By James X. Stobinski
In late February, I saw the LinkedIn post from Dave Wyatt that he was beginning his new duties as the CEO of AORN. I was pleasantly surprised to see this news. I believe Dave is exceptionally well-qualified for this role. Linda Groah served our membership organization capably for so many years and I wish her well as she transitions from her role at AORN. I do not admit to being an active user of LinkedIn or other social media platforms, but I have seen posts from a number of other nursing colleagues who have recently left positions they have held for many years. These events gave me pause for thought about life stages and transitions. For many perioperative nurses this seems a natural matter to stop and reflect on these life events and the working relationships we have forged over the years.
Most nurses have had some exposure to theories of the stages of psychosocial development. For me, even though nursing school at Toledo Hospital School of Nursing is but a distant memory, Erickson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development still resonate. For many perioperative nurses we are now in the age groups which Erickson describes as Middle Adulthood (40-65 years) or Late Adulthood (65+ years). In this theory, those in the latter part of Late Adulthood, in their early 60s, are contemplating what they have contributed to the greater good and many are now concentrating their efforts on helping the next generation of workers.
Some perioperative professional work into their late 60s and even their 70s. For these nurses the end of their work years is drawing near, and they may be scaling back their paid work activity. They could assess how fulfilling their career and life have been, take stock of their accomplishments and hopefully reach a stage of acceptance. Erickson posits that each of our life stages builds on the successful completion of earlier stages. Challenges, such as an inability to come to acceptance for your accomplishments, may cause distress later in life. These are weighty, existential questions but the reality is that many experienced perioperative nurses are reaching the end of their work careers. Reaching a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction with your career can ease the transition to post-work life.
I have been going through this thought process as I slowly wind down a work career which has long been centered on the operating room. The pace of life in rural Michigan is much different but it is good to again be near relatives. I am finding satisfaction in academia and assisting others with their research versus conducting my own studies. It is also nice to have the time to assist colleagues, take on an interesting bit of volunteer service or take on tasks to help a fellow faculty member.
A colleague that I met during an education course introduced me to the concept of an Encore Career. Kagan & Rhinehart describe this as, “… a second vocation beginning in the latter half of one’s life, …” They go on to say that it, “… is typically pursued for its public or social purpose and a sense of fulfillment as well as for financial reasons.” Encore careers often come about in academia and healthcare. For my colleagues – consider the concept of an Encore Career when your OR work is done. I am very grateful for the support of NIFA and of the university at this stage in my life. From my fresh perspective on the lake in Michigan – this is not a bad gig.
References
- Kagan, J & Rhinehart, C. (January 16, 2022). Encore Career: What It is, How It Works, Prevalence. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/encore-career.asp
