When will faculty retire?: Factors influencing retirement decisions of nurse educators

J Nurs Educ. 2006 Sep;45(9):349-55. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20060901-04.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study surveyed a random sample of 129 nurse educators teaching in 61 U.S. schools of nursing. After the educators indicated their desire to participate, the survey instrument was e-mailed to them for completion; a 37.6% response rate was obtained. Demographically, the typical respondent was a healthy, 52-year-old, Caucasian female with a PhD in nursing. Outcomes reflected that respondents' mean anticipated age of retirement was 64.4; however, the optimal age of retirement desired by respondents was younger (62.4). The most influential factor affecting the timing of retirement was financial status. Workplace issues, personal and family health, and attitudes about retirement were other factors that affected participants' retirement decisions. The study findings indicate that nurse educators, as a group, do not plan to work beyond age 65.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Decision Making*
  • Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate
  • Education, Nursing, Graduate
  • Educational Status
  • Faculty, Nursing* / organization & administration
  • Family / psychology
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Psychological Theory
  • Retirement / psychology*
  • Retirement / statistics & numerical data
  • Social Security / economics
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Workplace