Quality of Occupational Experiences and Problem Solving Skills of Nurses Nearing Retirement Age who are Working at Japanese Hospitals

Abstract

This study aimed to elucidate the quality of occupational experiences and problem solving skills that are utilized by nurses nearing retirement age who want to continue working after retirement. A survey was conducted on 229 nurses nearing retirement age (55 to 60 years) and 401 nurses in their 30s to 40s who are working at Japanese hospitals. We examined the Self-Evaluation Scale of the Occupational Experiences for Nurses (Occupational Experiences), the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI), the nurses' attributes, their intention to continue working, and their desired employment status. The scores on the Occupational Experiences and PSI were compared between nurses nearing retirement age and those in their 30s to 40s. Furthermore, we analyzed how Occupational Experiences and PSI were related with their attributes, intention to continue working, and desired employment status. The mean Occupational Experiences score was significantly higher for nurses nearing retirement age than those in their 30s to 40s. Furthermore, nurses nearing retirement age who have a managerial position and intend to continue working had higher scores than others. The mean PSI score did not differ significantly; however, confidence in problem solving was significantly higher for nurses nearing retirement age than those in their 30s to 40s. Additionally, nurses nearing retirement age who have a managerial position showed significantly higher scores than others.

These results suggest that when considering how to utilize nurses nearing retirement age, employers should ensure the nurses' experience and knowledge match their desired employment status. Moreover, employers should permit them to utilize their management skills.