Retired nurses bring decades of experience, leadership, and mentorship to colleagues entering the profession. Research highlights both the value of continued engagement for retired nurses and the challenges an aging workforce presents to the health care industry. These findings underscore the importance of supporting nurses as they transition into retirement. The Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey (PNANJ) has long fostered intergenerational connection through its Committee of Emerging Leaders, which pairs developing nurses with established nursing leaders. As PNANJ approaches the 50th anniversary of its incorporation, the organization is also turning its attention to the nurses who built its foundation and are now entering retirement.

Spearheaded by Edith Bien, MA, RN, CIC, the ninth president of PNANJ, the Retired Nurses Ad Hoc Committee was established to provide retired nurses with a strong social and professional network. The initiative recognizes retirement not as an end to professional identity, but as a new stage that offers opportunities for continued engagement, personal growth, service, and connection.

The committee held its inaugural meeting on September 13, 2025, with 23 PNANJ members in attendance. Teresita Peralta, MA, BSN, RN, presided, and Marites Welch, MAEd, BSN, RN, CCRN-K, served as secretary. On May 2, 2026, the PNANJ Executive Board approved the group’s transition from an ad hoc body to the PNANJ Nurse Emeritus Committee, a standing committee of the organization.

Mission and Functions

The committee’s mission is to promote continued engagement and personal growth in retirement while fostering community and mutual support among retired nurses. Its functions include:

• Create a supportive forum for sharing experiences, discussing common challenges, and offering mutual encouragement.
• Organize hobbies and activities that support physical and mental well-being.
• Connect retired nurses with younger nurses for mentorship, advocacy, and knowledge sharing.
• Encourage community service that strengthens purpose and belonging.
• Share opportunities, events, and resources through social media, email, and newsletters.

Membership and Structure

Membership is open to active PNANJ members who have retired from full-time employment and are eligible for retirement benefits and Medicare. The committee organizes its work across five areas: programs, health and wellness, advocacy, membership, and finance.

Through this initiative, PNANJ honors the contributions of retired nurses while creating meaningful ways for them to remain connected to one another, the profession, and the communities they have served. The committee conveys a simple but powerful message: Retirement may change how nurses serve, but it does not diminish the value of their knowledge, support, leadership, or commitment.

References

Harrington, L., & Heidkamp, M. (2013). The aging workforce: Challenges for health care industry workforce. NTAR Leadership Center. https://heldrich.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/NTAR_Issue_Brief_Aging_Workforce_Health_Care_Final.pdf

Neal-Boylan, L., Cocca, K., & Carnoali, B. (2009). The benefits to working for retired RNs. Geriatric Nursing, 30(6), 378–383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.07.002