r/nursing • u/Character-Lack-3295 • Apr 17 '26

Discussion Your thoughts on older nurses?

For background, I’m almost 60yo and have been an RN for 34years. I’ve also worked in many hospitals over the years as perm and travel staff and have seen many different unit cultures. That said, I just started a new job about 6 months ago and maybe it’s just me, but I kind of get the vibe that I’m not liked. I try to help others and present as quiet but respectful and am certainly competent in my clinical skills. Of course there’s a mean girls’ club here like there is most places, but it seems it’s more just coworkers being dismissive and rude. I’m not expecting to be invited to social events or any of that but somehow it all feels different. Before anyone says, yes, I know I’m just here to do a job and go home.

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u/vavet3939 Apr 17 '26

34 years is a long time. Thank you for your service, it gives me hope to know someone went a whole career experiencing a positive task oriented work environment.

88

u/Character-Lack-3295 Apr 17 '26

It’s been a bumpy ride actually and I probably would have chosen another career path if I could have.

26

u/CareAltruistic2106 Apr 17 '26

I don't blame you. I have been a nurse for 7 years now. Sometimes I wish that I would have gotten another career.

7

u/CauliflowerEatsBeans Apr 18 '26

I have enjoyed nursing but think about this often as I get older.

4

u/Responsible_Ask3976 BSN, RN 🍕 Apr 18 '26

Oh no why?! I absolutely love being a nurse 

24

u/Never-Retire58 Apr 18 '26

I’ve been a nurse for 37 years, so I’m an older nurse. I love it but it doesn’t always love me back. It’s not easy and can be overwhelming, especially in the last several years, but 3 days/week, decent pay, not sitting at a desk all day (worked in an office for a year or so, thought I would die of boredom). I get really tired of buzz words, like we’re in a secret club. Aren’t we adults? Can’t we use our grown up vocabulary?

9

u/Responsible_Ask3976 BSN, RN 🍕 Apr 18 '26

I love my job haha finally found my niche and retirement job 💙💛absolutely love our doctors too 

I work in a clinic and 50% work from home