pages and the nurse has to do the unskilled chores when he/she hasn't had the time to eat for the last 8 hours...and is expected to clock out on time with EVERYTHING done right). For if you open your mouth and rebel, then you'll hear the BS: You're a nurse and must be willing to take care of the whole patient and this unfortunately is part of it...for shame on you for complaining!
In my opinion, performing physical care for pt.'s is a vital part of the RN's assessment process... this work is not unskilled and is a valuable tool, essential for gathering data and building a therapeutic pt./RN relationship.
OP - you are never too old to do anything! There are so many options in nursing, that if you find floor work too physically demanding there are many other less strenuous choices.

You are right about physical care being vital to the assessment process. We were told this in school. I am not a nurse yet so I may be wrong, but what I think the poster meant by her comment was that having to perform both the nursing duties and the tech duties for patients unfortunately is just not realistic. There are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done. I can see where this would become a very frustrating situation for nurses. You want to be able to be at all places at all times, but realistically you cannot. In my opinion, they need more staff. Bottom line.

cenote · Jun 11, 2009

Physical care is not and has never been a problem with me. You obviously missed the point which is I can't do my job well and do diaper/sheet changes, walk the patient to the BR/BSC, feed the patient, bring ice/coffee, OH, whatever...and do my job. Get it?

deleern · Jun 11, 2009

I am 50 years old. I work in LTC, I Did not enjoy clinicals in the hospital. I thought the work was grueling. when I decided to pursue nursing I took a CNA job in a nursing home (Noc shift.... anything else was to exhausting ) I graduated from my ADN 2 years ago. I worked as an LPN during my RN Program, (at the same facility) they Hired me as a Charge nurse. I got my 1st year of experience there. I have jumped around a little bit. the LTC that I am at now Is considered the best in the area. they asked me to be the DON but I declined as felt i needed a little bit more experience.

After all that.... there are other areas of nursing where you can make a difference and feel fulfilled. some days are so busy and I end up working over time. other times I can lead a church service (when the pastor fogets to come) I can visit with familys, and residents.

I am very happy with the Pay, I used to own my own business, it is so nice not to have that follow me home. I used to earn double what I do now but I worked 60 hours a week, now I work 40 and I don't have to worry about covering payroll because of accounts receivable.... Or make collection calls. you get my drift.

best of luck with your future plans, when you have your RN you have so many opptions.

Dee