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My name is Lee Ann. I am a 60 year old clinic nurse at The James Oncology Clinic at Outpatient Care New Albany. My current plan is to retire at age 67.
What was the knowledge gained? I learned that worldwide, the average age of the nursing workforce is older than I realized. Also, I was surprised to learn of the increased risk for cardiovascular disease associated with the nursing profession. From the article on staff retention interventions, I learned that my employers interest in my health and emotional wellbeing is probably motivated by their desire to retain staff.
Will the research in this article change or influence your practice? When I entered this profession, I was aware that the physical and cognitive changes that accompany aging would eventually cause challenges. I have tried to be pro-active, accept the reality of aging and make career adjustments as necessary. I try to remember that every age group has its own strengths and their weaknesses. As a member of the group of career-exiting baby boomers from the article, I try to share what I have learned about the profession and mentor my replacements as best I can.
What other questions does the article raise about current practice? I am curious to know if there are organized efforts to discourage agism at OSU. My experience as a James nursing staff member >50 years old has been positive so far. I was hired as a James staff RN at age 54. I have been allowed to repeat trainings if needed and have received one on one help with IHIS training issues. In 2019 (Pre-Covid) my concern for musculoskeletal risks prompted my decision to leave floor nursing. I applied for many positions with no luck and eventually landed an outpatient clinic job more appropriate for my capabilities. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities and the supportive workplace that I have experienced so far. Coworkers and managers have been very kind.
Do you agree/disagree with the conclusions of the author? I agree that the physical and mental stresses of any job is a major factor on the employee’s decision of when to retire. I agree that aging individuals should not be discriminated against in the workplace as long as they are able to perform the functions of the position they hold. I understand that a healthcare organization might lesson their staff shortages by keeping existing employees working to age 65 and beyond. It seems to me that the majority of people I know, regardless of profession, hold a personal goal to retire as early as financially possible (i.e. around age 60).
Katie – I hope your interest in mindfulness leads to obtaining some very helpful coping practices. I have never participated in any OSU offerings on mindfulness. I have found a lot of value from the works on mindfulness based stress reduction by Jon Kabat-Zinn. You might want to check out his books and videos of his lectures.
Holly – I hadn’t considered the amount of Staff RN’s that leave when they become NP’s as contributing to the nursing shortage. I would imagine that to be a significant number at OSU.
I agree with you that it is nearly impossible to participate in employer-offered stress relief activities during the workday. especially for bed-side nurses – and they are the ones who need it the most. I like the LSA program because it is a benefit that all employees can use in a way that fits their schedule and lifestyle.
Holly- you are absolutely correct in that the offerings to reduce stress are at an awful time. It is virtually impossible for staff to actually get away for a massage offering or BuckeyePaws or any of the other stress reduction offerings. I agree that it’s something OSU offers to brag about to Magnet or other marketing ploys. I have seen these offerings numerous times and at Ackerman or other places where staff can actually step away and aren’t 4 nurses short on the unit for that day. I would love to see them offer these AND have a way for more staff to partake. We in the float pool have at least tried these things and had the luxury of resource nurse potentially being able to cover us for a few minutes but still incredibly difficult. You offer so many good points!
Hello, my name is Kelly. I am a nurse in CTU on 5 James.
1. In the article written by our own fabulous James RN’s, I found the topic of ageism interesting. I do remember when EPIC became a thing a few nurses who were close to retiring just decided to do so rather than go through the hassle of EPIC. I also can recall some nurses making comments to the effect of feeling less than. On the reverse side of the coin from ageism, I do know of experiences where the older nurses tended to “eat their prey,” when it came to the younger nurses coming into the job. It just sparked for me the idea of coming off both ends of the spectrum and looking out for each other and teamwork definitely would help both ends!
2. The article will definitely influence me on a personal level to keep taking self care important. “Nurses have a higher than average percentage of obesity, sleep problems, untreated depression, anxiety, and chronic pain….and an estimated loss of approx 5 years of life” WHAT??!! 5 years….that’s a lot. Self care is so important.
