I'm 58, and my knees are shot from years of bedside nursing in a busy ER. I love my patients, but I'm so tired all the time now. My husband says I should look into education or informatics, but I'm having trouble deciding. How do you know when it's time to step away?

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I haven't reached that point yet, but I'd say it's time. Listen to your body. If you're already hurting now, another 5-10 years on your feet bedside is not going to do you any favors.

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If you're at the point where you've got serious physical problems that are work related, it's time to find something else to do. No point in trying to be a hero. Think about what you'd like to pivot to and get serious about making the move.

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When it's time, I think you just know. I ended up leaving the ER around the same age as you are now because of similar issues. I just couldn't be on my feet as long as I needed to be and it was wearing me down. Your body will tell you when it's time to quit.

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I’m a few years younger than you are (50) and have found myself in the same predicament. I work in a physically demanding ambulatory wound care clinic and my body - quite recently - has told me “no more!” …I have so much resistance about pivoting. The financial implications, the thought of going back to school for a masters when I barely have the energy to scrape myself out of bed in the morning to go to work the next day. I’m tending to my body now. It has given me the hard stop . There are crucial decisions to be made and I would not make them until my back , shoulder and neck have suffered the damage of my better inner knowledge. My best advice is to follow your curiosity and tend to your body’s needs . She is your best friend.

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My body did it for me. Back surgery last year for stage 2 spondylitis with severe pain. 36years of bedside with 30 of them ortho. I was blessed to be able to retire early. You know it’s time for a change when your body discomfort (or mental) impacts your daily quality of life.

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Ur remote job ?

I’m really sorry about your knees—you looked so tired, ma’am. I truly understand. I’ve been a nurse for 25 years, and this job takes a real toll on the body. Nursing is like being a construction worker in a scrub suit—physically exhausting, emotionally demanding—but still deeply rewarding. The wear and tear stay with us, but so does the pride of knowing we’ve helped save lives and make a difference. Sending respect and understanding to everyone who’s walked this path. Hugs hugs mamshie...Ava💙

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