Retirement is a significant milestone, but for many RPNs, it raises questions about financial security, emotional readiness, and life after nursing. While some eagerly anticipate their next chapter, others feel uncertain about when and how to retire.
Betty Fehr, RPN, retired in September 2024 after an exemplary career in Home and Community Care (HCC) with SE Health. She spent 12 years as a personal support supervisor before transitioning to teaching at the SE Career College of Health. Eventually, she began managing the College’s instructors and her coworkers – people she was reluctant to leave.
“Losing your work family is a more difficult transition [than retirement itself],” says Betty.
Financial Preparation
Betty attributes her ability to retire largely to working with a financial planner.
“I really felt like I would never be able to retire,” she admits. “Making use of a financial planner made all the difference in the world. So, get yourself a financial advisor and don’t be embarrassed about your finances because that does hold people back.”
Key financial steps for retirement include:
Retirement savings:
Contributing to an RRSP or pension plan helps ensure financial stability.
Debt management:
Paying down loans and consolidating debt reduces financial strain.
Government benefits:
Understanding eligibility for CPP and Old Age Security (OAS) aids in planning.
Speaking to a financial advisor:
Professional guidance can help navigate investments and retirement income strategies.
When is the right time to retire?
There is no universal retirement age, but many RPNs retire between 60 and 70. Factors influencing timing include:
Financial readiness:
Savings, pensions, and cost of living considerations.
Physical and mental health:
Workplace demands can become challenging with age.
Career satisfaction:
Some nurses work longer because they are passionate about their jobs, while others may feel burnt out and ready for change.
Betty knew she was ready to retire when she realized she was getting tired and had accomplished everything she set out to do. Completing two major projects marked a turning point, as did her confidence in leaving behind a strong, capable team.
“Give yourself time,” she advises. “Make a decision, and if you have to prolong it to complete [a project, for example,] that’s okay.”
She also recommends that retiring nurses contact CNO to have their registration put on hold and follow up after three years instead of simply not renewing their license. “Otherwise, they will be marked as a suspended member,” she cautions.
Staying active and engaged post-retirement
Retirement doesn’t mean the end of an impactful career. Many retired RPNs continue contributing through volunteering, mentorship, and education. Others use the opportunity to reconnect with personal passions, hobbies, and travel.
Betty joined a coffee club before leaving work to ease into retirement and give herself time to adjust. She attended her first in-person “Coffee Day” on the day she retired and now meets with the group every Thursday. Through this club, she made new friends and discovered additional activities, such as an exercise group she joins twice a week and weekly trivia nights at Boston Pizza.
Spending time with family has also become a priority. Betty and her husband love attending their grandchildren’s hockey games, especially since two of them live just across the street. She also volunteers with her church and is considering mentoring new nurses. On quieter days, she indulges in one of her favorite pastimes – speed reading, often finishing at least one book per day while curled up in her recliner.
Emotional preparation
Beyond finances, adjusting to retirement can be an emotional journey. Nurses who have dedicated their lives to caring for others may struggle with a shift in identity. Staying connected to former colleagues, joining social groups, and setting personal goals can help ease the transition.
Betty recommends taking a vacation before officially retiring to get accustomed to the change. She spent four weeks in her hometown of Saskatchewan, enjoying time with family and friends.
Whether retirement is years away or just around the corner, proactive planning can make the process smoother and more fulfilling. By taking strategic steps now, RPNs can ensure a retirement that is both financially secure and personally rewarding.
“When we were working, we knew we needed to show up and do our best job every day, and I think we need to carry that into our retirement,” says Betty. “Instead of work, now we need to show up for ourselves and our community and continue to give our best.”
