Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

3catwoman3

(23,812 posts)
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 11:26 AM Apr 2021

No foolin' - it's official. I AM RETIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last edited Fri Apr 2, 2021, 01:22 AM - Edit history (1)

Yesterday was my last day at the pediatric office where I have worked since June 14, 1996. I've been a nurse practitioner since 1976, and 45 years feels like enough. Time to hang up the stethoscope.

I'm sentimental, but not sad. About 2% of me feels bad about bailing 10 weeks before completing my full 25 years with the practice, but not bad enough to stay any longer. Bit by bit, much of the joy has drained away from the job, fueled mostly by the ever-increasing demands of EMR - Electronic Medical Records, which we started using in 2013. Most days, I have taken home 2-3 hours of charting to do, hours for which I was not paid.

Many of us in health care have come to feel more like data entry clerks than clinicians. I have to look parents and kids in the eye when they are talking to me, not bang away at a keyboard, so I listen, scribble notes on paper, and then do the documentation later. Kinda like working twice, and I'm exhausted after 8 years of that, but it's the only way I can deliver the quality of care that I demand from myself. COVID provided the proverbial last straw.

The thing I will miss the most is first time parents and new babies. Watching parents fall in love with their babies, and helping them learn what they need to know to feel comfortable and confident in raising them has been an enormous joy. If I could do only that, I'd probably stay forever, but no such job exists.

Many of my regular families has told me, either personally, or in emails and cards, how much they have appreciated having me care for their children, so I know I've made a difference in people's lives. Yesterday, my colleagues set up very lovely lunch, with more cards and good wishes, and we actually had time to eat it! (There have been plenty of days when we would not have.)

I have often speculated that by teaching parents things that can help them be as calm as possible when meeting the challenges of parenthood, not only will their kids benefit, perhaps that calmness will carry on from one generation to the next, and maybe kids 500 years from now will have a better life because of something I taught someone during my career. I hope so.

My two immediate plans are to take all the alarms off my cell phone, and, unless I am at the vet's office with one of our cats, to never talk about poop, EVER AGAIN -

It's been a good run.

