The End of An Era

[VivaLasViejas]

Well, I finally did it...sent in my request to the Board of Nursing to put my license into Retired status.

I haven't worked in five years, so I don't have any practice hours to be able to renew my license. I knew that, of course, but I cried a little as I was filling out the form that means my career is truly over. I put so much blood, sweat and tears into it over the years that I wound up being unable to separate what I did from who I was. I've had time now to untangle the mess, but I still think like a nurse and probably always will.

The reason I didn't put my license into Inactive status is that Retired makes it possible for me to keep my RN title as long as I put Retired behind it. I can't practice or volunteer as a nurse in any way, but then, if I could still work I wouldn't have had to give up my license in the first place.

So you might say it ended not with a bang but a whimper. But I'm not going to lose interest in nursing, not with a 21-year career behind me and a son who's a newly-minted RN in front of me. And of course I'll always hang around here. ?

[GrumpyRN, NP]

Hugs from across the pond from someone in exactly the same position.

I retired 2 years ago but my registration (licence) doesn't run out until later this year so I have done a few shifts on my terms just to keep in touch. That will have to stop soon as like you I cannot get the hours or the training to renew.

You are absolutely correct, it is a big step and means that what defined me for over 35 years has gone. I console myself with the knowledge that every time I went in and worked a shift I remembered why I retired.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

9 hours ago, Seaofclouds said:

I'm kind of jealous too. I still have a long ways to go, but my husband is already retired (military), so we talk a lot about my retirement already. I can understand the bittersweet side of things. I hope you can find ways to enjoy more of the sweet side of the retirement.

My hubby retired from the USAF in 1995, went on to become an AF JROTC instructor and this June retires once again....

[kakamegamama]

Aw, that must have been really hard. I wish you the best and thanks for deciding to hang out here. I believe that once a nurse, always a nurse. I don't think it leaves once it's in us!

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

Best of luck in your retirement, Please keep posting as you are a wealth of information ?

[Daisy4RN]

I am pretty close to being in your situation so I know (a little) bit about just how hard it can be. I quit full time a few years ago bc of health issues and now only work (very) per-diem. Not sure how long this will last. It is difficult to let go when we have worked so hard to obtain the license and also all the years put in. I know you will still be a wealth of knowledge and experience for your son and others here! Thank-you for your service to others and Godspeed to you on your new journeys.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

I didn't know there was an option to place a license in retired mode. While I am sad you had to make the decision to officially retire it is kind of nice that you can still retain the title in some capacity. Even if you couldn't...once a nurse always a nurse!

Retired or not, your opinions and knowledge are invaluable to your nursing community!

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Aw, thanks y'all. It's good to know that I still have something to offer. I've felt so irrelevant over the past few years; things have changed so much in the world of nursing since I left that I barely recognize my own profession. There are things that are ubiquitous, like short-staffing and ever-increasing workloads, but equipment and treatments and so many other aspects of healthcare have evolved over time and it's fascinating to learn about them. That's why I'm on here so much!?

[jrbl77, RN]

I read your post with interest. I'm at the end of my nursing career, but still working about 10 hrs per week. I've been a RN for 41 years and think about retirement all the time. I'm fortunate to be in a wonderful job that doesn't involve actual patient care. I'm 62 and plan to retire when it isn't fun anymore.

The hospital I spent most of my career at has just been torn down. This week! I left this hospital in 2006, but it still tugs at my heart. I feel that as the hospital came down, so went my history. The hospital I did my training at is also gone. Lots of memories.

Enjoy retirement!

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

You'll always be a nurse, even if you're not getting a paycheck. All of your hard work made you the strong, caring person you are today. While it may not have come about as you had hoped, I hope that you enjoy your retirement years.

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

Well, I don’t know if a “ congrats” is in order, but... I do know this had to have been hard or at the very least bittersweet,.... HUGS to you!!

you may not even recognize my name , but I’ve read all your posts and you’ve actually given me some good, encouraging advice personally, so for that I thank you! YOU are exactly the nurse and mentor every nurse should strive to be!!

Thank you for that!!

Peace, warm wishes , and thank you for your nursing SERVICE!! I hope you are doing well these days !!

[natural thing]

Best wishes to you - Viva and All - who have served in Nursing. Have fun and Enjoy!