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

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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.

Thank you so much everyone for your encouragement and input. I am very excited about the future and feel so good about choosing nursing!

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I work with 2 cna's and a nurse that are all over 65. They can run circles around me any day. They all retired but work 2-3 day/wk per diem.

I also have a 80 year old per diem night supervisor that works every so often. Excellent supervisor! We have one other supervisor that works here and there that is 70 something. Also excellent.

So no, you don't need to retire at 65 as long as you can still physically function. You can also "retire" and work per diem. I didn't become a LPN until 42 and won't be an RN until I'm 47.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I work with quite a few nurses that are older, don't know their exact age, but they are at least in their 60's, they work registery so they don't have set schedules and usually work 4- 8 hour shifts. They also only work in triage becasue while it is busy they are able to sit down to do their work.

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Specializes in OR, ER, TRAVEL, SURGICARE, WOMENS HOSP.

OMG! Just wait! I have been a nurse for 37 years and am 58 years old. I loved nursing but once you have that many years you don't even want to work past 65! Heck! I don't even want to work past 60! It was a great ride but I am ready to get off the train. Good luck! Any questions just ask. Buckle your seat-belt its going to be a bumpy ride!!

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

i'm working with a 60 year old new grad -- after her son finished medical school, she decided to go back to school to become a nurse. her husband plans to retire in 2 years, and she wants to do travel nursing!

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Specializes in SNF Medical Veterans Hospital.

Dear Curious;

Dont even think about trading in your scrubs for a "housedress". I work in Nevada at a hospital that is three years old, on my unit "medical oncology" there are two wonderful nurses; one is 78 and one is 75. The 78 year old is a widow, drives 40 miles each way to work on snowy roads inthe winter. We work 12 hour shifts, and she has no problem. Let the youngsters live life and work as a nurse, do the family thing and make it all work, they will catch up with us.......

I too entered nursing school at 40, that was 16 years ago, i was the oldest in my class and had less trouble than many 20 year olds. If this is what you want to do there will be jobs for you until your ready to quit.....

Good luck Sungoddess:yeah:

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