The benefits to working for retired RNs.

The population is aging leading to an increase of potential retirees. However, in light of current financial constraints, many people who might have retired may remain in the workforce. Others will nonetheless retire and may be interested in volunteering their skills and knowledge to help others. The literature is replete with discussions about how the population is aging, concerns about how to manage the health care of baby boomers, and how to handle the strain that these elders place on the community as a whole. However, there is relatively little professional literature regarding the contributions elders can make despite their wealth of knowledge and expertise or the benefits they might obtain from volunteering. Additionally, the continuing shortage of nurses is well known, as is its impact on health care delivery. Yet there is a scarcity of evidence-based literature describing how retired registered nurses (RNs) can help fill the gaps left by the nursing shortage and also contribute to their own health promotion. Research suggests that retired nurses are reentering the workforce because of financial constraints, which is likely to have a positive impact on the nursing shortage.