Will I have to retire at 65, or can I work longer?

[jallen5]

I am almost 40 and just starting nursing school. My kids will be leaving the house in a few years, and my hubby and I are thinking that maybe we don't want to retire. I can't say that I have ever seen a nurse over 65 years old, but times are changing, and 40 is the new 30, right? As long as I can still do the work, is there any rule or law that would force me out? Also, we are thinking of travel nursing, but were wondering what job my hubby could do on the road with me. He is a Spanish professor and thinks maybe he could give medical Spanish workshops or education workshops. Any ideas? Thank you.

[DA314]

I don't think you have to retire at 65. The nurse at my Doctor's office appears to be older than that (though I don't dare ask). Good luck to you!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I don't know any older nurses where I work. However, I've never heard of forced retirement just because one reaches 65. That probably would be age discrimination.

I plan on working until I'm 70 because I started late with my retirement planning, and this past year has wiped out 25% of my funds.

[KaroSnowQueen, RN]

I think as long as you are physically capable of doing your job, they can't force you out. If you want to work til 70, more power to you. :cheers:Me? I'm hoping I win the powerball next week and can retire at 48.

[rn/writer, RN]

Whether on not you have to retire depends on your employer.

I'm thinking that with the boomer generation aging and many more people using the health care system, employers might not be so quick to jettison nurses with years of experience. They may not be able to do all the heavy lifting, but they certainly still have much to contribute.

Some smart hospital folks have been implementing things like offering four-hour shifts. Doing so allows nurses to have a choice of four-, eight- or twelve-hour shifts, depending on their stamina and schedule needs. This kind of flexibility has the potential to fill many needs and serve everyone well.

As the population ages, I think we are going to see more flex-jobs, job sharing, and other creative alternatives to the traditional forty-hour week. Working from home has become more popular. Bartering skills for goods and services is another growing option.

Who knows what will be out there by the time you hit retirement age. In the meantime, acquire all the skills you can (additional languages, computer abilities, etc.), network, explore possibilities and locations, and keep your eyes and ears open to new interests.

You sound like the kind of people who will make a seamless transition and have a fulfilling life.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Health should be the only factor related to retirement, in my opinion. You may find yourself changing to other types of nursing but that is a decision you can make later. I like the idea of your husband planning workshops, etc. with your itinerary. Sounds interesting.

[caliotter3]

I have met at least three nurses who were working well into their seventies. One of them returned to an employer twice before retiring for the final time. She was, I believe, 78 when she finally retired. None of the three nurses had any physical problems with doing their jobs that I know of.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I plan to keep on working until I can't, physically. Mentally, if that happens, I have an exit plan.

[amjowens]

There are some professions which have mandatory retirements-some I can think of-air traffic controller/commerical airplane pilot, etc. Most professions that have mandatory retirement are those that can potentially affect a lot of people. I'd think some nursing jobs would fit, like nurse anesthetist positions or ER nursing (where the pace can be fast and physically demanding).

With all the options in nursing, I'd hope that nurses who are too old to intervene effectively for their patients would find a spot in academic settings or something, but I don't know of a mandatory retirement age in nursing.

[OC_An Khe]

There is no mandatory retirement age for nurse. Though, some individual employers do have a mandatory age. But as long as I am healthy and enjoy what I am doing I will continue to work. Full disclosure I am eligible to retire now and collect Social security so it can be and is being done by plenty of people.

[rn2bnwi, BSN, RN]

I work with a nurse that is in her 70's and 3 other nurses that retired and came back... not sure about their ages but in their 60s

[PBAJS]

From the Social Security website ...

Full retirement age had been 65 for many years. ... beginning with people born in 1938 that age gradually increases until it reaches 67 for people born after 1959. ... you may start receiving benefits as early as age 62 (but the amount will be less than your full retirement age amount) or as late as age 70. http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/agereduction.htm

Social Security benefits are not figured on your last five years of earnings. Retirement benefit calculations are based on your average earnings during ... read more here > http://www.ssa.gov/planners/faqs.htm