How old is too old to safely practice?

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2016

Age is just a number. It should reflect physical and mental capability. Some 60 year olds still run circles around 20 somethings.

Nurselincoln1 · Aug 3, 2016

As long as you can physically handle the workload I say practice on! I started practicing when I was 48. I too plan to keep going until I am 70 or until I can't handle the physical part of the job.

Golden granny · Aug 3, 2016

I can't believe this is a topic of conversation. What does it matter how old you are if you are doing a good job? I got my doctorate in my late 50"s and since have published both textbook chapters and articles (yes that is intended to be plural) and have been the PI on a number of research projects. I have called in sick twice in the past 4 years, few of my younger colleagues can say this. I just came off a 12 hour night shift, worked out with my trainer and come home to check my email and find this. Everyone is different. And people tend to change their mind in regard to age to practice as they get older.

clarels · Aug 3, 2016

I am 72 years old, I became an RN in 1964. I have worked many areas since then. My most recent experience has been hospice. I realize I have limitations. I would not be able to work in a busy surgical or medical floor of a hospital, especially 12 hour shifts. I am not able to work full time. I can work PRN, and make significant contributions to patients and families. My brain is still quite active, and I intend to keep it that way. If I were to retire now, I would lose important skills, and deteriorate physically and mentally. I also know how to keep balance in personal and professional life. I feel this is important at any age.

Axgrinder · Aug 3, 2016

My previous PCP never intended to retire. He worked until he was 81 y.o., and would have kept working too if a sudden health catastrophe didn't interfere with those plans. He had a practice for more than 40 years, and with the exception of the last 3 months of his life he worked every one of them.

I've met old 50 y.o.'s, and young 80 y.o.'s. How old is too old to safely practice? I would imagine the answer to that question is up to you to decide.

Kristiernbsn · Aug 3, 2016

Excellent thread. I personally think that mid 60s is really pushing it for most people who are prescribing. Speaking only for myself when I consider my age related losses over the past 10 years my reflexes, stamina and memory as a relatively physically fit, still running 10 miles a week, early 50s I can not imagine I'd still be good at what I do for much more than 10 years. I don't ever want to get where my team feels I'm a detriment or I'm possibly harming my patients. I love my work but it isn't what defines my life or my personal value. Plus I worked hard, saved a fair amount of money and aim to have time to enjoy the fruits of my labor before I drop dead.
I can not imagine getting a DNP at 60 something unless a person really just wants to have the title and they can afford the tuition. The older prescribers who I knew in their late 60s-early 70s anecdotally have gotten rather dull, they tended to prescribe whatever the patient requested, a lot of polypharm, and in psychiatry thats the kiss of death with all the substance abusing clients we treat. I've known 1 NP who was fired around 70, 2 physicians who were "encouraged" to retire and one who lost his license to practice secondary to failing to appropriately support the meds:diagnoses, not ordering appropriate labs and tons of benzos. Sorry folks but my opinion is prescribing and surgery is a young man's game. My family members all see younger providers, I'd rather gamble on the inexperience to have the latest, greatest knowledge as well as the brain power of a younger Doc.

Wow. I'm going to be 63 when I finally earn my DNP and become a midwife. It's been my dream my entire adult life, prevented only by a controlling ex husband and my own personal doubt. I am sharper than I was in my 20's. I'm actually not even the oldest in my class! Most studies show that the intellectual peak is mid-late 50's and if you stay physically healthy and intellectually stimulated, you can stay mentally strong well into older years. My 80-year old mom plays Pokemon with my grandchildren. It's a personal issue, with wide midrange of normal. I hope to practice for at least 7-10 years, which isn't very long, but to NOT fulfill this dream is unacceptable. 60 really is the new 40 for many of us.

