Nurse for 40 years

I tried nursing and hated it. I left the day after my last exam. I passed and qualified as an SRN in 1973 but by the time my results came I was long gone. I never went back.

I think only very dedicated people actually enjoy nursing they are wonderful people and thank goodness they exist, I admire them greatly.

My problem was that I was not a born nurse and I went into it for all the wrong reasons.

I qualified in July 1985! I think back then girls either went into nursing, secretarial college or teaching.
So much choice and diversity of careers now.
I have mostly enjoyed it but so look forward to retiring at the end of the year now.

I work as a children's safeguarding nurse ....Monday and Tuesday....I still love it....ives retired and returned in 2 days

I retired after 40 years in the NHS; I was a Nurse Practitioner working in respiratory care. Loved my job, but I was exhausted at 60, so I retired then. I could do that because of my NHS pension - still had to wait another 6 years for State Pension though! Some colleagues in less stressful posts continued for another couple of years.

If you are not happy in your job, both you and the patients are suffering Readandcook. Have you thought of a different post, or change of care home? I am sorry that you are not happy.

I Nursed for 35 years until it broke me physically and mentally. I now work as an advisor ( benefits), helping older people to complete disability forms etc for a charity. Could you move into something like that? Obviously less pay but still using your skills.

Do you need to work full time financially?

Have you thought about caring for people in their own homes ?
Not the agency in/out in 15 minutes type but a more long term placement for several hours a week, though probably not full time.

Members of my family have had really rewarding relationships with their permanent carers.

Am not sure of the retirement age if you are 62, is it 67 or 68. I do wish the government would stop moving the age ever forwards.
That said, can you stand working another 5 years or more in a job you hate at an age when it could affect your wellbeing??
As others have said could you look for other jobs, not easy at your age but some employers are taking on more mature workers and you have a lot of experience in care.
So sorry you are facing this.
All the best.
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