Travel nursing jobs can be demanding, and some people in the profession feel that is hard to remain effective with advancing age. While the job requires both physical endurance and mental agility, it does not mean that travel nurses need to feel as if they are aging out of their careers. In fact, research shows that the intuition and empathy acquired through experience can actually help nurses improve as they get older. Additionally, there are several ways that nurses and healthcare facilities can work together to help aging nurses remain as integral as ever.
Here is what you should know about the connection between aging and travel nursing.
New roles
While many travel nursing duties require extensive physical exertion, others do not. Because of this, it is useful for nurses and supervisors to work together to identify ways for aging workers to find less physically taxing ways to contribute. In fact, these roles – such as managing, educating and mentoring younger nurses – are increasingly being viewed as essential for attaining a higher level of care.
Aging travel nurses who are beginning to consider their jobs too physically taxing often find that a new role reinvigorates them. This is especially true for positions that limit physical demands and emphasize experience and supervision.
In addition to improving the satisfaction levels of older nurses, new roles can also help younger staff members. The day-to-day grind can be difficult for many travel nurses, but having access to experienced nurses in roles specifically geared toward providing support can make a big difference.
Incentives for older nurses
With the ongoing shortage of nurses, many healthcare facilities are beginning to recognize that retaining their aging nurses is crucial for maintaining staffing levels and providing high-quality care.
Prompted by this, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation carried out a study on the topic and identified some key ways for hospitals to keep older nurses happy. The list was long, but some of the highlights include improving retirement options, offering career growth training and providing on-site fitness and wellness programs.
By incorporating some or all of these initiatives, healthcare facilities may be able to improve the job satisfaction and retention rates among their highly tenured, well-seasoned nurses.
Ongoing education
Studies show that nurses who continue their education throughout their careers are able to become more effective and creative caregivers. The nursing field is always changing, and older travel nurses who feel their careers are becoming stagnant can turn to new educational opportunities for a much-needed shot in the arm.
A late start
Despite the concerns over the demands of nursing for older workers, it appears that nurses are working later into their lives and joining the career at ever-rising ages. According to Best Nursing Degree, aging boomers and a growing need for nurses have led many people to enter the profession at advanced ages.
Travel nursing may be a physically taxing field, but older nurses – especially when they continue to learn and are given new roles that emphasize their experience – still have a lot to contribute.