Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. Without competent nurses, doctors could not do their work. Nursing is a profession that requires complete dedication. It’s more of a lifestyle than just a simple 9-5 job. Nurses dedicate their time, energy and compassion to their patients, which is not something in other careers.
Many existing nurses are deciding not to retire, and there are several reasons for that. If you are on the fence about retiring, here are some reasons why you should consider waiting it out as a nurse:
Reason 1: Aging is happening slower these days.
From the baby boomers to the current generations, people are generally healthier and taking better care of their bodies. This leads to nurses being able to work longer in their lives and still be strong in spite of their growing age.
Reason 2: There are more daily tasks being automated for nurses.
That means they can accomplish more and generally be more accurate. Age was a factor with older nurses having vision problems and steady hands but that is not the case so much anymore.
Reason 3: Older nurses have more education.
You’ve spent the time and energy to get a higher degree, more certifications and have experience, why leave the field when you are at your prime?
Reason 4: Nurses of any age can still be productive on a medical team.
Though some nurses may need to cut back on their hours and only work in certain environments; many choose to keep their certifications current, so they don’t lose their license. Taking part-time jobs, home health jobs and even only working on certain floors, older nurses don’t have to retire just due to age.
As a nurse, you have a lot of options due to the high demand in your field. Choosing to wait out your retirement can mean higher pay, better job titles and even the ability to make your own schedule. These are perks that come with seniority, and as a hardworking nurse, you should take advantage of them. You’ve dedicated your life to this profession, retiring too early might mean you miss out on doing the work you truly love.
For help with knowing when to retire, and more tips on how to manage your nursing career, download the Nurse Backpack app. It will help you stay organized while tracking all your professional credentials and personal information. If you’re looking for a way to streamline your career, give the app a try today.
