Retired registered nurses are aware of the rewards of nursing – working with patients and improving lives.

The older nurses – those who are in their 50s and over – report loyalty to their hospitals, and high job satisfaction. Many former RNs regret their work when they retire.

Advocates for nursing needs. American hospitals warned that a nursing shortage could lead to the loss of patient care. Ten years later, the shortage persists – by 2020, there will be more than 1,000,000 registered nurses in the United States’ health care system to provide nursing care.

Today, fewer graduates pursue nursing. Due to a shrinking number of nursing faculty, those who choose to pursue this career often find themselves on a waiting-list or being turned away. Many nurses who are new to the field choose to work in schools and as consultants instead of hospitals. Others quit nursing after working for one to two years due to burnout.

Hospitals are often unable to invest long periods training new RNs because of staff shortages. Many hospitals have a shortage of staff and new hires can become overwhelmed by the hospital’s physical demands and irregular working hours. This makes it difficult for them to focus on patient care. Many hospitals have found ways to encourage new employees. They also retain their older employees.

“Nursing becomes part of your identity,” said Andrea Higham, director of the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future. “Retired nurses and nurse educators still possess that key enthusiasm for the profession.”

Many older RNs don’t want to quit nursing but can’t keep up with the pace of their job. Experienced RNs need to work less, are more flexible, and have better pay incentives.

The creation of new jobs in hospitals for older RNs means that RNs could work part-time to ease the burden on younger nurses, rather than taking on more patients.

“As a part-time faculty member in the clinical setting, I continue to educate and prepare future nurses with the experience needed for successful practice,”Sarah Andermuller, a retired RN in Columbus, Ga.

Retired RNs can become mentors. Research shows that hospitals lose 40-50 percent of their new registered nurses every year. Hospitals that offer nurse mentoring programs can keep their new hires in the workforce for longer periods of time.

“When retired RNs become mentors, they help new RNs develop that love for nursing,”Higham.

Visit www.amazon.com for more information www.campaignfornursing.comOr www.discovernursing.com.