Registered nurses' views about work and retirement.

Study Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify what motivates experienced nurses to continue working and to consider retirement.

Method: A total of 16 intensive care nurses completed phenomenological interviews. The experienced nurses were split into two groups: 31 to 49 years old (younger nurses) and 50 to 65 years old (older nurses).

Results: Both groups expressed that concern about changing benefits and financial security kept them working. The younger nurse group valued working for autonomy and respect, camaraderie with peers, providing for their families, and because their parents influenced retirement perceptions. The older nurse group valued working as a way to connect with patients and families. Experiences that provoked thoughts of retirement in the older group were changes related to new technology. Older nurses did not want to work to the extent that their health was influenced.

Application: By designing human resource policies that address the concerns that influence nurse retirement choices, administrators can maximize retention strategies.