Retired nurses responding to Covid-19

[Marisette, BSN, RN]

Just wondering if any retired nurses have responded for the call to rejoin the ranks to covid-19. I just got an alert to my phone requesting volunteers. I question if this is a good option to replace medical staff since older people are a higher risk of complication for covid 19?

I'm almost 60, and was chosen to triage (walks in's not phone triage), potential covid patient's by my employer. Refusal of assigment can result in job loss. I'm worried that no job equals no health insurance in these trying times.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I'm 65 and not 'retired' - but I have been away from the bedside for 4 years (in academia). There's still a lot I can contribute and am happy to do so. I've signed up in my state and am waiting for a call.

[kitty29]

I just turned 62 and did get a notification from a travel company I used to work with. I do not plan to take this or any offer. Not only am I at risk, I am unable to keep up with the physical demands of the job anymore. It was getting very difficult 2 years before I retired! Spinal stenosis throughout my back, and now injury to the IT Band in my left leg!! Been at least sewing homemade masks for my community and former coworkers....but that's all I can do.

[guest1146168]

I'm not retired and have remained in the clinical arena but I left floor nursing several years ago. When I saw what was going on in the big city hospitals I volunteered with the state pandemic response team as I figured even if I was just helping the critical care team with assessments, meds and basic nursing care and procedures it would still be a lot of help when they're dealing with , what 6 to 10 ICU patients per nurse.

I fully knew the risks when I did but I couldn't stand the thought of these patients having to die alone and frightened. Incidentally both states health depts matched me with several facilities including LTC yet the only orgs I heard from sent advertisements for full time work . But I didn't want to work for them full time I was offering my services on a temporary *volunteer* basis .

I suspect their lack of interest may have had much to do with my request for housing during the duration and for 2 weeks afterward. Oh well - it's one thing to take risks for myself, but heck if I was going to swim in Corvid and then come home to the small home I share with my family.