moldyoldyrn · Aug 3, 2016

I practiced for 43 years, I retired at age 66 only because my orthopedic problems (back, knee and hip) meant I could not stand up to the physical effort needed anymore. I never wanted to be an administrator, I truly enjoyed direct care, it was my love. I worked twice as hard as RNs 1/2 my age. It seemed that most of he younger ones always found an excuse to weasel out on the hard work. Those of us who were 50+ worked together and did the work. Funny thing, the patients always sought us older RNs out for help. There were a few highly motivated younger RNs who pitched in and they were wonderful to work with. They were highly motivated to learn how us older RNs did things and they really pushed to get us to show them how to do things. I would still be doing nursing if my bones did not give out. I loved everything about teaching and caring for patients and staff, working through problems, helping new MDs, students, families. I have a BSN and Masters so in doing direct care I was sort of the odd man out but I felt direct care was why I went into nursing, it was my calling. I never enjoyed sitting behind a desk and doing schedules or sitting on committees. I worked with a few RNs OVER 70 for that matter. One was a certified Diabetes Educator and she had started that process when she was about 68. She also had other certifications. She was a great role model and the patients loved her. The managers tried to fire her and she filed an age discrimination suit and won. She is still at it and I say more power to her. If you really are called to be an RN it is your life not a job. No task for a patient is too small, that is how the patients learn that you are there for them.I am still licensed and argue with myself all the time about dropping it. Something in me just wants to be an RN. After 43 years it is a life, one well spent. I started in pediatrics and worked in one of the first ever pediatric ICUs. I joined the Navy and traveled everywhere they would send me. I worked for major companies as an occupational RN. There is so much in the profession you can learn and do why limit yourself with age? If I could find a job that was easy on my bones I might try it, maybe that's why I still have the license! Being older does not mean you cannot listen to a patient or a family and help them address their problems in a systematic and professional manner. That just about applies to everyone in the profession.

WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN · Aug 3, 2016

And thus will begin the campaign to prove that most older (and experienced) nurses have some form of dementia and physical impairment and are unfit to practice. We older nurses have been in the trenches a long time and have skills, both nursing and interpersonal. A huge number of posts on AN have to do with new nurses who can't get along with coworkers, and post such questions as How Do You Start an IV ? or What Is a Saline Lock? or I've Worked Here 6 Weeks and I'm Ready to Quit Because My Preceptor Hates Me, or I've Been Accused of Drug Diversion!!!!!!! If newer nurses can't handle the stress of nursing now, just wait till they take the older nurses away and everybody is a new nurse. You'll have to find your own way through the minefield without us!

My mother in law failed a physical agility test to be a medical technologist in one facility despite her years of experience. The hospital really wanted her, but HR would not waive her requirement. She shouldn't be required to perform the same rigors as a nurse (we had the same PAT) because she doesn't pick up, turn, pull, lift patients. She doesn't even have to pick up boxes. She's 68 and still works part time as an MT at another facility who respects her knowledge, skills, and experience. Period.

admc4444 · Aug 3, 2016

Young or old all nurses should be allowed a seat at the nursing station. Excluding a nurse based on their chronological age sounds like ageism . Do nurses still have to wait for an old nurse to retire or die to gain seniority ? Do young nurses still resent older nurses with more seniority getting first choice of vacation time .Do young nurses continue to resent working less desirable shifts because the nurses with seniority get the day jobs? This is an ongoing challenge for all nurses. The question can be veiled as a "safety issue" I believe it is a power and privilege issue.If you want to retire at age 62 I hope you are saving and investing a large portion of your salary today.Some folks wish they could retire at age 62 but can't afford to quit work.

Mommavik, ADN · Aug 3, 2016

I am 55; developed problems with memory and decision making while in my late 40 's forcing me to retire on disability after 32 years as an RN. Sadly, didn't plan ahead for that possibility- none of my 401k's or retirement pensions kick in until 65 so I'm having to subsist on SS disability until then.

moldyoldyrn · Aug 3, 2016

Hang in there, system is not fair, should be but it is not. Hope things smoothest for you.

CoCook · Aug 3, 2016

Age should not be a determining factor. Adhering to professional practice guidelines, having the skills and abilities (including physical) to perform the job requirements are however a necessity. Case in point: I'm 62 years old, have been an RN for 42 years, semi-retired last year and went back to school in Jan 2016. Took a Certified Foot Care Nurse Course in ON, Canada, passed the exam with a 95% and set up my own independent practice and business. Run a weekly clinic and do home visits for the elderly. I work when I want, my clients are happy because I can take time with them, and the extra income helps. So, age should not be a deterrent.