If you have a nurse in your life, you know how big of a deal retirement is. They’ve worked hard, served others, and now it’s time to be honored in a special way. Acknowledge them with nurse retirement well wishes and messages, retirement party ideas, plaques, and gifts for their lifetime of service.
The thing that strikes me the most with nurses, is that they are very close to their work family. I have a few relatives who are nurses. They are all incredible! They like to have fun (have you heard that before?) and they are kind and caring to the patients they are in charge of.
School nurses and nursing home caregivers are certainly part of this pack, too. When you see the comraderie of this profession, and what seems and endless amount of compassion, we all feel a need to step up and give them a retirement celebration that equals their true worth.
I am proud to be able to give you some ideas and hope that they spark thoughts for your own touching nurse retirement tribute.
Planning a Nurse Retirement Party
A retirement party is a heartfelt way to celebrate a nurse’s retirement. You can plan a party that is both fun and meaningful by incorporating some retirement party games, food, decorations, and even a one-of-a-kind song. You can also include a retirement speech for a nurse to honor their contributions to the nursing profession.
A nurse’s career is usually full of interesting stories. Reminisce and have some laughs (of course, while respecting patient privacy guidelines).
Some nurse retirement party games that you can consider include:
- Nursing Trivia: Test the retiree’s knowledge of nursing history and facts.
- Scrub Cap Decorating: Provide plain scrub caps and art supplies for guests to decorate and personalize.
- Prescription Writing: Have guests write humorous prescriptions for the retiree’s new life.
When it comes to decorations, you can choose a nursing theme and incorporate items such as stethoscopes, bandages, and syringes. You can also create a photo booth with nurse-themed props for guests to take pictures.
One Nurse’s Retirement Celebration
I’m approaching this differently today. I was able to find an amazing YouTube video of a nurse’s retirement well wishes from her coworkers, and the retirement party itself. The person who lead this video farewell gets an A++. It has all of the elements of a true tribute to anyone who is retiring. Let’s take a look why this video is successful!
Celebrating 40 years of service
In the video (below), a close friend creates a touching appreciation video for a nurse who had given 40 years of service to West Anaheim Medical Center. The video contains still shots, text on screen, staff coworkers holding signs with messages, individual and group tributes. It also is a keepsake video of the retirement party itself.
The intro words on screen ring true:
Cheers to 40 years of service.
May you be proud of the work you have done,
The person you are, and the difference you have made.
Your caring hands have healed so many patients.
Your knowledge and experience have helpd so many nurses.
The pandemic didn’t stop you,
To do what nobody else will do, That nobody else can,
In spite of all we go through that is to be a nurse.
You’re a true HERO!
A touching tribute to a nurse who mentored others
I strongly encourage you to watch the entire video. It left me feeling so inspired, not just for recognizing a nurse, but it really has been thinking about the other people in my life who have put in the long haul and are reaching retirement.
I chose to highlight the recorded message below of one nurse who was especially impacted by the nurse retiree. Here is the transcript of her message (what is missing is her sincere and honest delivery from her heart – you can only absorb that vibe by watching the video!).
“We all wanted to do this for you. It’s like a tribute. All your hard work, dedication… dedication, loyalty, and hard work that you’ve put into this hospital, especially to our unit. We love you so much, surely we will miss you everyday. Thank you for everything you’ve taught us… You’ve been my mentor.
You’ve given me so much advice here at work being a charge nurse, but you’ve also given me so much personal advice with kids… I’ve asked you so many questions! I’m so happy for you! You’ve been talking about retiring for awhile now, and finally it’s going to happen.
I think this is the perfect time. Like they say, everything happens for a reason. God has a perfect plan for you. I wish you all the best. I know that God will continue to guide you, to keep you healthy and strong. I salute you for working here as long as you did. I am so happy and it has been a pleasure working with you. Have fun! You have a lot of free time (away from work!). Please come back and visit us. We love you and we will miss you!”