58 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
No foolin' - it's official. I AM RETIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Original Post) 3catwoman3 Apr 2021 OP
Congratulations! Harker Apr 2021 #1
Congrats OLDMDDEM Apr 2021 #2
enjoy. AllaN01Bear Apr 2021 #3
Yes Congrats! colsohlibgal Apr 2021 #4
Congrats! soothsayer Apr 2021 #5
A great BIG CONGRATULATIONS to you! bluestarone Apr 2021 #6
Congratulations!! And welcome to the "club"! Siwsan Apr 2021 #7
Congratulations! CountAllVotes Apr 2021 #8
You will learn how to enjoy the simple things... RainCaster Apr 2021 #9
Yep padfun Apr 2021 #15
I'm semi-retired... Random Boomer Apr 2021 #55
Ain't it grand? Bayard Apr 2021 #10
Congratulations! So wonderful! lucca18 Apr 2021 #11
Congratulations! mgardener Apr 2021 #12
Congratulations Nululu Apr 2021 #13
How exciting! llmart Apr 2021 #14
Congrats. I hope the memories of the job's rewards remain.with you. 3Hotdogs Apr 2021 #16
ConCATulations! jcgoldie Apr 2021 #17
Have fun!! padfun Apr 2021 #18
Congratulations! Enjoy retirement and may it be a wonderful journey! Solly Mack Apr 2021 #19
🥳❤️💐 blm Apr 2021 #20
Get up and do stuff every day. Stay busy or you will die. multigraincracker Apr 2021 #21
Congrats to you, hope you live life to the fullest. blueinredohio Apr 2021 #22
You've earned it! We have nothing but fond memories of our pediatric practice when FailureToCommunicate Apr 2021 #23
Congratulations...enjoy the retirement years! Moostache Apr 2021 #24
Congratulations and good luck. Midnight Writer Apr 2021 #25
Congrats and keep busy! StClone Apr 2021 #26
CONGRATULATIONS!!! BobTheSubgenius Apr 2021 #27
Now, when you say "no foolin'" you meant "No April Fools," right? BobTheSubgenius Apr 2021 #37
Congratulations... BleedsBlue Apr 2021 #28
Biggest *CONGRATS* ever! Yea, turn off clock alarms! You'll never look back! UTUSN Apr 2021 #29
Retirement is good! George McGovern Apr 2021 #30
Congratulations, and don't forget to enjoy it! DFW Apr 2021 #31
That is huge! Congrats. Laffy Kat Apr 2021 #32
When my kids were little... momta Apr 2021 #33
Congratulations and a Big Thank You for the dedication you have given to serving your patients. Fla Dem Apr 2021 #34
You've earned it! Tree Lady Apr 2021 #35
Congratulations! catbyte Apr 2021 #36
Enjoy every day. And this is one of the better things........ twodogsbarking Apr 2021 #38
Congratulations! Stay busy if not less-structured. yonder Apr 2021 #39
This message was self-deleted by its author yonder Apr 2021 #40
Welcome to the ranks! Nevilledog Apr 2021 #41
Thank you for making a difference in so many people's lives! Lonestarblue Apr 2021 #42
Congratulations and rest easy! Hekate Apr 2021 #43
Electronic medical records, now services overseas crimycarny Apr 2021 #44
Thank you for being an NP! Enjoy! ... electric_blue68 Apr 2021 #45
Good for you! BigmanPigman Apr 2021 #46
Congratulations! SunSeeker Apr 2021 #47
Congratulations! LittleGirl Apr 2021 #48
Congratulations to you!! ailsagirl Apr 2021 #49
Congrats!!! SheltieLover Apr 2021 #50
Welcome to the club!!! If you're like most of us, your retirement will be busier than ever. I see japple Apr 2021 #51
CONGRATS!!! all the kids you've helped - amazing onetexan Apr 2021 #52
EMR and 12 hr shifts was a motivation for us to retire. TNNurse Apr 2021 #53
Nurses are awesome FakeNoose Apr 2021 #54
3catwoman3 Upthevibe Apr 2021 #56
Congratulations!!! CaptainTruth Apr 2021 #57
Exciting! Phentex Apr 2021 #58

colsohlibgal

(5,275 posts)
4. Yes Congrats!
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 11:44 AM
Apr 2021

I recommend it highly. It is sweet getting paid without working.

It has been awhile since I retired with my pension from my job but did work a bit part time for a few years till I figured that’s enough.

I have stayed busy since playing coed softball, even 3 years of Women’s basketball, and for the last several years tennis where I’ve made gal pals galore.....it’s a great social sport.

I keep wondering when my body will break down but it hasn’t yet at near 72. It helps to keep moving!

bluestarone

(16,720 posts)
6. A great BIG CONGRATULATIONS to you!
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 11:51 AM
Apr 2021

Happy for you. Maybe you can soon travel!! Take care and start really enjoying life!!

Siwsan

(26,176 posts)
7. Congratulations!! And welcome to the "club"!
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 11:52 AM
Apr 2021

I retired on my very first day of eligibility, back in 2015. I've never even had a twinge of regret.

I had been with my employer for 29 years. Most of that time was wonderful. The last 9 or so years - not so much. A very toxic individual was hired into the department, completely destroying what was once a great work environment. Then the company started struggling and it was only a question of time before it either closed down or was bought out. My retirement happened VERY shortly before the 2nd possibility actually happened when the company was 'partnered' with another healthcare plan. All of this was happening at the same time I was dealing with my sister and mother having terminal illnesses, and I 'inherited' caring for my elderly aunt who had fallen and broken her hip. By Sept of 2015, all had passed away.

In January of 2016 I went back and temped for 3 months in my old department. It had pretty much crashed, after I left. I agreed to come back out of a misguided sense of loyalty to most of my former co-workers, and when my contracted time was done I happily walked away, again, with a stark reminder of why I retired 3 years ahead of my plan.

Now I get up when I want, go to bed when I want, wear what I want, work in my gardens, read, binge watch stuff, cook, indulge in a mid-afternoon glass of wine, and enjoy life. Maybe I'll eventually be able to add travel when I want.