4. I agree with the conclusion of the 2nd article’s conclusion of healthcare systems should invest in the well-being of their clinicians. I am very appreciative of the hospital’s extension of the $125 lifestyle spending account. I think this is a step in the right direction to make employees feel appreciated and splurge maybe on things they wouldn’t normally like getting a massage, etc.
Jeff- The statistic of the amount of nurses retiring by 2030 is crazy to me as well, kind of scary. I feel as though with all the negative around nursing right now, it makes me wonder, are there going to be enough new nurses that want to come into this profession to help close the gap?
Katie-You brought up a very interesting point of whether resiliency programs help or is an answer to the problem. It made me think even is it a bridge in between the two almost until staffing, etc gets better.
Thank you, Julie, for all your amazing work on the publication of the journal and for leading this month’s journal club.
Hello everyone, this is Stephanie from CTU.
I know, many of us have experienced similar situations as the case studies shared in, “Dying to retire or living to work: Challenges facing aging nurses.” We, as nurses tend to emphasize all our energy into taking care of patients, family members, and friends before our own well-being.
Researching for the publication reminded me of how resilient nurses are, the importance of self-care, and the impact our job has on our physical/mental health.
Although I am certain many of us would love to retire young, it’s just not an option to do so for many of us. We persevere, keep working, and face our challenges.What was the knowledge gained from the article?
The findings in both publications state the obvious consequences of burnout of medical care personnel. The everyday stressors, anxiety, unhealthy habits, and pressures attributed to poor self-care and being overworked can lead to medical errors, depression, and many more symptoms. The imbalance of the demands on medical staff and the lack of resources available to us are even more prevalent now than before.
I was unaware of NAM and its model of action to support clinicians in well-being and resilience. I appreciate that there are publications that acknowledge there is a problem and that healthcare workers need to have support. I fear though that the healthcare providers are the only ones reading these findings and not the policyholders of the hospitals who can make changes.
https://nam.edu/initiatives/clinician-resilience-and-well-being/What other questions does the article raise about current practice?
Although, we know that something must change, and the current healthcare system is not sustainable. How long can hospitals operate with shortages and a “band-aid” mentality of care? Research has shown that the average nurse is 52 years old, and the average retirement is 58 years old, will changing policies and implementing changes be achievable?Do you agree/disagree with the conclusions of the author, and why?
I agree that many healthcare workers do not prioritize their self-care, and healthcare systems need to implement changes to support their staff. I also agree that mindfulness and its effectiveness has shown to improve people’s mental health, but it is difficult to do due to the lack of time that most healthcare professionals have. They also do not have the trainers to support this intervention. We are creating a vicious cycle of great intentions and ideas but lack the manpower to support them.Kelly,
I was also surprised to find that we can potentially lose 5 years of life due to our occupation. I think we often forget the toll our job has on our lives as we care for everyone around us and forget ourselves. I agree that self-care is so important.Lee Ann,
Wow! 60, I would never know it, you look amazing 😊
I am so glad to hear of your positive experience with OSU, and that you were able to find your new position. I know, it has been difficult. I also agree with you that individuals should not be discriminated against for their age if they are able to perform their job. I find our experienced nurses have a wealth of knowledge that you can learn in a textbook. It truly is going to be a loss when they retire.Greg,
I completely agree with how challenging it has been with the decrease in PCAs. I truly felt this when we were team nursing during the pandemic and had to do primary nursing for all our patients. I too felt the physical strain during that time. However, appreciate being able to work with you, thank you. I also share your frustration with navigating in IHIS and its lack of ease of use.Jeff,
I too, can’t imagine the wealth of experience and knowledge that is about to retire and the strain that it will place on the healthcare system that is already “broken”. I also agree that advancement in technology is a great tool for providing a high level of care for our patients easier. I just fear that sometimes it also can take away the “human factor” of bedside nursing at times. When we rely too much on machines and technology, we can forget how powerful the human touch can also be in healing.Katie,
I agree that staffing issues and more demands contribute the most to our stress. Although, as you said there are programs available to help with resiliency and stress management. The challenge is finding the time and the energy to truly utilize their benefits. I know I need to make the effort, but personally, it is so hard when I just want to go home and go to bed.Hi, I’m a nurse at a Bene Heme Clinic at OSU East.
