Are nurses prepared for retirement?

AIM: This study explored various factors and income sources that registered nurses believe are important in retirement planning. BACKGROUND: In many countries worldwide, many registered nurses are approaching retirement age. This raises concerns related to the level of preparedness of retiring nurses. METHODS: A mail-out questionnaire was sent to 200 randomly selected nurses aged 45 and older. SPSS descriptors were used to outline the data. Multiple t-tests were conducted to test for significant differences between selected responses by staff nurses and a group of nurse managers, educators and researchers. RESULTS: Of 124 respondents, 71% planned to retire by age 60. Only 24% had done a large amount of planning. The top four planning strategies identified were related to keeping healthy and active, both physically and mentally; a major financial planning strategy ranked fifth. Work pensions, a government pension and a personal savings plan were ranked as the top three retirement income sources. No significant differences were found between the staff nurse and manager groups on any of the items. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGERS/CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that managers' preparation for retirement is no different from that of staff nurses. All nurses may need to focus more on financial preparation, and begin the process early in their careers if they are to have a comfortable and healthy retirement. Nurse managers are in a position to advocate with senior management for early and comprehensive pre-retirement education for all nurses and to promote educational sessions among their staff. Managers may find the content of this paper helpful as they work with nurses to help them better prepare for retirement. This exploratory study adds to the limited amount of research available on the topic.

Promoting safe drinking water.

Ensuring access to safe drinking water is a major public health concern. The outbreaks of disease from water-borne pathogens in communities like Walkerton and North Battleford alerted the federal government to the need for a standardized multi-barrier approach to managing public drinking water distribution systems. Although many provinces and territories have adopted such an approach, there are problems with water quality throughout Canada. Between 1997 and 2004, the authors conducted a community health needs and resources assessment study in Newfoundland and Labrador to assess health beliefs and practices, satisfaction with health and community services and concerns in relation to community health. The data collection methods used were a random household survey (N = 2,842), key informant interviews (N = 86) and focus group sessions (N = 22). The results indicated that the quality of drinking water was of serious concern. In this article, the authors discuss the study findings and the implications for nursing practice in relation to developing healthy public policy and population health initiatives.

Early retirement among registered nurses: contributing factors.

AIM: This study explored the factors that influence nurses to retire early and the incentives that might encourage them to stay longer in employment. BACKGROUND: The increasing number of nurses taking early retirement reduces an already depleted nursing workforce. METHODS: A mail-out questionnaire was sent to 200 randomly selected nurses aged 45 and older, living in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. SPSS descriptors were used to outline the data. Multiple t-tests, with a Bonferroni correction, were conducted to test for significant differences between selected responses by staff nurses and a group of nurse managers, educators and researchers. RESULTS: Of 124 respondents, 71% planned to retire by age 60. Staff nurses and a group of nurse managers/educators/researchers differed significantly in two reasons for leaving. The two groups also differed significantly in five of the incentives to stay. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study could prove useful for healthcare and government organizations developing retention strategies to forestall the predicted shortage of nurses.