One more day closer to retirement

Escape · Jul 17, 2017

Try keeping your Nursing license active for a year or so. Do lots of other things. You may come back to the roost.

GrumpyRN, NP · Aug 4, 2017

I have been in this profession a long time. I have worked in the same government facility for over 20 years. Just need a break I guess.

Worked in the UK NHS for 35 years. Retired 3 months ago and do not miss it one little bit.

No more unsupportive managers, no more abuse from patients, no more games/drama from colleagues.

Rota, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2017

I love my retirement from nursing. When I look back on my career, I am appalled at how stressed I was all the time - dealing with unsupportive management, time constraints, abusive patients, and the mountain of paperwork. I love what I do now. I am able to teach people how to get healthy and stay out of the sick care system. And I get paid to do that.

TriciaJ, RN · Jan 4, 2018

I just retired a month ago. I'm loving it. I now have the time to help elderly family members stay independent; I can finally maintain fitness goals and have hobbies. I, too, am appalled at how stressed I've been on an ongoing basis. My biggest retirement challenge will be getting my brain off the hamster wheel.

kitty29 · Mar 25, 2019

On ‎9‎/‎3‎/‎2017 at 8:21 AM, Rota said:
I love my retirement from nursing. When I look back on my career, I am appalled at how stressed I was all the time - dealing with unsupportive management, time constraints, abusive patients, and the mountain of paperwork. I love what I do now. I am able to teach people how to get healthy and stay out of the sick care system. And I get paid to do that.

I have 7 more shifts to go after tonight....will be leaving after 40 years as an RN in the same hospital. While I have over-all loved what I have done its gotten difficult the last 2 or so years. New manager who micro-manages....just feel bullied to leave. I am 61 in April and am told I am "golden" to retire by my financial advisors....still worried but think I will be ok esp. when SS kicks in!

I have been grieving already...pretty much crying as I come across things for former families I cared for...the thank you notes. I know I have done good no matter what BS this manager has said to and about me. Just so hurt though...because co-workers back-stabbed me often. No one talked to me...and that is what hurts.

To feel you are not able to ask questions, to be yourself, and Be Supported after giving your life??? I will be ok....Right???

Daisy4RN · Mar 26, 2019

13 hours ago, kitty29 said:
I have 7 more shifts to go after tonight....will be leaving after 40 years as an RN in the same hospital. While I have over-all loved what I have done its gotten difficult the last 2 or so years. New manager who micro-manages....just feel bullied to leave. I am 61 in April and am told I am "golden" to retire by my financial advisors....still worried but think I will be ok esp. when SS kicks in!
I have been grieving already...pretty much crying as I come across things for former families I cared for...the thank you notes. I know I have done good no matter what BS this manager has said to and about me. Just so hurt though...because co-workers back-stabbed me often. No one talked to me...and that is what hurts.
To feel you are not able to ask questions, to be yourself, and Be Supported after giving your life??? I will be ok....Right???

Kitty,

Yes, you will be ok!!!

Please dont let the last few years be what you remember about your long career. The work environment has been worse everywhere and most older nurses are treated badly on top of that. Being older myself i have also been witness to some of those issues. You have worked too long and hard to worry about that now! Retirement will be a change for sure, but it will be a good change. Give yourself time to adjust, think about what is next, and enjoy, you got this! It's all good!!

kitty29 · Mar 26, 2019

17 hours ago, Daisy4RN said:
Kitty,
Yes, you will be ok!!!
Please dont let the last few years be what you remember about your long career. The work environment has been worse everywhere and most older nurses are treated badly on top of that. Being older myself i have also been witness to some of those issues. You have worked too long and hard to worry about that now! Retirement will be a change for sure, but it will be a good change. Give yourself time to adjust, think about what is next, and enjoy, you got this! It's all good!!

Thank you. I am just so deeply hurt you know? I just really wonder what I really did wrong....I know I need to let it go....but it's so hard.

Daisy4RN · Mar 26, 2019

39 minutes ago, kitty29 said:
Thank you. I am just so deeply hurt you know? I just really wonder what I really did wrong....I know I need to let it go....but it's so hard.

Why do you assume that you did anything wrong. Some workplaces are, or become, toxic because of management or other staff. This is not your fault so please do not take any responsibility for that. The only thing you did was get older, lol. Some workplaces may welcome that but I personally havent seen it either. As for those back stabbers just remember karma, it will come back to them. We cannot control the actions of others, only our response to said actions. I know it hurts and it is confusing why people behave ugly. Yes, you do need to let it go, so just decide to do that, and then do it! You have worked 40 years in nursing so focus on the good that you have done it that time. Do not let anyone steal your joy!! Make your response to the ugliness be to rise above it and move forward in your life with joy and anticipation for what ever comes next! Mourn the loss (of nursing and/or the situation) if you need to and then go enjoy your new and improved new life!

kitty29 · Mar 27, 2019

Again thank you. My head knows you are right....my heart still is searching. Some days are better, some worse. One coworker who knows what has been going on said to me she felt like management won. Like I allowed it. But to continue would ruin my health and put my licence at risk. I did state my truth...but it's "spitting in the wind". The lawyer confirmed this.

Exit interview is suppose to be confidential but I wonder how frank I really can be?

GrumpyRN, NP · Mar 27, 2019

3 hours ago, kitty29 said:
Again thank you. My head knows you are right....my heart still is searching. Some days are better, some worse. One coworker who knows what has been going on said to me she felt like management won. Like I allowed it. But to continue would ruin my health and put my licence at risk. I did state my truth...but it's "spitting in the wind". The lawyer confirmed this.
Exit interview is suppose to be confidential but I wonder how frank I really can be?

Kitty, I am concerned. The reason being you are being forced out rather than making the decision yourself. Make sure you have plenty to do. Volunteer, enjoy family, hobbies whatever but don't give yourself time to mope.

As for the exit interview, give it to them with both barrels. What do you have to lose. Tell the truth and get it off your chest.

I am now 2 years since my retiral - I love it and don't miss work at all.

Good luck to you.

kitty29 · Mar 27, 2019

Well I was thinking of leaving at 62....so yes I feel bullied to leave. Yet I will now be living at my lake cottage full time with plenty to do. A dream realized.

I can over think things. But once I am moved and settled things will be better. I had wanted a few more improvements done but in time now.

I do know I am not alone, yet this is something you never think will happen you know? It's not like I was a slacker. In fact I would also be criticised for being too serious and focused on work at the start of my shifts.

Guess you can not win.