Seasoned nurses

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I have been a nurse for many years. I need to work 2 1/2 more years but am currently so unhappy in my unit. I have even considered requesting disability for longstanding depression. I do not want to be a drain on the system though. Has anyone in their 60's changed jobs so close to retirement? I just wonder what the chances are that I could move to an office job such as case management or utilization review. Maybe I would be happier. I am an ICU nurse with a BN degree.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.

I'm not a seasoned nurse (just a nursing student), but I will say that I have heard of people in their sixties completely switching careers. As someone with many years of rich experience and knowledge, you should have no problem landing an office gig, but don't surprise if you experience a cut in pay.

That being said, I really think that before you consider doing anything drastic you should consult a mental health specialist. I have also suffered from depression for more than eight years, but I can honestly say that the medications and psychiatry has helped me tremendously.

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Home care or phone triage for clinics? Try to work until 67 for max social security

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

It won't happen if you don't try. That is the only certainty. What do you have to lose? Go for whatever might be a positive change.

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Thank you two. I have been on meds and have had psychotherapy since I was 31. I am glad you are getting help early. I think home health might be a good option. Phone triage is something I will check in to.

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

Be sure your meds don't tweaking by your psychiatrist if you've been on them for a while. The same meds, whether for hypertension, depression, anxiety, pain control, or whatever, don't always continue to be as effective as they once were. I'm not giving advice, just making a general observation. When I became perimenopausal, the meds I had taken for two decades for seizures, had to be adjusted.

Have you talked with your MH professional lately? I don't mean for a quick meds Rx renewal, but for an indepth appointment? Weather and seasonal changes can throw someone off kilter. What I did when a job made me unhappy was to make a pro/con list and go from there.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Lots of the nurses who are older in my hospital switch to case management, postpartum/women's services/nursery, telephone triage, palliative care. Insurance companies can be good too. School nursing. Employee health.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Your experience and expertise is enormously valuable for many types of jobs, particularly those that require independent judgement and comprehensive knowledge of patient care processes. PP's have identified a lot of different roles that would be a great fit for you.

If you haven't already done so, take the time to talk to your manager & nurse recruiter (HR) about your career plans. I'm sure that they want to retain someone with your skills & knowledge. There may be opportunities for internal transfer you are not aware of.

Best of luck in your career transition.

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I got into case management at the tender age of 61. Sent my resume to several contracting agencies and got my foot in the door at an insurance company. Worked for a few months as a contractor and then was hired on.

Feel free to PM me, I've been there, done that .

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