Going into the final chapters of a nursing career: nurses’ lived experiences and perspectives on pre-retirement in South Korea

This study highlights that nurses approaching retirement undergo psychological and emotional transitions while facing limited practical preparation. Tailored counseling, education, and systematic retirement programs are needed to support this transition. At organizational and community levels, mechanisms to sustain professional identity and utilize retirees' expertise in mentoring and community health can positively influence both nurses' post-retirement well-being and healthcare resources.