Abstract
Aim/objective : The aim of the study was to understand nurses' work experience and perspectives during and after their retiring age that keeps them in the workforce.
Background : With a global ageing nursing workforce, older nurses are expecting to retire in a few years. Retaining more senior nurses beyond their retiring age would be necessary to tackle the future nursing workforce shortage.
Method : An integrative review method guided by Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) provided new insight on the issues from existing literature. A five-phase analysis and synthesis of selected relevant literature was used to create conceptual findings through the development of themes and sub-themes.
Results/Findings : Three themes and six subtheme emerged and categorised into individual, social and organisational influences. The review findings were that 'age is just a number' (physical and mental health, and 'knowing my limits' were more important factors influencing older nurses when to move on). The concept of 'born to be a nurse' was the next theme (staying on to share my experience and involvement in professional development), and 'being socially active' was the third theme (love sisterhood and partnership with others, and age-friendly work culture).
Significance : These research findings will help stakeholders consider retaining wise older nurses as a cost-effective and productive way to sustain the future workforce. This review study suggested that a need for further research regarding the effectiveness of current structural and organisational measurement and systems that can support older nurses remain in the workforce.