These diverse career paths can prevent burnout and allow for a less taxing job. Cronk, for example, became an OR charge nurse to try a new challenge and to make sure she worked days rather than nights. Pat Huffman, RN, has similar reasons for choosing her position. It s more social work than nursing per se, but allows Huffman to pursue her personal goals. Huffman also said her work, in which she does nothing more physically demanding than weigh and measure infants, is best for her body.
Nursing education is another option for older RNs willing to hit the books.
Yeaworth, Ph.D., MSN, served as dean of the college from 1979 to 1994, and officially retired from part-time teaching in 1998. Still, when a faculty member was unable to teach an Internet course in nursing theory, Yeaworth stepped up to the plate. It was stimulating to go back. At the same time, the growing numbers of older and elderly Americans will require more nurses. Kayser-Jones said one solution for nurses and the health care system could be older RNs working into their retirement years with elderly patients.