Old Nurse-Bet Me!

Overview done with humor, from an experienced old nurse who is older than "dirt" on surviving in a world of young, fresh nurses, working in a mentoring capacity. On occasion with it's good, aggravating and average eight hour shifts (LOL) to always remember "tomorrow is another day." Nurses Announcements Archive Article

Old Nurse-Bet Me!

As I prepare for another eight hour shift with the "old folks," I look in the mirror and ponder..."Oh my, it is a good day...no more wrinkles have formed and nothing new is sagging. At least nothing that is within my visual range." For that reason, you will not find any full length mirrors in my home!

Reflecting back to a conversation I had yesterday about age with one of my young C.N.A's who is from an African country, it makes me smile. It is an endearing and respectful thing to be called "MaMa" and this is a usual greeting from some of my favorites. She told me that at my age if I was in her country, I would not have to work anymore and would be taken care of.

Well, do not underestimate my 34 years of nursing experience. This white haired old nurse limps on occasion, after an accident where and l,800 pound horse knocked me down and ran over the top of my right leg. I can still see the perfect souvenir hoof print.

Granted, I cannot run to an emergency unless they want me to arrive red faced, out of breathe and speechless. My gait is brisk, but upon my arrival, my sharp mind guides the nurses through emergency measures so that when 911 Emergency arrives, the EMT's are not trite and there is no doubt about our true emergency situation. As they scoop and run, taking the resident to the ER, compliments are spoken "Good job" to my staff.

Time has marched on leaving my fingertips numb with neuropathy, causing limitations for my IV skills. I look for the perfect vein, anything bigger than a toothpick, for my young nurse to insert a line with my guidance, and profound instructions. Yes...

positive results with a resident being happy, infusion started, and first time good luck.

My eyesight is enhanced by my blue reading glasses that are always ready, as they hang around my neck on a chain. Now, I have to ask the pharmacy manufacturers why they make the print on medication vials so small? This causes a ritual where one has to outstretch your arms to the proper distance, and squint one eye to assist in being able to read the directions. For safety sakes I go find a young nurse who has good eyesight for clarification. Most of the time they just smile and humor me by reading the directions, because they realize some day they may be in the same situation.

Working for the last 17 years in a supervisory capacity, one of my favorite sayings when a page comes overhead on the intercom for assistance, and of course I am on the opposite unit three hallways away, is "Patience is a Virtue." Often a "new

nurse" has a question or concern, sometimes legitimate and other times mundane. Keeping my caring mentor nurse voice, I always try to "reply/teach" keeping in mind they may be taking care of me some day. As I walk away after the problem is resolved, I reinforce my other old saying "There is no such thing as a dumb question!"

One aggravation that is intolerable to me is a nurse with a cocky, "know-it-all" attitude. As experienced as I am, many a time there has been a situation where a group decision has been made because my memory bank fails me and a young mind right out of school is badly needed. Anyone who does not listen to solid advice from their peers, or a nurse who is older than dirt-gets my comment "Go ahead-be all you can be-but I made it 34 years without ending up in a court of law with my right hand in the air stating "Yes, I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth!" Amazing what kind of attitude adjustment this comment will bring on occasion.

Yes, I am an old white haired nurse and on occasion can be overheard stating that "When I am ready to retire I can just change roles from being head nurse and check into this nursing home." Joking of course...my retirement plan is to move back out west, buy a small ranch, have friends, horses and a variety of pets to fill my idle hours with pleasure. Aptly, it will be be named the "OBR"

which stands for (Old Broad Ranch.)

Lindsey McGraw

About Lindsey McGraw

Spunky old nurse who loves to cook for friends.

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Please send me the address when you get it. I want to sit on a porch in a rocker with a (sugar-free) lemonade in my hand....!

Specializes in Med Sur, LTC.

Well, it is so far a dream/soon to be reality probably in Oregon. You are most welcome because the plan is to have a big wrap around porch for lot's of rocking chairs to watch the sunsets and horses run. Choice of beverage will be optional, view is free.

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I'll have to join you, then....I live in Oregon myself, and can SO relate to your experiences and challenges as an older nurse. :)

Specializes in Med Sur, LTC.

Wow, I am high desert bound...miss my horse. Need to put these tired old legs up/relax, not just stop and smell the coffee - actually enjoy it!

Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..

I love your dream. It makes my elderly mind wander to brighter days. Thank you.:D From a disabled, 67 year old nurse who loves the picture you painted.:redpinkhe

Specializes in pediatrics, geriatrics, med-surg, ccu,.

Thank You so much for sharing this! I needed to see a brighter picture than what I have been. As a older nurse and one that has been going through the ringer the last year, I really needed to see that somewhere out there, there is a better place to be. Right now I am unemployed and I really am considering not going back into nursing. I love taking care of people and doing what I know is right but really can't deal with all the attitudes, disrespect that also comes with the job. You put a smile on my face and I really appreciate that! I would love to have the dream that you have, it sounds so peaceful!

Specializes in Med Sur, LTC.

Please, you are most welcome. Always remember that you have helped, cared for and brought smiles to many a patient through your career..not to mention relieved their pain, gave comfort etc. all the things nurses do. I cope by coming to work remembering my "special friends" who brighten my day-usually demented (today I am Mary Ellen)-or in the case of my article "Beware A Patient May Steal Your Heart" written some time ago. Mikey makes me realize what is important in life. Old or otherwise we are experienced, valuable, smart women who have something to share...maybe mentor students? Just a thought? Have

to share there are days when I have to take a ride, go sit in my truck, or maybe

get fast food...because an attitude makes me want to be unprofessional to a

clueless co-worker.

Thank God for all of you wonderful experienced nurses! I am a first year student, and I am one of many in my class who realize how much we have to learn, and that only a small amount of the knowledge will come from our program. The rest of what we need to know will come from experience, and watching those of you who already know. In case no one has thanked you lately-Thank you!

Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

What a nice posting......and I won't be 67 til later this year.

Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

May your retirement dream come true for you whenever you are ready for it. Bless you and all you have done and will do.

Specializes in Med-Surg/Peds/O.R./Legal/cardiology.

What a refreshing post! Cheers to our "sisterhood"! We're family...ALL IN!