who has left nursing ?

I have tried to completely retire a couple of times only to be lured back into the fold, but fortunately on my terms. My husband was diagnosed with MS a decade ago and when his health went into rapid decline, I quit so I could be his full time caregiver. With a critical nursing shortage in our area, my employer talked me into PRN in the ER and I am fortunate to have family in my area who can stay with my husband if I get called in. But my terms were weekends only, no nights and only a certain number of hours per month (I am drawing social security now and get a benefit based on my husband's disability. I am also covered under his employer provided health plan so that's a plus). Quite honestly, I am glad to stay active in the field although I doubt I could do the 4 to 5 12 hour shifts per week I was working before my informal retirement.

Well, the magic early social security retirement age is just around the corner and looks more and more tempting the longer I go without work, yet again. At my age, no longer see anything very inviting about looking for "work" that may be there, more than likely will not be there, may be there for six weeks or six months, going to the Labor Board to attempt to get paid wages, contemplating seeing attorneys for discrimination lawsuits, waking up in the middle of the night with terrors about "work", all of it. Just so tired. No answer for those I meet who always ask, "If you're a nurse, why don't you have a job?" Good question. With health problems, isn't it funny that the unemployment doesn't cover the health insurance payments, and the government wants to punish me for not having money to pay for health insurance? Who needs health insurance when you can't even keep a roof over your head or buy food? Yeah, nursing.

Caliotter- I tried sending you a PM, but your inbox is full.

Like me. I'm struggling. Im stuck and I have no idea what to do next. I'd love some advice.

I retired at age 61- totally sick to death of nursing management style of threats and attempted intimidation, nasty doctors, families from hell, mentally ill and drug addicts and alcoholics filling up ICU beds. I just decided it wasn't worth it anymore. I feel very sad because I used to really like ICU nursing.

Hey Viva. Been away from AN for several years. (Semi-retired now... looking only for the right, very part-time, supervisory gig... no more than a shift or two max per week.)

Just saw your disability post. Hope things are going well for you.

Always considered you a treasure trove of experience / knowledge here!

My best.

I do chime in and try to contribute to threads where I feel I have something to say. What do you mean by "mentoring" students? Sounds interesting.

I would beg you to become a volunteer at a hospital nearby. Please specify you want to volunteer in an ICU. Right now in my unit, we have several volunteer ladies who sit right at our nurses desk to answer the phone and speak with visitors. They are tremendously needed and valued. If they want to do our ordering for coffee supplies and restock, we are more than appreciative.

My unit dedicated a couple of beds for the sole purpose of taking care of breast flap patients. We have a Plastic Surgeon specializing in micro vascular breast reconstruction (DIEP,etc). These patients are given a 1:1 status initially. If you could find a small unit like ours to volunteer, I promise, you would be so welcomed and valued! 🌺