Generations at Work

N urses currently in America's work force transverse four eras. Duchscher and Cowen (2004) categorize these four generations as Veterans (1925 to 1945), Baby Boomers (1946 to 1964), Generation X (1965 to 1980), and the Millennial Generation (1980 to 2000). Much of the literature related to multigenerational nurses in the workplace is anecdotal, thus fallible. Of course, generalizations are not facts, and exceptions to the rule exist. Nevertheless, framing generational work groups provides a general understanding of the habits, values, and goals each group brings to the organization. By sharing birth years, each generation has a common bond based on the defining historical, political, economic, and social events of their formative years. These reference points and subsequent life experiences mold analogous core values and a unique work ethic for each generational group. However, multigenerational nurses work together without the benefit of com-