Mature Nurses over 50

scooterRN52 · Jun 11, 2004

I'm a 53 year old LPN from Indiana, newly graduated and licensed, with a chance of getting my first my first nursing job in Michigan. If this happens, thank you Michigan!!!!!!

Hi C_raye,

Congradulations to you! I started out as an LPN in 1989, then became an RN in 1991 at the age of 41 years old! I decided then that as long as there were people, we would need nurses, therefore I would always be able to work. At 54 I still work 12 hr. shifts in the hospital as an oncology nurse on night shift 7pm to 7am 3 nights a week. Nursing is hard work, but it can be very rewarding. Good luck in your practice as a new nurse, always remember to ask for help if you are not sure about meds or a procedure, better safe than sorry.

scooterRN52

mattsmom81 · Jun 11, 2004

I like that term 'kissing 50'...I am there too! LOL!

ICU agency nursing is my niche and favorite place; although I enjoy working some local rehab shifts as well for variety. Night shift is less stressful for me. I do find I am pickier about the physical workload I take on as I age...plus I've had some spine injuries and surgeries through the years with resulting arthritis. I also avoid working fulltime hours every week...and take time to rest and relax, and stay dedicated to a walking/excercising program.

Working in nursing is doable for sure...just take care of yourselves fellow 'seasoned nurses' and we'll be on the job for many more years hopefully!

C_raye · Jun 13, 2004

Hi C_raye,
Congradulations to you! I started out as an LPN in 1989, then became an RN in 1991 at the age of 41 years old! I decided then that as long as there were people, we would need nurses, therefore I would always be able to work. At 54 I still work 12 hr. shifts in the hospital as an oncology nurse on night shift 7pm to 7am 3 nights a week. Nursing is hard work, but it can be very rewarding. Good luck in your practice as a new nurse, always remember to ask for help if you are not sure about meds or a procedure, better safe than sorry.
scooterRN52

Thanks scooterRN52,

I have an interview coming up next week and if all works out I'll be working the same shift. I'm excited and a little scared at the same time. Thanks for the advice, I understand where you are coming from and always take patient care seriously.

tntrn, ASN, RN · Jun 13, 2004

I'm 55, working per diem, 8 hour shifts only for me. I can't imagine what 12 hours at a time would do to me. I've worked Labor and Delivery for 27 years, and in just the past few months have decided it's just too physical to do it much longer. I will ask to do post partum, gyn instead. Pushing with an epidural-ized patient whose legs weigh as much as I do for 2-3 hours is not my idea of fun anymore. I am stiff and sore for 3 days afterward. This probably has something to do with the broken arm I had in the last year, but still, it's not worth causing pain to myself. Many of the nurses in our unit are over 40; most of those are over 45. Just a handful of 20- and 30-somethings.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jun 13, 2004

Hmmmmmm.........mature nurses over 50. Does that imply that those of us who are still under 50 aren't ripe yet?? :chuckle

CseMgr1, ASN, RN · Jun 13, 2004

I turned 53 on the 7th...and am currently working as a Medical Management Nurse for an HMO. I plan to leave nursing as soon as my late father's estate is settled, and devote more time to my grandchildren. :)

chrishrn · Jun 26, 2004

Turning 60 next month, an OR nurse graduate of Hurley in Flint, class of 64.

Have backed away from the physical work of the OR for now and working with the software program used in documenting and scheduling.

Feel great but sure look forward to retirement freedom. Will probably continue to so some work even past 65. Health insurance is such an unknown.

We should name this age group, the "Red Hat Nurses"!

scooterRN52 · Jun 26, 2004

Turning 60 next month, an OR nurse graduate of Hurley in Flint, class of 64.
Have backed away from the physical work of the OR for now and working with the software program used in documenting and scheduling.
Feel great but sure look forward to retirement freedom. Will probably continue to so some work even past 65. Health insurance is such an unknown.
We should name this age group, the "Red Hat Nurses"!

Hi chrishrn,

I too am looking forward to retirement freedom, working 12hr. night shifts can be tough, I love pt care and the autonomy that comes with it though. I will try to do this until I am 58-60 years old, then cut back my work schedule. I love to travel and want to do as much as I can during my 50's.

It is funny that you should mention" Red Hat Nurses". I've been invited to join the Red Hat Society here in the area where I live. I am in the phila. Pa.

area, we have a lot of hospitals in this neck of the woods.

ScooterRN52

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jun 27, 2004

48 and working 12s in Cardiac SICU. Hubby is 51 and working in the same unit.

chrishrn · Jun 27, 2004

Hi chrishrn,
I too am looking forward to retirement freedom, working 12hr. night shifts can be tough, I love pt care and the autonomy that comes with it though. I will try to do this until I am 58-60 years old, then cut back my work schedule. I love to travel and want to do as much as I can during my 50's.
It is funny that you should mention" Red Hat Nurses". I've been invited to join the Red Hat Society here in the area where I live. I am in the phila. Pa.
area, we have a lot of hospitals in this neck of the woods.
ScooterRN52

Congratulations on the invitation to the Red Hat Society. I wondered how one gets into it. I guess you just need to know someone who recommends you. How many 12 hr shifts do you do a week,two? Are you originally from Michigan? I want to do some travel nursing hopefully next year. Our first grandchild is coming in August so I am wondering how that will affect that desire.

Nice talking to you.

scooterRN52 · Jun 27, 2004

48 and working 12s in Cardiac SICU. Hubby is 51 and working in the same unit.

Hi,

I'm envious, you live by the water, just where I would love to be!

Im not from your state, but I came across the message boards one day, and the subject was nurses over 50 years old. I've ended up talking to some really nice nurses.

I will work 12s until I retire, as I like the extra days off, don't you?

You are lucky to have found a mate in the same profession, I'm divorced and will probably remain so, at this point. We do need more males in nursing, it would make for some positive cultural changes in the profession.

scooterRN52

scooterRN52 · Jun 27, 2004

Congratulations on the invitation to the Red Hat Society. I wondered how one gets into it. I guess you just need to know someone who recommends you. How many 12 hr shifts do you do a week,two? Are you originally from Michigan? I want to do some travel nursing hopefully next year. Our first grandchild is coming in August so I am wondering how that will affect that desire.
Nice talking to you.

I usually do 2-4 12hr. shifts a week and manage to get a few workouts done at the gym ( LA Fitness), if I didn't work out, I probably wouldn't be able to do all those 12s in a week. To answer your question about where I'm from, it is Pa. I happened to come across your message boards in Michigan and talking to a few nice nurses! I was invited to join the red hat society by some

friends who are also nurses here in Pa.

I know some people who have done travel nsg., it can keep you quite busy.

take care, scooterRN52 :) :)