CountAllVotes

(20,854 posts)
8. Congratulations!
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 11:53 AM
Apr 2021

Do yourself the ultimate favor and dump the cellphone.

You'll be completely free, free at last!

Thanks for all of your hard work over the years.

You are a true now get out and celebrate!

RainCaster

(10,676 posts)
9. You will learn how to enjoy the simple things...
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 11:53 AM
Apr 2021

Like sitting with your kitties each morning, with a cup of coffee, while reading the news.

padfun

(1,780 posts)
15. Yep
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 01:03 PM
Apr 2021

I'm sitting in my backyard under my umbrella with 10 cats or so enjoying my drink. I have two cats fighting right now to see who sits by my feet.

Random Boomer

(4,159 posts)
55. I'm semi-retired...
Fri Apr 2, 2021, 10:58 AM
Apr 2021

so I only have 6 cats. We'll see what happens after I'm fully retired.*



*I don't actively look for cats, they arrive at my doorstep. Literally. Newest addition to the household appeared on the back porch, hiding among the pepper pots. He was all of 5 weeks old and terrified to be on his own. We waited a day before bringing him inside, just in case momma cat planned to come back for him. He's now 8mos old and shows every sign of being a very big but very happy cat.

Bayard

(21,802 posts)
10. Ain't it grand?
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 12:31 PM
Apr 2021

We both retired last October, and now wondering how we ever had the time to work a real job. Life is very busy here on the farm, and we're loving it.

A big CONGRATULATIONS!

lucca18

(1,238 posts)
11. Congratulations! So wonderful!
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 12:37 PM
Apr 2021

Thank you for your invaluable work as a nurse practitioner.
Enjoy retirement!

llmart

(15,499 posts)
14. How exciting!
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 12:52 PM
Apr 2021

I retired two years ago. I won't lie to you - there is a period of adjustment as there always is with big life events, but mirroring RainCaster's comment - learn to enjoy the simple things and let go of the attachment to your cell phone as another poster said. Stop and smell the roses, go for long, meandering walks, binge watch some of the shows you never had time or energy to follow, drink that second cup of coffee if that's your thing. I'm a reader and a hiker and listen to whatever music I'm in the mood for at any given time. I watch the birds at my feeder. In the warm weather I get an ice cream at the nearest shop and take it to the park and sit on a bench by the lake and just enjoy not having to be anywhere.

The pandemic put most of that on hold including all the travel plans I had and the volunteer job I had, but I'm fully vaccinated now (I'm assuming you are too since you're in health care) and hoping things open back up as more people get vaccinated.

I no longer multitask at anything! That's the best part. Enjoy!

3Hotdogs

(12,207 posts)
16. Congrats. I hope the memories of the job's rewards remain.with you.
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 01:05 PM
Apr 2021

My step-daughter is a nurse practitioner.... been so for around 20 years. On her first week, she saved a kid's life.

While waiting for her certification from the state, she took a professional continuation class. Presenter described an obscure disease (don't ask me what it was) that has a high rate of fatality.

First day on the job, kid shows up with that disease. She told the parents to immediately take the kid to the e.r. She called the er to notify them of the patient and parents, on their way.

Two days later, parent called to tell her that a hospital physician said that a delay might have cost the kid's life.

Anyways ... take a few weeks to get yourself grounded with the reality of unstructured time. Then, start looking for clubs or volunteer opportunities that you might enjoy. Find fun stuff to do.

Best wishes.

padfun

(1,780 posts)
18. Have fun!!
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 01:09 PM
Apr 2021

Like many said, relax but find simple things to do. I work on my yard or binge watch something. Travel will come eventually but I am in no hurry for that.

multigraincracker

(32,527 posts)
21. Get up and do stuff every day. Stay busy or you will die.
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 01:21 PM
Apr 2021

I retired 19 years ago, next month at the ripe old age of 52. Have friends that retired when I did and sat in front of the tv and they are all dead. Did my 30 years and because I was never blessed with children, I was able go at that early age.

blueinredohio

(6,797 posts)
22. Congrats to you, hope you live life to the fullest.
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 01:24 PM
Apr 2021

My old ophthalmologist retired because of the electronic records. He was old enough to retire before but said he enjoyed his job then when they went electronic he said he was out.

