where do old nurses go?

Nurses General Nursing

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I am 56 years old and have been a nurse for 34 years. My body is wearing out from all the wear and tear over the years of nursing. So my question what is there for us old nurses? How do we figure out something else to do where the money is decent? Any suggestions?

Thanks

Specializes in OB/peds (after gen surgery for 3 yrs).
i thought they went where elephants go

somewhere in africa where all the ivory tusks are

they are just as precious

oh, that is sooooooooooo sweet. I'm going to have to remember that somehow. (LOL!)

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.
I am 56 years old and have been a nurse for 34 years. My body is wearing out from all the wear and tear over the years of nursing. So my question what is there for us old nurses? How do we figure out something else to do where the money is decent? Any suggestions?

Thanks

Figure out a way to become Tiger Woods, all his Money.

The other thing is become a Pro Golf Instructor Thats what Im working on.

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Specializes in cardiac med-surg.

i'm in my second trimester of my career

20 years down

in the middle twenty years

then the final 20

and retire at 83 years old

it's all good

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I am 48 and decided several years ago that education was the way to a better job, so I went back to school and have not regretted it. With a grad degree, you have more options that are intellectually challenging but not as physical as staff nursing. I to am one that plans to work until I'm 70.

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I feel your pain!!! I turned 50 this year and have been a RN for 25 years! Just saying that makes my neck and back hurt!

Many less physically demanding things to do. I agree - case management is a great option - depending on where you live, you can work on hospital staff or for a managed care company. I know many RN's that are happy doing that. I used to do CM for a large metro hospital and had a ball - I was very very busy, non-stop, walked around alot, but not too physically demanding. I know when you work for the hospital you earn what a staff RN earns.

Others do well, depending on the HMO, I guess.

Also, telephone triage would work - I did it many years ago - for me, it is not a good option cause it is too much sitting - I like to move! It is also not good if you don't want to gain weight! Seriously!

Another option - working for hospice - my best friend worked at Childrens Hospital for 25 years, decided it was time to move on, and absolutely loves her hospice coordinator job. She does the consults, so she is still with patients and families and gets to teach them about hospice care and the program and do the warm and fuzzy stuff. She doesn't do any clinical care at all! She just moved into a position with this company (after 2-3 years) where she divides her time with sales. She is earning commission and doing very nicely.

If you've got your BSN, go back and get your MSN - it wouldn't take too long, you could do it online (I am currently working on my MSN online) and then you could teach. Or, if you have the BSN, you can still do clinical teaching for an RN program. Just be prepared - teaching full-time does not earn what acute care earns. Even when you consider the off time - cause bottom-line, are you gonna go work elsewhere during holidays, or summer? I know I wouldn't - it would be too hard to get a temp gig, like registry. It might be too physically painful....my body would go in to shock!! :eek:

Other thoughts - if you live in a metro area, things like transplant, ID, etc. may work....or occupational health...infusion center.....dialysis...oncology clinic. I agree, PACU is a also great place to work or day surg or GI clinic.

That's why I love nursing so much - always something new to try, new to learn.

Good luck, whatever you choose! We have lots of experience to draw upon and offer others!

:)

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I am 46, and going from Home Health care to CNA SNF! I did CNA and EMT 1A in my 20's. What a change.From one-on-one, with maybe 3 different clients a day. Now its 30-32 pts in SNF 12 hr noc shift 4 noc's a week. I'd trade back to Home Health, and I think of it every am when my body hurts enough to need a ice pack for my back. Lisa W

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Specializes in Critical care, Home health, Tele, Agency.

The very last suggestion is a really nice thought out good one. I always though of going over to the poison control center. They are open 24 hours a day. Older nurses go there with all your knowledge and experience and get trained to do it. Patient care is over the phone though and only mentally demanding not physically demanding. You need hazmat training and other types or training. Try that

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Specializes in acute medical.

I was going to suggest education, but someone beat me to it. I do believe old nurses deserve heaven on earth, receiving all the attention they gave with heart and soul over the years...

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Specializes in none yet, but I'm VERY excited!.

Gotta let us know where!

I'm 47 and finishing up my BSN for more options. Right now I'm in good shape and feel physically like I'm not worn down, but I'm sure it's coming and I want to be prepared. Right now I'm leaning towards teaching. I'm going to get my Masters and then teach part time, and perhaps move into full time as I age.

But who knows what the future holds. I'm still thinking about those get rich quick schemes. LOL

Good luck!

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Specializes in pedi, pedi psych,dd, school ,home health.

I am planning on working till i drop as well!!!

I have also considered getting my masters and teaching... but need to finish the bachelors first (may 12 !!)

currently working as a nm in a residential pedi facility; not that physically demanding... might stay till they throw me out! ;) could always have the kids wheel me around when the body quits!!:uhoh3: then of course i will have to count on the mind staying ( that will be the bigger challenge):lol2:

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How about MDS in LTC facilities? Not as bad as working the floor for 8-12 hours.

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Specializes in all things maternity.

I am 51 and no way can I work full time bedside much longer. I have 30 years nursing experience and my health is shot (diabetes and heart disease as well as the bad joints that all of us suffer). I work OB and have no desire to change specialties. This is where I want to retire from. So what can I do? I would love to be an OB clinical nurse specialist but can't afford to go back to school right now. One of my friends is the education nurse in an OB department and she only has her BSN at this time. Maybe I will just retire and work as the childbirth educator part time. I could always try to just work as a newborn nursery nurse. One nurse I know did this until she retired at the ripe old age of 83!!!

Well, I'll probably be on disability in a few years anyways...lol! So no worries.

BTW...I have worked two temporary jobs in LTC in the last few years and was surprized that everytime there were call ins (nurse or cna) the MDS nurse was called out to replace them. That can't be easy.

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