Any nurses out there already or planning on working into their 70s?
I am planning to, since I entered this profession later than most (early 40s) and I would like to keep on working a little longer than the normal retirement age. This plan of course is God willing, hoping I am blessed with continued good health and stamina. I am definitely not looking to still be at the bedside at that age but I do see myself still in nursing somehow (educating or administrating perhaps). Depending on my circumstances, I may even be part time as well. My uncle is 76 and still works full time as a doorman. I know that is comparing apple to oranges in terms of physical work demands, but his work ethic is admirable and I think I take a lot after him. He definitely does not need to work financially but is doing it anyway and it keeps him active.
I see myself the same way, I just cannot picture myself sitting in a retirement home or not doing anything else work related once I hit 67. I'm the type of person that needs balance in life with work and play. I don't even find myself looking forward to retirement at all, maybe because I am enjoying my career right now. I have met a couple of nurses that are still working in their early 70s and they actually still love what they do. I like to see examples of nurses that don't actually hate their jobs and don't talk about retirement so much. Heard one nurse in her late 20s the other day already complaining that she cant wait to retire, and I thought to myself that is such a bad attitude to have already, what a sour long working life is ahead for her. I used to be in a profession before nursing that I despised and I had a similar attitude, which is what propelled me to change careers. So much happier now.
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
I will be working as an RN for as long as I can.
I also saved a portion of my wage since forever. Unfortunately, I lost that in total because of the stock market dump and a health episode unpaid by health insurance in the past 10 years.
There will be no volunteering to fill my time, I will need to be paid for any work I complete. I do have a small pension from much earlier employment in an acute hospital setting. All of my work for the past 20 years or so, however, involves an investment portfolio for retirment savings and that was lost.
The middle classes don't recover from stock losses that represent the majority of life savings very quickly or well. It has been clearly demonstrated that the US middle classes have had their overall WEALTH diminished in the past 10 years...lost retirements, lost savings, lost jobs, lost home values, and lost homes. The experience of the majority is not the same as the experience of the 1% and yet it seems that our fiscal legislative goals are very much designed to continue the protection of the 1% before consideration of the needs of the 99%.
Interesting discussion. I am 63 and working charge nurse in Level 1-4 ERs across the states. I don't "feel" my age, I "see" it. lol....I think my days in ER are finally over (NO MORE ACLS OR PALS) after 35 years. I, too, need to work but hope to go on partial SS soon, work part time and let my 5 year younger RN wife work full time....fort she is willing. I plan to get some kind of online biz going again or write a diet/wt loss/muscle building ebook. Have lost 100 lbs in past 3 years and kept it off, got muscled. Not really noticing a falling off of quick clinical skills, but have noticed some failing in lack of interest to some extent. I, too, will work for a LONG time, but think it might be important to leave Critical Care areas at some point and let the "young fighter pilots" take it over. Although I am sure there are many nurses still doing cc at my age. If so, let me hear, will you?
It depends on what one calls working. To me, working is doing something for 40 hours a week and getting paid for same. Sitting around waiting for an employer to decide they have work for you, finally, is not what I consider working.
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.
i will be 66 in 3/2015......i am working in family practice environment and feel i can continue this pace 10'ish more years, I will work as long as I am physically and cognitively able
I too plan on working for as long as possible. Granted I'm not 30 yet, but I've been saving into a 401-k since 2007 and have built up a nice start. I know I need to contribute even more than I do, but just honestly can't afford to. My health/dental insurance went up nearly $200 a month starting today. Of course my raise won't even come close to matching that. I don't see myself at the bedside forever. I have really enjoyed working outpt and teaching so those are my go to positions when I don't feel I'll be able to meet certain physical demands.
I am 60 and have no plan to retire. I have a 401 that lost some money but has regrouped, I have a small savings. It seems like everytime I think the savings will grow something happens and I need to pull some money out. My biggest concern is health insurance and how will I pay for it, I have been fortunate not to have had any serious health issues or injuries. But the 35 years at the bedside have taken their toll, my knees creak, my shoulders and neck ache and at times I have a low back ache. I am thankful that I am still able to work full time.
I had a great-aunt who worked as a rural PHN until she was 76
My husband isn't a nurse or even have a physical job, but he only plans to retire if he becomes incapable of doing his job. He's the type who gets depressed if not working, by his own self-reflection.
I am formerly CseMgr1 (accidentally deleted my e-mail associted with my account). Glad to be back on this forum after several years. I had some healing to do after losing my last job in healthcare during the "Great Recession" and though I am now retired, Nursing will always be in my blood! :)
I am retiring in two years at the age of 52 í ½í¸ƒ. Thirty two years in. I am
able to stay on my husband's insurance until he retires when he is 65. I am in a public retirement system, so it works for me. I plan on PRNing on my unit í ½í¸ƒ
toomuchbaloney
16,147 Posts
I will be working as an RN for as long as I can.
I also saved a portion of my wage since forever. Unfortunately, I lost that in total because of the stock market dump and a health episode unpaid by health insurance in the past 10 years.
There will be no volunteering to fill my time, I will need to be paid for any work I complete. I do have a small pension from much earlier employment in an acute hospital setting. All of my work for the past 20 years or so, however, involves an investment portfolio for retirment savings and that was lost.
The middle classes don't recover from stock losses that represent the majority of life savings very quickly or well. It has been clearly demonstrated that the US middle classes have had their overall WEALTH diminished in the past 10 years...lost retirements, lost savings, lost jobs, lost home values, and lost homes. The experience of the majority is not the same as the experience of the 1% and yet it seems that our fiscal legislative goals are very much designed to continue the protection of the 1% before consideration of the needs of the 99%.