FailureToCommunicate

(13,989 posts)
23. You've earned it! We have nothing but fond memories of our pediatric practice when
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 01:28 PM
Apr 2021

our preemie twins were there. The doctor, but mostly the nurses, helped calm us when all the usual preemie, and later, normal kid stuff happened and we were anxious.

Cheers to you!

StClone

(11,676 posts)
26. Congrats and keep busy!
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 01:43 PM
Apr 2021

I returned to work after getting bored a few years back. I look to fully retire/semi-retire on June 1, 2025.

BobTheSubgenius

(11,535 posts)
27. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 01:48 PM
Apr 2021

Really, and sincerely. Retirement has been FANTASTIC, in my experience. I'm still not tired of it, and I've been retired for almost 32 years. (I was very lucky in life, and capitalized on it)

What I've always said is "The pay sucks, but the hours rule!"

Get up when you want, eat when you want, do what you want and can afford. I don't presume to know your situation, but my sense is that you had 2 12 decades at a pretty fine job, and pensions should at least be livable.

Enjoy the HELL out of it!

UTUSN

(70,494 posts)
29. Biggest *CONGRATS* ever! Yea, turn off clock alarms! You'll never look back!
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 01:50 PM
Apr 2021

I was one who was said to be so work-oriented that, if I won the lottery, would keep working. Well, when the day came, I let it go and haven't looked back - not one whit!

And, about that alarm, so the first workday morning off, after all those years of jumping to alarms, I stayed in bed to the unheard hour of 8 A.M. - and the phone rang. It was the new supervisor, all concerned, asking, " (UTUSN), are you *all right*?!1" I bit my tongue about saying, I was until you called. She had also said earlier that I was welcome to come to the Thanksgiving and Christmas lunches. Uh, no, that would take the festivity out of things!1

ENJOY!




George McGovern

(5,410 posts)
30. Retirement is good!
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 01:51 PM
Apr 2021

What you said about calmness being taught and learned and passed on is a beautiful idea. Thank You!

DFW

(54,050 posts)
31. Congratulations, and don't forget to enjoy it!
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 01:52 PM
Apr 2021

My wife retired 9 years ago at the age of sixty, and now she’s busier than she ever was. She was offered a job as a model at age 21, and instead chose to be a social worker (I am her longest hardship case).

I figure I might retire in ten years or so (I’m only 69), but I’m still having too much fun to stop. There are hassles and dangers, but the rewards still outweigh them. This week, I was in Paris and Brussels. Next week, Madrid and Barcelona. That’s on my drastically reduced schedule, and they actually pay ME to do this.How do you give up a gig like that?

momta

(4,076 posts)
33. When my kids were little...
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 02:01 PM
Apr 2021

And we would get together with our friends and their kids, my husband would time how long it would take for the other mom and me to start talking about poop!

Usually less than five minutes.

Congrats, catwoman.

Fla Dem

(23,347 posts)
34. Congratulations and a Big Thank You for the dedication you have given to serving your patients.
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 02:06 PM
Apr 2021

That is one thing that bugs me now. Over the past 4-5 years as more and more technology is introduced, I sit in a room, and it can be with either a NP or doctor, and they rarely look at you. Theyre asking questions and typing away at their ipads. I doubt they would recognize me as one of their patients if I walk right up to them in a supermarket.

There is one NP who I try to schedule with, who is older and like you, looks you in the eye when you're answering her questions. Who actually talks with you and doesn't just read off a list of questions on the ipad.

Again Congrats and I'm sure your regulars will be devastated you are no longer there.

twodogsbarking

(9,291 posts)
38. Enjoy every day. And this is one of the better things........
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 02:15 PM
Apr 2021

Sunday nights are relaxing and Monday has become one of my favorite days.

yonder

(9,631 posts)
39. Congratulations! Stay busy if not less-structured.
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 02:19 PM
Apr 2021

Similarly, my PICU nurse wife was planning on retiring this spring but decided to wait till her 40th anniversary a few months later - though increasingly, she comes home ready to call it her last.

