Nurses Past Their Prime

RN1982 · Jun 20, 2008

I find it to be very commendable for older nurses, those over age 55, to continue to work. More power to em'! I don't think that they are "getting in the way" of anyone else's career as another poster put it. My very first preceptor had been a nurse over 30 years and had worked in almost every area of nursing and her guidance made me the nurse I am today. As far as med errors go, we are all human, young and old, and I've seen as many med errors by a young nurse as an older nurse.

On a side note, what you make of your career is your own. To say that someone is holding you back because they are old and need to get out of your way is baseless and rude. If you think your career is being hindered in anyway then you should take a look in the mirror and you'll see the person who is being the hinderance.

Selke · Jun 21, 2008

I haven't read this entire thread, so my comment may be off topic, but I find myself being asked my age in my midwifery clinicals. The implication is that I am too old to be in a midwifery program. I don't answer the question, of course, but this has devastated me and left me wondering if I need an attorney to address this issue with this clinical site and the school -- I fear a negative evaluation as a way for them to pass on that they think I'm too old to become a midwife and this will keep me from getting a job. I just don't know what to do or if I'm overreacting.

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Jun 21, 2008

I haven't read this entire thread, so my comment may be off topic, but I find myself being asked my age in my midwifery clinicals. The implication is that I am too old to be in a midwifery program. I don't answer the question, of course, but this has devastated me and left me wondering if I need an attorney to address this issue with this clinical site and the school -- I fear a negative evaluation as a way for them to pass on that they think I'm too old to become a midwife and this will keep me from getting a job. I just don't know what to do or if I'm overreacting.

Let them imply whatever they want..your age shouldn't matter. Actually, I would feel a little freaked out seeing a midwife who looks too young-IMHO, age and experience go a long way. Heck, way back in the day, most midwives were older.

I think the problem with the 2 nurses in the OP is that they are just miserable, period. They probably had attitude problems when they were younger. I'm a firm believer that your age should never hold you back from what you really want to accomplish. Good luck in your program!! :up:

Selke · Jun 21, 2008

Thanks, WitchyRN. In my brighter moments I tell myself what you just said. I have lots of trouble staying up 24 hours straight -- but I couldn't do that when I was younger, either. I don't intend to take a job which requires 24 hour call.

From what I read of the thread, I agree, I think the RNs the OP is talking about were nasty when they were young, too ... they probably got worse with age. I've run into a few in my career; I try to stay away from them. Some say to "kill them with kindness." Having a nasty personality and all that other stuff is not age-related at all, but it is sad to see an older person still unhappy like that without having found a resolution and peace when they were younger. These women must have unhappy personal lives and make their families miserable.

Otessa, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2008

"If you want to make them better find a way to make them feel that they matter. Start simple- ask their opinion about a piece of equipment, or policy you are considering."

Exactly! People that feel valued and that their thoughts and ideas matter are happier...

otessa

Jo Dirt · Jun 21, 2008

Having a nasty personality and all that other stuff is not age-related at all, but it is sad to see an older person still unhappy like that without having found a resolution and peace when they were younger. These women must have unhappy personal lives and make their families miserable.

I know a nurse who was a barrell of laughs at work and everyone thought she was a great person. Turns out she was a monster at home, very abusive to her husband and son.

There were subtle clues I had noticed about her when we worked together I thought were a little off, but I didn't think it was as bad as that (I work with her ex sister-in-law). She got out of nursing the second time she was fired for failing a drug test.

lamazeteacher · Jun 21, 2008

maybe it's just my personality, but for the life of me, i am sooo not understanding why any of the older nurses are taking this personally?
whoever belittles one's age, is just a twerp....
and an ignorant one at that.
no one should be defending their value and contributions to anyone.
i'm telling you, pity these people, and just move forward.
take pity on them and pray like hell, they'll grow up.
but please, no one should be trying to substantiate why one is worthy.
dang.
leslie:twocents:

Right on, Right on, Right on!!!

I have to add a however, however. There can be a condition (well hidden) is some called "elderphobia". I had it when I was much younger, and it manifested as extreme discomfort caring for older patients, whose scent was occasionally different (caked powder on vulva), and learing old men who flirted in bad taste, exposing their genitalia whenever possible.

I think that's partialy why I chose OB as my specialty. In my more mature years, in Home Health, I was able to see them differently and enjoy working with them now. However I think convalescent home nursing isn't my first choice. :sniff:

paddlelady, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2008

Just returned from vacation and may be a little late in responding to this topic. I am a seasoned nurse of 41 years . Recently retired from nursing.

I used to work with nurses even in nursing school that seemed to have their "nasty nurse" name tag on all the time. It seems to me that the buzz word now a days is "difficult people." And that is exactly what they are difficult people. Some of these nurses would have patients in tears and angry with their attitudes. I think if somewhere in their nursing career a co-worker or supervisor would have spoken with them and tryed to find out what is going on with them to bring this type of attitude to work . Working with sick people who are frightened is not an attitude of healing. I think staff meetings where these nurses can feel safe to communicate some of their concerns may help or individual meetings with the supervisor. Over the years , I remember dealing with older and younger nurses with this attitude and it is draining as you have to find a common ground in order to work together. Patients and families do notice attiutudes of the nursing staff and now speak up and report staff memeber that are rude and difficult. I miss nursing the way it use to be as there was a general caring in the aire but salaries and benefits and technology have improved. I feel that 41 years was enough for me. I have been doing massage therapy part time for the past 10 years and alot of patients come to me because I am a nurse and they feel safe with me. This is such a wonderful gift to me. My nursing background and to be able to do body work and patients. It is an honour.

Again nurses past their time or current nurses with an attitude are people too and have lives and need to stop bringing their problems to work.

aloevera · Jun 24, 2008

I remember someone saying years ago that "whatever your personality is when young, it is emphasized as you get older", I do think that holds true....a sarcastic, know it all young nurse turns in to the nastiest older one; a kind, caring younger nurse grows more patient and caring with age....I have seen this happen and do believe it....it takes all kinds...I guess if we were all alike it would be a very dull world (less headaches sometimes, but dull !! )

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2008

I supervise 2 nurses that I really feel are past their prime. These two nurses are older and have a lot of experience(none of which they would share with a new nurse today:cry:) But I think that 25 years ago, they were just as mean and nasty as they are today.
One nurse is the RN 11p-7a supervisor( I dscribe her as "Sour and bitter" and the other is a 3-11p direct patitent nurse. I am old enough to be their daughter or granddaughter. And in the past they have been very disrespectful to previous DON's and ADON's. I have spoken to each about improving patient care, internal and external customer service. These are also long time employees of the company. I do believe that they are valued employees but they are very resistant to change.
I hold all nurses accountable for their work and in the past they were not held to any standards. OLD habits are very hard to break but I have to think about quality patient care(Which can become poor or lacking when not checked).
I am very mindful about the nasty nurse types and I want to do what I can to get rid of that stereo type. But are some nurses just past their prime?
Does anyone work with nurses that are simply just Grumpy and Nasty ALL of THE TIME!
How do we help these nurses? Are they beyond help? We have begun progressive dicipline actions and re education with all nurses. I believe in rewarding those that are a team players. I just don't want the negative attitude to continue to spread.:typing
I look forward to your coments:wink2:

I like your way of thinking and would completely appreciate your leadership skills and efforts. :up: