Senior competence – a valuable resource

A feature article in Omvårdnadsmagasinet, the magazine of the Swedish Society of Nursing (Svensk sjuksköterskeförening), highlights the largely untapped potential of Sweden's approximately 40,000 retired nurses. Under the Swedish heading "Tema: Senior kompetens en värdefull resurs", researchers Jan Nilsson, Ann Gardulf and Marianne Carlsson examine how retired nurses can contribute to healthcare, crisis preparedness, and disaster response.

Their studies show that retired nurses possess extensive clinical expertise, with more than 80% having specialist training and many holding academic degrees. A survey of nurses aged 65–75 found that about 30% were still working to some extent, and 70% were willing to contribute during crises or disasters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many returned to support vaccination programs, contact tracing, and clinical care.

The researchers argue that retired nurses should be viewed as a valuable resource rather than as a workforce that has completed its role. They highlight the potential of retired nurses to serve as mentors for newly graduated nurses, strengthen healthcare quality and patient safety, and support emergency preparedness. However, they also found that employers often lack systems and strategies for recruiting and engaging retired nurses who wish to continue contributing.

The authors conclude that better collaboration between healthcare organizations, regions, and authorities could help make use of this experienced and highly motivated workforce.

Read the article in Omvårdnadsmagasinet →