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7 Things to Learn from a "Lifer" Nurse
Prisca Smith | Scrubs Magazine
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Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the differences between seasoned nurses, whom we call “lifers” because they will likely retire on our floor and have been around a long time, and new nurses.
This probably has something to do with the fact that, in my new job, I am working with nurses who have been in the profession and specialty for 10+ years—there are not many newbies around. Some of these nurses will retire in a few years having been on the same unit their whole career!
The other night I watched a 25+ year nurse as she calmly took a verbal berating from a doctor — only to put him in his place using some evidence-based jargon that had my head reeling!
This is so different in that I am coming from a hospital where new grads moved up the ranks and ran the show at three to four years in, only to burn out and move on. In fact, when I was hired as a new grad, my previous manager told me that the unit had a “burn-out rate” of one year—new grads got their initial experience then moved on.
So, what does my future look like as a seasoned nurse? What can you expect if you’re planning on being a “lifer?”
What are the common traits in nurses with loads of experience?
#1: Lifers are Calmer →
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osose
about 2 years ago
18 comments
thiis is an all encompassing article. As a foreign trained nurse currently working as a CNA and preparing to take my NCLEX-RN exam soon, this article makes it obvious to me what is ahead of me as an RN and i am delighted to know that it will be a good responsiblity. I hope to be a lifer. Thank you for the good job. Please keep it on.
nursejanet
about 2 years ago
8 comments
I've been a nurse for 30 years; first, I was an LPN, then RN, then received a BSN. I've done home care for five years recently, and started out in home care, then went on to do other things. I think that lifers are less quick to react in a situation, giving it time to change or not. I am generally calmer than nurses who have not been in the profession as long as I have. I think that older nurses have a kind of intuition. One time I told a doctor that I thought the patient was going "sour". He didn't believe me, said there was no empiric evidence.. He lost that patient in a code the next day. I reminded him later; he said i was right.
casskemp
about 2 years ago
4 comments
most lifers I know do not have Masters degrees, they have 3yr RN diplomas and lived and breathed the hospital where they went to school and had a literal hands on schooling unlike today
DebbieMck
about 2 years ago
4 comments
KUDOS! to ScotS. I am 57 and just starting an RN-BSN program. One is never too old to learn.
ScotS
about 2 years ago
4 comments
Lifer... Probably..I'm 55yo m just starting a 2y RN-BSN program.
JennyGK
over 2 years ago
198 comments
Good advice.
brienza
over 2 years ago
2 comments
I am a Lifer,seasoned LPN. My specialty is Peds. I have 34 yrs. experience. I was Peds hospital staff nurse for 17 1/2 yr.,then went to work for a clinic in Peds.Now I work with a solo Pediatrician in her office part time.I always love Nursing.I want to stress that in Pediatrics,you have to earn the Parent's trust and confidence before you reach out to their children.Then it is easy to do what you have to do. Also,have a sense of humor when it is needed.I will retire when my Dr. retires. That is what we plan. I am her only Nurse-have been for 14 yrs now.I am in college-will graduate in May with a History Degree. I will work in our museum as my retirement career. I am there now part time.Our hospital is celebrating 100 years and I am working with them and the museum to have a exhibit and a time-line to educate the community.I get to use both of my Loves in this project.
Maerzie
over 2 years ago
2 comments
I was a nursing "lifer", and I'd say it takes the same qualities as a good marriage: consideration, keeping informed, communication, cooperation, honesty, determination, love, empathy, and "sticktuitivity", and not necessarily in that order. If "divorce" is not an option, you know you MUST make it work. Obviously, since you are saying you want to be a "lifer", you already know most of these things. You definitely won't always get your own way. Each struggle you survive is a learning opportunity and earns your "wisdom" for you.
gr09
over 2 years ago
4 comments
Nice article.
HerbalNurse
over 2 years ago
466 comments
20+ years. Nice article.
FLIGHTRN197
over 2 years ago
6 comments
As a very seasoned nurse: see one, do one, teach one, Be calm grasshopper, those who rush don't see the real reason why you became a nurse!
GilMichaeli
over 2 years ago
6 comments
Is there such a word as assuridity?
shellman
over 2 years ago
2 comments
Excellent article. Reading this can help someone like me, who is thinking of entering nursing, determine if I have what it takes to be a good nurse. I have some things to work on but I may get a good base when I start training. I am thankful to the author for thinking ahead for herself, and submitting the article for others.
cab9960
over 2 years ago
2 comments
I've been in the nursing profession for 26+ years! Unbelievable when I really think about it. I've run the gambit starting as a CNA, then LVN (for 10 years), and now RN for 16 years. I started with an associates, then BSN, now MBA in Healthcare Management. I spent 10 years in middle to upper management (CNO) and now back to basics working as a staff nurse in an ambulatory surgery center. No weekends, no holidays, very little call. Regrets? Absolutely. The grass is not always greener...I'm less stressed, enjoy more patient contact, and have more free time to enjoy my career until retirement. My acquired management skills are a + when working once again as a staff nurse.
catzhouz
over 2 years ago
6 comments
I too am a lifer. I have 33 + years as a nurse. I specialize in geriatrics. I chose this area as I was afraid of "old" people. I have learned the art of respect that I think we sometimes forget. Your article has discribed the "lifer' quite well. I like to think I have been kind to the new comers so that they don't run. Teaching these "kids" is the best way for harmony on the shift and cohesion of the staff. To the "kids" I wish you the best, listen well and remain open to changes.