2026-06-23
Retired Nurses – An Untapped Resource for Sweden's Crisis Preparedness (2026-06-23)
Rising geopolitical uncertainty and the risk of future pandemics highlight the need for Sweden to strengthen its crisis response capacity. A seminar hosted by the Swedish Society of Nursing focused on how experienced senior nurses can play a vital role in emergencies.
Rising geopolitical uncertainty and the risk of future pandemics highlight the need for Sweden to strengthen its crisis response capacity. A seminar hosted by the Swedish Society of Nursing focused on how experienced senior nurses can play a vital role in emergencies.
Sweden has more than 40,000 retired nurses with valuable expertise, and research shows many are willing to contribute during crises. However, structured systems and registries to mobilize this resource are lacking.
The seminar discussed how senior and specialist nurses can be better utilized—not only in crises, but also in everyday healthcare, where staffing shortages remain a major challenge. Key focus areas included strategies to engage this group and integrate them into national preparedness planning.
Participants included Jan Nilsson, Ann Gardulf, Tina Mansson Söderlund, Karin Hugelius, Monica Bondesson, and moderator Oili Dahl.
The event brought together experts and decision-makers to explore how Sweden can unlock this resource to strengthen both healthcare capacity and national resilience.