Survival Tips for Nurses over 50

Posted by in Healthcare •


In the U.S., approximately 850,000 registered nurses (RNs) are between the ages of 50 and 64. If you’re one of these hardworking individuals, you know what a challenge it is to maintain your energy level and avoid RN burnout.

 

The good news is conditions are improving for older nurses. Donna Herrin, RN, MSN and senior vice president at Martin Health System notes that more hospitals and healthcare centers are improving work place conditions to encourage experienced nurses to stay on the job.

 

To help you not only survive but thrive, consider the following suggestions from peers and experts alike:

 

Reduce Workload. Ask your employer for accommodations that will make your work a bit easier, says Joan Borgatti, RN, MEd, author of Frazzled, Fried...Finished? A Guide to Help Nurses Find Balance. Some employers may reduce your shift from the grueling 12 to a more manageable 8 hours. Older nurses suffer job-related back pain more than workers in any other profession. In fact, one survey revealed that two-thirds of all orthopedic nurses and more than half of all ICU nurses suffer debilitating back pain at least once in their careers. It’s not unreasonable for you to ask your employer to provide hoists and lifts to help move patients.

 

Reduce Eyestrain. Squinting to read tiny type on computer screens can pose a challenge for older nurses. Herrin suggests that nurses ask for larger text and readouts on computers and other medical equipment to ensure accuracy and reduce eyestrain. Simple steps like these can maintain productivity and improve morale for aging workers.

 

Switch Units. Ask to work in pediatrics or outpatient surgery, which are typically less physically demanding than orthopedics or rehabilitation, says Debbie Hatmaker, PhD, RN, Board Member of the American Nurses Association that provides workplace advocacy for nonunion nurses.

 

Survive Night Shifts. Eat a full meal before your shift. As you well know, the cafeteria can be either closed or offer paltry leftovers at night. So carry some healthy snacks to get through the night. And get at least 8 hours of sleep during the day to avoid those 3 a.m. naps. When you get home at dawn, don’t go to sleep immediately. Relax for a while. Read or watch TV. Allow your body to tell you when it’s time to sleep. If you work multiple shifts, try to gradually ease into the night shift, segueing from evening shift to night shift to allow your body to adjust. Don’t rely on alcohol or sleeping pills to help you sleep. Allow your body to establish normal circadian rhythms for restful sleep.

 

Making life easier for older nurses is not rocket science. Employers want to keep you since you are an experienced and valued asset. So ask for things that will take the load off your workload. You may just get what you ask for.

 

