Older nurses...chasing that carrot

Nurses General Nursing

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I have been an RN for almost 27 years. My parents were also nurses and I pretty much grew up in and around hospitals. Having worked continuously since age seventeen though (I will be 53 this year), it feels like I've been 'plowing' this field since the dawn of time and I'm tired. I've worked in several nursing specialties (including travel) and nursing has been good to me overall. At this juncture of my life, I am blessed to have a high paying, relatively low stress, union job, but at minimum, must work, another thirteen years. Thirteen more years! I dream of retirement every single day and just don't know if I can make it. I don't dream of exotic vacations or playing 9 holes of golf everyday, I just want to get off the hamster wheel and have my life back. I'm sooooo tired of changing policies, difficult coworkers, workplace drama, heck, I'm really just tired of going to work (any work), period! Just wondering how other nurses at this stage of life do it? BTW, I'm not depressed (don't need a therapist), have many hobbies, can't cut back hours, don't want to precept or join nursing committees, and don't want to try another job.

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Specializes in ER.

I cut back to a 2 day a week schedule and pick up extra shifts that sometime bring me up to fulltime, but some months I'll stick to having more time, less money.

I also got my financial house in order by paying off my house and avoiding debt. I raised my numerous children to be financially independent and they know not to turn to me for money.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
1 hour ago, morelostthanfound said:

I have been an RN for almost 27 years. My parents were also nurses and I pretty much grew up in and around hospitals. Having worked continuously since age seventeen though (I will be 53 this year), it feels like I've been 'plowing' this field since the dawn of time and I'm tired. I've worked in several nursing specialties (including travel) and nursing has been good to me overall.

This is AMAZING!! Good for you.

1 hour ago, morelostthanfound said:

At this juncture of my life, I am blessed to have a high paying, relatively low stress, union job, but at minimum, must work, another thirteen years. Thirteen more years! I dream of retirement every single day and just don't know if I can make it. I don't dream of exotic vacations or playing 9 holes of golf everyday, I just want to get off the hamster wheel and have my life back.

If you don't want to move, and you have 13 more years, then you've answered your own question. I'd invite you to join us in school nursing but your retirement won't like it very much, although it is rewarding to me. You can make it!!!

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
2 hours ago, morelostthanfound said:

At this juncture of my life, I am blessed to have a high paying, relatively low stress, union job, but at minimum, must work, another thirteen years. Thirteen more years! I dream of retirement every single day and just don't know if I can make it.

Awwww... Daddy kiss a boo boo?

And I mean that with all due empathy and respect, morelostthanfound.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I hear ya...I'll have to call in sick to attend my funeral.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
3 hours ago, morelostthanfound said:

I dream of retirement every single day

My Dad said that the one bad thing about retirement is that you never get a day off from it.

My Dad's dead now.

I don't think he gets a day off from that either.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
3 hours ago, Emergent said:

I cut back to a 2 day a week schedule and pick up extra shifts that sometime bring me up to fulltime, but some months I'll stick to having more time, less money.

I also got my financial house in order by paying off my house and avoiding debt. I raised my numerous children to be financially independent and they know not to turn to me for money.

I truly appreciate this post, Emergent.

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Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.

Sorry you are having a hard time! I am approx. 60yo and so have (a little) idea how you are feeling. I started working at 16yo, and except for taking off about 6 years when my kids were young, I have worked until a few years ago when I semi-retired due to illness. I was working full time in a hospital and just could not handle the long hours, stress etc. Before I quit I was having a really hard time because I wanted to get to a certain amount of years there to qualify for a (very small) pension and the ability to purchase med ins (even though it was very expensive) if I needed a fall back. What got me through was just eye-balling that light at the end of the tunnel and trying to focus on the positives. What made me able to do that was my faith. It was, and still is a struggle with my health but I try to appreciate something in every single day. I think you are in good position because you have a job that you say is relatively low stress, high paying, and I assume you are in good health (since you didn't say otherwise). Try to look at the big picture and try to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and try to do this every day. Having also worked a very long time I understand that feeling of running on the hamster wheel, but for you that time is almost over (13 more years compared to how long you have already worked). Try to due what makes you happy and find what brings joy to your life? Remember the grass is always greener so just focus on your positives and make changes in your life (that you can) now if necessary. Wishing you well!!

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I know you don't want to try another job....but there may be funner, easier, units within your current hospital where you could spend your retirement "work" years. You may be re-energized by a different unit.

How other nurses do it? I "retired" to working out patient surgery within my acute care hospital...no nights, no holidays, no weekends and waaaaay easier than in patient units.

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In order to get off the hamster wheel, you HAVE to try another job. You have many options available to you.

I was 60 years old when I had enough with floor nursing. I had already done the travel and agency thing. I went onto insurance work, working from home.

Best wishes... change is good.

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Thank you all for your responses and great advice! Not feeling sorry for myself as I have much to be grateful for, just stuck in a rut I suppose:)

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

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