1.What was the knowledge gained from the article?
It really gave insight to the individual response to an unconscious bias that is heavily present in healthcare and in company innerworkings that can have profound ripples. Not only does ageism affect the individual that may experience it directly from their peers, management, or patients but it can also affect their career opportunities. It’s also extremely shocking to see that we will be losing upwards of 2 million years of nursing experience between 2020 and 2023 and I can only imagine that added strain that will put on the healthcare system that already struggles to maintain the needs of our patients.2.Will the research/information in this article change or influence your practice? If so how?
It adds a sense of pressure to me that I need to be aware and present in how I interact with older nurses and staff to ensure they’re supported as well as serving as resource to them as they do for me. Medical staff in all walks of life are often undervalued and it is up to us to look out for each other and create a better culture for all of us. Whether it is assistance with computers or a boost, we can help put the ownness on ourselves to ask as they are so often in positions of mentorship in guidance with the newer nurses.
3.What other questions does the article raise about current practice?
How can a large organization that is meant to value health and preventative care say that support nurses when it so often just feel like its for show for media? Why do we have nurses leaving in droves that causes these vacuums of experience? How can we better compensate with strong and healthy nurses and programs in place already that support them the minute they are hired? It is a lengthy and mulitfaceted work ahead but some organizations like OSU have implemented programs like the plan for health and LSA, which rewards staff finically for healthy choices. Programs like these and others can improve resiliency and give a better dialogue for health and personal care in our workforce.
Hi Kelly,
I really enjoyed your take on the article regarding ageism and I also agree that there can also be an issue on the reverse side. We’ve all heard the talk of “eat the young” with healthcare organizations and I think that is a factor and a culture that makes it twice as hard to combat ageism and health in our workforce. I’ve heard many a story and experienced personally of feeling “dumb” or not cut out for the harsh realities of nursing when orienting to a new practice by older nurses. There can also be a concreted attitude of extreme work ethic where some older nurses will work themselves to the bone and neglect their own health from these behaviors. We are all committed to our patients but I hope we’re all moving closer to a balanced care that keeps nurses and patients healthy without negatively impacting the other.
Hi Le Ann,
I was very pleased to read your take on that article as an more experienced nurse. Your experience and care is very appreciated by me and others and I’m glad you found a location that appreciates you. It is s shocking to hear about the health issues that can go into working as a nurse and it is something to take with us home and try to create healthier habits. After all, we all know nurses make the worst patients!
Patti at SSCBC
1. What was the knowledge gained from the article?
It made me nervous that the average age of a nurse is in their 50’s. Does this mean we haven’t hit the bottom when it comes to the staffing shortage?
2. How will the research in the articles change current practice?
These articles have reinforced the importance of selfcare. I’ve been in this profession for almost 20 years and I have found myself setting boundaries with my employer. I work the hours I am scheduled and give my employer 110% and the rest of the week is for my family and I. I also have found leaving the unit during my lunch. When I leave and eat and take a walk it helps me to to refocus and I feel more refreshed.
3. Do you agree/disagree with the authors.
I agree with the article that healthcare is extremely stressful which in returns leads to several health issues. How often have you been given cookies or pizza as an appreciation for working hard? For nursing I’ve seen nurses over and over work 12 hours with out taking a 30 minute uninterrupted break. I challenge a healthcare system to invest in their employees and ensure they all get a 30 minute uninterrupted break and let that be their study.I too am excited for the LSA program. I’m blessed to be in the financial position that I can use this additional money to pay for something to improve my overall health. Unfortunately, due to inflation some lower paying positions well have to use this money for cost of living, utilities.
I worry about the Patient Care Assistance that I’ve encounter in this healthcare system and whether or not they make enough to pay for their basic needs.
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