The government defines our retirement age from 62 to 67 – but that is based on the Social Security monthly check. One’s Retirement Age is based on many other factors and, the COVID pandemic has forced many individuals to re-evaluate and redefine our needs and goals for retirement.
High on the list to determine best time to retire is – one’s mental and emotional health, along with how we want to spend our time in the final (or next to final) Chapter of Life. Yes, retirement can bring a period of uncertainty – fear (the unknown without a plan), – a lack of identity (often associated with our work), – or we can use our time to support our family and friends and, most of all, our professional colleagues.
There are many options for one to consider during retirement to remain vibrant and healthy. Giving back – mentoring and advising – younger people in your line of work is one option. Mentoring adds purpose and value for both the mentor and mentee.
Nowhere is mentoring more valuable and needed than the Nursing profession. With a national (and global) shortage of nurses and, more nurses retiring due to the COVID pandemic, we have a tremendous opportunity to share our knowledge and wisdom with new nurses entering the profession. Every nurse has been in that situation where she/he lacks the experience to make a strategic decision and the leadership of an experienced nurse can fill this void.
Most beneficial, is long-term planning for a junior nurse – planning for one’s career to maintain energy throughout the nursing profession especially, the clinical nursing phase – has value. With a plan and a mentor, the nurse is better positioned to provide high-quality care, positioned to succeed in their career, and positioned to support other nurses.
Mentoring is also beneficial for the nurse who is ready for the second (or third) stage of their career. With years of clinical experience, the nurse is looking to elevate their skills, looking to obtain higher education, and fulfillment to continue in the profession. In todays’ environment, many opportunities are available – advanced nurse practice, use of technology, data analyst/scientist, AI – the prospects are endless and the need immense.
With the shortage of nurses in the U.S., and globally, mentoring is a need that mature nurses can provide during the next Chapter of Life. Don’t “melt away” in retirement after leaving the workforce.
Nurses, you have much to give – through experience gained during the working years and wisdom gained through the many experiences of life. I challenge you—let’s get started.
#TeArHealthcare #CelebratingNurses #CelebratingMedicalCoding #CelebratingHealthProfessionals #CertifiedHealthDataAnalyst #ClincialDataAnalyst #TechnicalLiaison
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