In the final chapters of a nursing career: Understanding pre-retirement experiences of nurses in South Korea

Background : Nurses approaching retirement have long been deeply rooted in their professional roles and identities, facing challenges in adapting to life after retirement. This study aimed to explore, in depth, the retirement preparation experiences of nurses nearing retirement to better understand how to support their transition. Methods : A qualitative study was conducted with 10 nurses working at four general hospitals in South Korea, all scheduled to retire within five years. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews, and thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes. Results : Five core themes emerged: 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. The study confirmed that nurses approaching retirement experience a period of reflection akin to late autumn, embrace rest following a long-standing passion, and express concerns about filling the unstructured time ahead. They also expressed hope for restoring and strengthening family and social bonds, along with confidence in pursuing new challenges and self-fulfillment. Conclusions : The findings indicate that nurses nearing retirement undergo psychological and emotional transitions and require concrete preparation and support for life after retirement. Tailored retirement preparation programs and organizational support are suggested to positively influence healthy life transitions and promote self-realization among retiring nurses.