Going into the final chapters of a nursing career: nurses’ lived experiences and perspectives on pre-retirement in South Korea

BACKGROUND: Retirement is a critical life transition that requires emotional, psychological, and social adjustments. For nurses in South Korea, who typically spend over three decades in clinical practice, little is known about their pre-retirement experiences and perspectives. This study aimed to explore how nurses nearing retirement reflect on their careers, respond emotionally, and envision life after retirement. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 nurses working at four general hospitals in South Korea, all within five years of mandatory retirement. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five themes were identified: Reflection in a life like late autumn, Rest at the end of passion, Worries about having to fill in the blank, Expectations for strengthening family and social relationships, and Confidence in challenges and self-realization. Participants described mixed emotions of loss, relief, and pride, along with anxiety stemming from insufficient preparation. At the same time, they expressed hopes for strengthened family ties, new social affiliations, and self-realization, albeit often without concrete plans. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that nurses approaching retirement undergo psychological and emotional transitions while facing limited practical preparation. Tailored counseling, education, and systematic retirement programs are needed to support this transition. At organizational and community levels, mechanisms to sustain professional identity and utilize retirees' expertise in mentoring and community health can positively influence both nurses' post-retirement well-being and healthcare resources.