Hypothetical Question: What happens when the baby boomers retire?

[Spikey9001]

I mean it's BOUND to happen eventually. But when do you think the baby boomers nurses will retire? And what's gonna happen when they do retire? I personally see this happening within the next 5-10 years. After they retire, there's going to be a huge hole left where all the baby boomer nurses retired. I also think that there's gonna be a huge influx of more acute patients due to technology and that people are living longer than ever before.

How do you think the healthcare industry will prepare for this and fight it?

[diva rn, BSN, RN]

Boy, do I hear you on that one! I'm fat and sedentary too (although I'm not pale thanks to the teensy drop of Hispanic blood running through my veins:lol2:), and I'm sure I'll be right there alongside you at the desk when I sign off on my last chart and keel over. I honestly think that will BE my retirement....a few final chart notes, and then "Sayonara".

But I've got to say, when I look around at the mess our Greatest Generation---who paid into the "system" all their lives, only to be denied care and services now when they really need them---is in, I think I'd rather check out a few years early than be at the mercy of this rapidly-unraveling and all-consuming monstrosity, where 'health' is secondary to profits and 'care' is merely a buzzword. I'm not worried about a shortage of nurses, I'm worried about a shortage of decency. I'm worried about a shortage of compassion. Most of all, I'm worried about a shortage ofheart, because a system that doesn't have heart doesn't have the best interests of patients in mind, and I don't want to play that game when I'm old and vulnerable. But, that's just me.

Wow, I am right there with both of you on the fat and sedentary (and yes, I am pale, too). I have pretty much kissed the idea of retirement goodbye...they will have to pry my cold arthritic hands off my laptop.

Thanks so much for that thoughtful and compeling post.:redbeathe