Image courtesy of stockimages/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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  • michele L
    michele L •
    Hello fellow sympathizers!I am 57 and my brain and analytical abilities have not slowed down but my knees,  (I am not overweight, just have been overworked).Finding less demanding physical jobs is all but impossible where I live.  I am taking computer classes and have had a BSN for 35 years so other than improving my education technologically, I am at a loss at finding a non-clinical job.  We aging nurses are not valued in the institutions where I live or in other areas of the Country where my friends reside. We older nurses feel very disrespected and certainly hurt that after all these years of service we are not 'wanted'.  Please do not presume institutions value 'older' nurses as they do not!  They hire new graduates at a much lower rate, less insurance costs who are 'techy' but not 'touchy' . Discouraged.
  • Claire S
    Claire S •
    Unrealistic.  In todays market it is easier to hire a younger RN who starts at entry level pay & will work 12/5 hrs.  Best is to switch clinical areas such as OP clinics, infusion, education, etc.
  • Lascelles b
    Lascelles b •
    I see you have some valid points. I think they are all doable. Try to maintain whatever routine works best for you.
  • Mary R
    Mary R •
    I do not agree, there are 50 year old who have more energy than younger people there more dependable. Some like to work in a fast area to stay buzz.
  • SHERRY L
    SHERRY L •
    This article is unrealistic.  Hospitals only want nurses who will work 12-hour shifts and are not going to make accommodations because someone is over 50 years of age.  They'll just hire the younger nurses who will work the long shifts - and all shifts.  It's easy to tell someone who works night shift to get 8 hours of sleep during the day, but sometimes that is just impossible unless you live alone.
  • emily m
    emily m •
    Finally,finally someone  is validating my thoughts.Some of my friends who are nurses,(not at  the same facility as I work) responded to me like I was delusional when I made these suggestions. I had requested part time  from my supervisor  because I was experiencing skeletal and neurological problems, we had moved from 5pts to 8,or nine sometimes.instead of doing something to retain nurses,nothing  was done  therefore med/surg  nurses were leaving.My health continued deteriorating,and eventually I quit.One nurse had collapsed from stress on the job.Generally I am a healthy person but for the 12months before my resignation,i had been to the ER  3 times,Dr visits every month,not  to  mention that I was under the care of  4specialists plus my  IM   MD.   I support  your suggestions.
  • Gina R
    Gina R •
    I'm sorry, but my experience is that none of these concessions are factual. You either buck up, or get another job! And, never reveal anything re:backpain or you are automatically out!
  • Steve S
    Steve S •
    What world do you live in?LRMC is loosing nurses L/R because management does not care. We have several nursing schools around here.The old saying, a dime a dozen.
  • Nancie W
    Nancie W •
    Had some great ideas, I have to admit I haven't worked in the nursing field for 10 months because of the dynamics and politics.  I think I might go back but certainly cannot fathom asking for better accommodations unless  workplaces have changed drastically.  I worked for a Hospice and they told me I didn't need to spend more than 15 minutes a day with a patient except for medications.
  • Mary I
    Mary I •
    I'm an LPN in long term care.  Hard work. If I asked my employer to reduce my work load she'd show me the door.
  • Aliene L
    Aliene L •
    I recommend expansion of your profession and experience every 10 years. At every level in my career I had two nursing specialties. At age 21-26 I Clinical Nursing & Public Health, age 27-35 Nursing Education during the academic year and Emergency room in the summers. At age 36 I completed MPA. I moved into hospital administration and Healthcare Compliance. At age 49-57 completed a DPA and moved to Academic Medicine/ Compliance;  age 58-68 Compliance Consulting and Retirement; age 69-74 Medical Writing. At each career level the work was less physical, interesting, a bit more complicated with better compensation. I am soon to be 75 and an online instructor of public administration for universities. Old nurses shouldn't die (on their feet), but just fade away. In the meantime they have a lot of experience and knowledge that consumers and new healthcare providers need.  
  • Rebecca R
    Rebecca R •
    I'm over 50 with 20 years experience in nursing, a second career for me and I am having a hard time finding work. I love direct patient care, though bedside nursing broke my back down early on. I am a CRNI, 18 years in home care, supervision, leadership, management , UR, QI, accreditation!I have an ADN and a BA. I haven't even had an Interview in 4 months!World wide nursing shortage so why can't I find a job?
  • Carol a
    Carol a •
    To Sharon SKudos to you.. hang in there!
  • Elisabeth S
    Elisabeth S •
    I do believe there are other factors, primarily an ageist attitude among many employers. This may be insidious but I know many many nurses experiencing this prejudice.
  • Patricia W
    Patricia W •
    Unfortunately, more than less places of employment really don't care about the older nurses.  They want to see them leave as they are paid more than the new nurses out of school.  It's fact, facilities really don't care.  It's all about money and the attitude is.. here's the job.  Can you do it or not?  If not, you leave or some places set you up so they have a reason to let you go.  I've seen it and have been part of it.  Employers aren't as kind as you think.
  • LISA M
    LISA M •
    Why would you leave out LPN's?
  • Deborah M
    Deborah M •
    Good tips...but as a previous commenter stated...AGE DISCRIMINATION is there...I am too 59, small, petite, physically fit, and yet...told I am short list but job goes to someone else. I do not have a chip on my shoulder, but it is disheartening. Do the employers realize, our observational skills ARE practiced, tried and true, and even at my age, i am so excited to learn new methods/procedures. HIRING MANAGERS: my tip for you, recognize the older/mature applicant skills in resumes and interviews and from our references, and prior employers..and stop hiring the ones who jump and run on every new appealing opportunity.
  • karen v
    karen v •
    As a nurse for 44 years I can work well and still have enough energy for my real life if I eat right lots of fruits and veggies. drink water and excercise at work.. walk when able and not see this as work but an opportunity to keep my health tuned up. I can usually work circles around younger people. Work smart not hard..
  • linda t
    linda t •
    I am 61 and would love to continue working for a few more years; however, age discrimination is also a problem for older RN's. I am a case manager who does not do hands on care but even though I have much job experience, I often get no response to my applications. I am young looking and energetic with no medical probs but it seems that my age is a problem.
  • Donna t
    Donna t •
    I agree 100% and am glad to see a supportive article for seasoned hard working heros
  • JoAnn K
    JoAnn K •
    I have been a RN for 41 years. Most at the bedside of acute care settings. I am now 62 and have early retired. I still need to work part-time however hospitals here in Charleston, SC all want BSN nurses...I am a diploma grad. What is your thought of working from home or what are your suggestions? Thank you for your time.
  • Alex A. Kecskes
    Alex A. Kecskes •
    Don't give up, Sharon. There are employers out there who value your experience.
  • Sharon S
    Sharon S •
    I am 59, in excellent health, and strong.  My younger peers bullied all of the older staff until they were forced to leave to maintain their sanity.  Now I am faced with the difficulty of finding another job.  They can't discriminate against age legally, but it is obvious that they do.  I am getting very discouraged. I know I am a good nurse and have a lot to offer.
  • Sherry W
    Sherry W •
    very helpful info, would like to add use a back support if needed
  • Eva P
    Eva P •
    Very helpful tips

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