What options do I have instead of retirement?

[GreatGranma]

Hi everyone, I am new to this site have not worked since October last year but still on NMC register until march 2014, am really finding it hard to accept retirement, nursing has been great part of my life , I feel I can still make a difference and am passionate about assisting students or people wishing to make nursing their career.

I started as an assistant to qualified nurse in 1965 caring for young people with Down Syndrome and Thalidamide ..... worked as senior carer for geriatric hospital, Auxiliary Nurse on General Wards, began Pupil Nurse training 1987 qualified Enrolled Nurse (G) then went on 2 year Enrolled Nurse Conversion course via McMillan Open learning Graduated 1997 to RN 1 , studied and achieved ENB 998 teaching & Assessing in Clinical practice , the list is endless as I am sure there are lots of nurses out there could tell similar story. I became deputy matron then Acting Matron, although I continued in this role for one year I was told I could not apply for role of much needed Matron due to my religion , I gained NVQ4 In Management and mentor to Student Nurses, I have assessed competencies of Nursing Skills for qualified nurses.

I am now 68 yrs old and feeling very low in mood due to wanting to do something , I loved my job and miss my patients and colleagues so much, has anyone any ideas how I can fill this gap ?? I am in process of becoming a school visitor helping youngsters to learn about Nursing and encouraging those interested to work towards achieving qualifications required to enter Nurse Training, unfortunately I have had problems with my hearing and have been advised not to wear my hearing aid making it difficult with communication, as I have said there is a lot more to my story I could write a book, I won't bore you anymore just want to hear if other Nurses have also found it hard to accept retirement, have worked all my life and miss the patient contact and caring people I have met over the years.

[vianne]

I've just come across this post GreatGranma, I hope you haven't been waiting all that time for a reply, but more than that I hope you've found something useful that fulfils your spare time in your retirement. What about the university of life ? what about writing that book ? what about helping the history society ? what about doing something practical for you ? there has to be life after nursing..I really hope you're too busy enjoying your new found life to reply to this, but if you have any time, let us know ?