Through the years, we’ve all known nurses who have retired from their job but, surprisingly, not from the nursing profession. How many “retired” nurses do you know who are still volunteering for our profession in some way? Over the next few years, hospitals will be faced with a large number of “baby-boomer” nurses who are ready for retirement. This will bring about a significant loss of experienced nursing professionals.
Recently, Lynn Gross retired from our Critical Care Area (CCA) after 44 years in nursing. She began her career at Geisinger Medical Center as a staff nurse in ICU, and eventually became an Assistant Head Nurse. That was followed by a brief period in the Artificial Kidney Unit. Lynn then relocated to Hanover, where she worked in the ICU – now CCA, as a staff nurse.
What has kept Lynn in nursing this long? “Taking care of and interacting with patients and their families.” Her goal throughout her career has been to make a difference. She has accomplished this by working as a bedside nurse and also through her work in the Quality/Performance Improvement Committee, where patient care is constantly reviewed and evaluated.
Nursing has evolved since Lynn began her career in the 1960’s. Technology, research and continuing education have become priorities. Nurses are also more involved with how their respective units function, as well as having an increased collaboration with physicians about overall patient care.
Lynn was ready to relinquish shift work, working holidays and weekends, but was not ready to leave nursing; she wanted to keep her mind active. She had a desire to put her years of experience to good use, so she decided to work as a volunteer within the CCA. Her new role involves being a patient/family advocate, acting as a liaison between the nurse and family, reviewing policies and procedures, and sitting on committees that impact nursing and the care of patients.
“My contact with patients and their families is not restricted by all the extraneous tasks I had as a staff nurse,” Lynn said. “It is a completely different mindset, and I can still make a difference in the profession.” Lynn encourages any nurse who is facing retirement to consider volunteering their services. “Volunteering gives you a sense of satisfaction and it is another way to give back to your fellow man and community,” she said. Since retiring, Lynn volunteers eight to 12 hours per week.
Indeed, our hospital is fortunate to have quite a number of “retired” nurses volunteering their time and expertise within various departments. For more information on volunteering, contact Connie Klunk, Director of Volunteer Services, at (717) 637-3711 ext. 4202 or klunkc@hanoverhospital.org.
Article provided by: Mandi Smith, RN, CCRN