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.
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