Oldest practicing RN

[emtpbill, ASN, RN, EMT-P]

That anyone can recall and, in your opinion, do you think they should have still been practicing at that age.

I realize that people can still do their job even past retirement age but has anyone had to approach management when they feel a patient may be put at risk because , due to advanced age of the nurse , they may start to forget something or their reflexes or eye sight may start to inhibit their ability to safely practice the art of nursing.

[Asystole RN]

Impairment or unsafe practice has nothing to do with age.

Have I approached someone and/or management because I felt a nurse was unable to practice safely? Yes.

Unsafe is unsafe, age has nothing to do with it.

[SnowShoeRN]

I used to work with a floor nurse who was 75. She was amazing. In great shape, physically, with a knowledge base that was genuinely umatched. Before I left that hospital she was recognized in a hospital ceremony where she got a pin, plaque, and gift certificate for 50 years service to the hospital.

[AceOfHearts<3]

A patient told me about a nurse on another unit in my hospital that is turning 80 this year. I guess she's retiring after her birthday. The patient was really impressed with the nurse. I don't think I want to work until I'm 80, but I sure hope I'm in a condition (mentally and physically) where I could if I wanted to!

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I have worked with 3 nurses over 70, and their skills were excellent. They didn't want to retire until they were ready.

Age is not a factor, competence is. These nurses were sharp and had 50 years of experience. I would rather work with them than a new grad, any day.