Me? I've been mostly retired for a few years now but constantly battle lack of structure.

Congratulations again!

Response to 3catwoman3 (Original post)

Lonestarblue

(9,874 posts)
42. Thank you for making a difference in so many people's lives!
Thu Apr 1, 2021, 02:25 PM
Apr 2021

And congratulations! I retired a few years ago and have enjoyed every minute of it (at least pre-Covid). Now the days are mine to spend as I want—or even to do almost nothing. Good luck!

crimycarny

(1,351 posts)
44. Electronic medical records, now services overseas
Fri Apr 2, 2021, 12:45 AM
Apr 2021

Good for you! You got out at a great time too. Our hospital chain just laid off 75% of its IT work force to an agency in India with zero experience in healthcare applications. So that’s who doctors and nurses get to work with now. It’s all about cost savings, patient care at the bottom of the list. I think you are going to have a blast!!!!!

electric_blue68

(14,598 posts)
45. Thank you for being an NP! Enjoy! ...
Fri Apr 2, 2021, 12:47 AM
Apr 2021

After get settled in think about if you had any hobbies you had to give up, or wanted to try but didn't...

With cats you're got instant mystery and entertainment. 😁

BigmanPigman

(51,430 posts)
46. Good for you!
Fri Apr 2, 2021, 01:18 AM
Apr 2021

I left teaching early since it was physically damaging my body. By the time I left, the job had changed a lot, like yours did. Tons of paperwork, parents not supporting teachers, the disrespect for the profession as a whole, etc. It was the right time to leave...I still had some good memories fortunately. A lot of teachers and nurses burn out before retirement.

Get used to not having to answer to anyone...

SunSeeker

(51,367 posts)
47. Congratulations!
Fri Apr 2, 2021, 01:36 AM
Apr 2021

Being retired is pure freedom! Don't let people encroach upon it. Say no to request for your time unless it's something you really want to do.

LittleGirl

(8,261 posts)
48. Congratulations!
Fri Apr 2, 2021, 03:13 AM
Apr 2021

And thank you for serving in your most honorable way, helping people. I wanted to be a nurse but when I pictured myself in surgery while in college, I had to bow out. I don't think I could have handled that to get the degree. Well done and best of wishes for your future!

japple

(9,773 posts)
51. Welcome to the club!!! If you're like most of us, your retirement will be busier than ever. I see
Fri Apr 2, 2021, 07:10 AM
Apr 2021

you are also a cat woman, and if you feel the calling, cat rescue has a big need for people with your skills. Whatever you do and however you choose to spend your time, I hope you will be happy, healthy, and having a blast. Cheers!

TNNurse

(6,911 posts)
53. EMR and 12 hr shifts was a motivation for us to retire.
Fri Apr 2, 2021, 09:39 AM
Apr 2021

We were both hospital RNs. He worked in the same CCU for 41 years. I had several jobs in the same hospital for 37. The first computer program for the inpatients did not sync with the ER record!!! The second one was not user friendly. An ICU nurse who could have already retired decided to give it up before they introduced the second program...a brilliant move on her part.

I was a "house supervisor" when I retired which means that evenings, nights and weekends, that job is the administrator in the building. When someone commented that losing long time experienced nurses was hard. I pointed out to that real administrator that if you want older experienced people around, you should not make people in their 60s work 12 hr shifts. Then I walked away.

Congratulations, I truly feel you will adapt to retirement and will remember the good work you did.

Upthevibe

(7,879 posts)
56. 3catwoman3
Fri Apr 2, 2021, 11:00 AM
Apr 2021
********************CONGRATULATIONS**********************************

It sounds like you did a lot of good in your career! If you surprisingly miss talking about poop, just let us here on DU know and I'm sure some of us will be happy to report on our particular situations.
Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»No foolin' - it's officia...