South Korean Nurses’ Reflections on Pre-Retirement Experiences

Nursing is a profession that has witnessed immense stress and transformation, especially as years of service lead many professionals toward the twilight of their careers. In South Korea, where the healthcare sector is rapidly evolving, a recent study by Lee and Kim explores the profound and intricate experiences of nurses as they approach retirement. The study presents a compelling reflection on their lives, providing insights into their emotional states, challenges, and aspirations.

As the global population ages, the importance of understanding the transition phase in nursing careers theoretically multiplies. Nurses often dedicate decades to patient care, immersing themselves in a cycle of routines entrenched in service. However, the reality of retirement can evoke an array of emotions, which are seldom discussed. Lee and Kim conducted qualitative interviews with nurses nearing retirement age to unearth these seldom-explored feelings associated with their impending career shifts.

The interviews revealed a myriad of feelings among nurses, ranging from anxiety about leaving a well-loved profession to excitement about newfound freedom. Many expressed concern over how they would redefine their identities post-retirement. For most nurses, their profession is not just a job; it is a core aspect of who they are. Therefore, as the study underscores, the talk around retirement shouldn’t be just about financial security or healthcare plans but should also involve emotional preparedness for the drastic changes in their daily lives.

Among the key findings of the study is that nurses often feel unprepared for the personal ramifications of retirement. Skills such as empathy, resilience, and collaboration, which they honed over decades in the healthcare system, do not easily translate to post-retirement life. The emotional transition often remains overlooked, as society places greater emphasis on the logistical and financial aspects of retirement.

Moreover, the sense of loss of community becomes a significant theme. Throughout their nursing careers, these individuals form strong bonds with colleagues, patients, and the healthcare system itself. The imminent end of these relationships fosters a sense of loneliness. The profound connections made over years of shared experiences are hard to sever and leave a substantial void. Nursing, as the study shows, is not merely a profession; it is a partnership with community and life itself.

The implications of these insights are vital for healthcare systems and policymakers. Understanding the emotional dimensions of pre-retirement can lead to the development of tailored support systems designed to facilitate smoother transitions into retirement for nurses. Providing counseling or workshops that focus not only on financial planning but also on emotional and social aspects could aid in addressing these challenges.

Additionally, Lee and Kim’s research opens up avenues for further inquiry. While this study focuses on Korea, similar research could be beneficial globally. Each culture has its own nuances regarding work and identity, suggesting that nurses in different parts of the world may have unique experiences as they contemplate retirement from a profession characterized by nurturing and caregiving.

The notion of retirement needs to be reconceptualized in nursing. Instead of seeing it as an end, it could be perceived as a new beginning — one that comes with opportunities for personal growth and exploration. Many of the interviewed nurses expressed desires to engage in volunteering, mentoring young nurses, or even pursuing creative ventures they had set aside throughout their careers. This potential for enrichment could transform the narrative of retirement from a period of loss into one filled with anticipation for new possibilities.

As such, continuous dialogue regarding the pre-retirement phase is essential. Health organizations, nursing schools, and professional associations can play vital roles in fostering this conversation. Addressing the emotional well-being of nurses approaching retirement must become part of the broader narrative in maintaining a healthy workforce.

In conclusion, the study by Lee and Kim sheds light on a pertinent issue that remains shrouded in silence. By vocalizing the lived experiences of nurses at the cusp of retirement, the research compels society to rethink and reshape the narrative surrounding this significant life transition. Retirement need not be an abrupt end; rather, it can be an opportunity to harness the skills, wisdom, and passion that nurses bring to the table, benefiting both them and the community they cherished for years.

The study thus serves as a critical reminder of the importance of emotional readiness amidst logistical preparations, encouraging a holistic approach to the retirement process that respects and cherishes the contributions of nurses throughout their careers.

Lee, J.S., Kim, H. Going into the final chapters of a nursing career: nurses’ lived experiences and perspectives on pre-retirement in South Korea.
BMC Nurs 24, 1376 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-04016-6