Retirement in the nursing field.

[A.B.123]

There is an issue going on at health care facilities about nurses who are still working as nurses well into their 60's and 70's. Assuming everyone ages differently, consider the effects of aging (such as decrease in vision, hearing, unsteady gait, ect.) do you think they put their patients and themselves at risk for injury? If so do you think there should be a mandatory retirement age for nurses?

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Retirement Planner: Benefits By Year Of Birth

This table on the social security website is easy to read and there is no ambiguity to figure out what your "full" retirement age is based on your year of birth, and what reductions you can expect if you elect to take social security retirement benefits prior to your full retirement age.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

There are a lot of nurses posting here (who are still actually working by the way) who were born prior to 1960.

of course there are.....I was referring to my personal experience with other things that are never as they appear.

[Brit04]

There is an issue going on at health care facilities about nurses who are still working as nurses well into their 60's and 70's. Assuming everyone ages differently, consider the effects of aging (such as decrease in vision, hearing, unsteady gait, ect.) do you think they put their patients and themselves at risk for injury? If so do you think there should be a mandatory retirement age for nurses? I believe there should alternatives job requirement for nurses who are still working up until retirement age. There should be a test that is required for nurses up in their 60, 70s to take to make certain they are still capable of performing their nursing duties. If they don't pass they should have an alternative job, such as doing EMR electronic medical records input. This will eliminate patients and themselves at risk for injuries. I don't believe there shouldn't be a mandatory retirement age for nurses, but alternatives job or nurses who still are competent enough to work.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

There is an issue going on at health care facilities about nurses who are still working as nurses well into their 60's and 70's. Assuming everyone ages differently, consider the effects of aging (such as decrease in vision, hearing, unsteady gait, ect.) do you think they put their patients and themselves at risk for injury? If so do you think there should be a mandatory retirement age for nurses? I believe there should alternatives job requirement for nurses who are still working up until retirement age. There should be a test that is required for nurses up in their 60, 70s to take to make certain they are still capable of performing their nursing duties. If they don't pass they should have an alternative job, such as doing EMR electronic medical records input. This will eliminate patients and themselves at risk for injuries. I don't believe there shouldn't be a mandatory retirement age for nurses, but alternatives job or nurses who still are competent enough to work.

Agreed. While also requiring nurses of ALL ages to demonstrate competency. And not just CE's. COMPETENCY.

Let's rid ourselves of incompetent nurses way before they reach traditional retirement age.

[A.B.123]

This was an assignment for one of my nursing classes. The topic was hypothetical. I wanted to choose a subject that was unique to all the other ones my classmates chose. Thank you for all your input and opinions. I got way more feedback than I thought I would, I really appreciate it.

Hypothetically if the nurse (no matter what the age) is performing up to standards than there is no issue. I was aiming more for nurses who struggle with the AGING aspect effecting their job and their co workers. Maybe there will never be a mandatory retirement age for nurses, but what then, should happen? I have MUCH respect for any nurse, young or old- so this isn't about a war between older vs younger nurses. But where do we draw the line between putting patients and co workers at risk and allowing people to live out their lives and work for as long as they choose?

[A.B.123]

Brit, I think that is an awesome idea. I know a lot of older nurses and many of them still practice nursing because they LOVE it so much. They live for it. Having an alternative job for them will still provide them with that needed security and love for nursing. Thanks so much for your input.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

This was an assignment for one of my nursing classes. The topic was hypothetical. I wanted to choose a subject that was unique to all the other ones my classmates chose. Thank you for all your input and opinions. I got way more feedback than I thought I would, I really appreciate it.

I do not respect this as a technique of inquiry, nor am I convinced that you have gained much beyond individuals' opinions and biases.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

This was an assignment for one of my nursing classes. The topic was hypothetical. I wanted to choose a subject that was unique to all the other ones my classmates chose. Thank you for all your input and opinions. I got way more feedback than I thought I would, I really appreciate it.

Hypothetically if the nurse (no matter what the age) is performing up to standards than there is no issue. I was aiming more for nurses who struggle with the AGING aspect effecting their job and their co workers. Maybe there will never be a mandatory retirement age for nurses, but what then, should happen? I have MUCH respect for any nurse, young or old- so this isn't about a war between older vs younger nurses. But where do we draw the line between putting patients and co workers at risk and allowing people to live out their lives and work for as long as they choose?

Moved to nursing student assistance for best and appropriate response.

[rnarc]

I agree. Nurses should work together, not snipe. If a nurse of any age does something unsafe or merely irritating, it is up to the complainer to address it DIRECTLY with that nurse. It is not a matter of age alone. I once learned a lot from a nurse who addressed everyone with a big smile, and in a joking way. She made her points too.