If that message doesn’t bring tears, I don’t know what will! If I was the retiree, I woul have felt personally fulfilled, completely recognized and thanked, and felt a deep satisfaction that my coworkers and administration appreciated me.
The Finale: a Nurse Retirement Song
I’m thinking that nurses must really like to sing. Maybe it’s an appropriate way to send off nurses, as there are a few examples online. I even saw someone choreograph a cheer-style dance (maybe nurses were former cheerleaders?!?). The coworkers in the earlier video gathered together and sang a special retirement song. One talented guy strummed his ukelele, and together they sung these words:
Good Luck… Good Health… God Bless You…
And guide you on your way.
No matter where you wander
Wherever you may go
Good Luck… Good Health… God Bless You…
And keep you still in our hearts!
There was a second verse, but I couldn’t quite understand it. They were laughing so hard and having a great time!
Food and Decorations for the Party
You may think this is silly, but I had to stop the first video and look at the spread of food! It looked so delicious! I don’t even know what everything was, maybe some ethnic dishes, I saw some type of stuffed and beautiful loaff bread.
I enjoyed watching the good spirits of the women putting the decorations up (and they were cute, too – did you see the balloon flowers on the wall?). It was like the entire hospital had been preparing for this day. The positive energy could defininitely be felt – I imagine that the retiree will re-play the video many times.
Don’t forget a nurse-themed retirement cake! You can have so much fun with this – there are lots of cake images online to offer inspiration. I created a retirement cake page with cake sayings for every profession – I cover nurse retirement cakes, so check that out.
Retirement Wishes and Quotes
It’s a pretty tough act to follow the tribute to the nurse in the previous video. One takeaway, let your well wishes speak from your heart.
If you find it difficult to put it into writing, find a quote that will. You can find many online resources that offer a wide variety of retirement wishes for nurses, and even funny retirement messages. You can use these wishes to write a heartfelt message in a card or include them in a speech during the retirement party.
Some popular nurse retirement quotes and sayings include:
- “Nurses don’t retire, they just switch to a new shift.”
- “Nursing is not just a job, it’s a calling. Thank you for answering the call.”
- “Retirement is not the end of the road, it’s the beginning of a new journey.”
Here are some longer sentiment examples:
“Time to trade in those scrubs for some well-deserved relaxation! Wishing you a retirement filled with laughter, joy, and endless cups of coffee. Thank you for all the care and compassion you’ve given over the years!”
“Thank you for your years of dedication and care. Wishing you a rewarding and joyful retirement. Your kindness and support will be greatly missed, but we hope you enjoy this new chapter of your life to the fullest.”
Messages for school nurse retirement
“Cheers to the end of countless scraped knees, fevers, and lost teeth! As you close this chapter of your career, know that you’ve been a comforting presence in the lives of countless students and staff alike. May your retirement be filled with relaxation, rejuvenation, and maybe just a few less Band-Aids. You’ve earned it!”
In the video tribute to a retiring school nurse, her son adds his own, personal message. I’ll add the transript here, it’s very touching!
“Hey mom! I don’t know if you know this, but people quit their jobs everyday, of every month, of every year – but not you! For the last 26 years of your life, you’ve dedicated yourself to the [Name] School System. Because of that, you have impacted thousands of people’s lives. I just want to say thank you for showing me how to work hard, how to take pride in a job well done, how to show up on time, and how to be there for family. I hope now you can relax, travel a bit, and enjoy all the fruits of your labor. Thank you and I love you!”
This school nurse who had an impressive career, also raised an impressive son!
Retirement messages for nurse working in a retirement home
“Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your career! Your dedication to caring for the elderly in our nursing home has been nothing short of admirable. Your compassion, patience, and kindness have brought comfort to so many residents and their families over the years. As you embark on this new chapter of your life, may your days be filled with relaxation, joy, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a lasting difference in the lives of those you’ve served. Happy retirement!”
Gift Ideas for the Retiring Nurse
Retirement is a significant milestone in a nurse’s life, and it’s a time to celebrate their dedication and hard work. I would like to point out that a lot of people take up gardening after a retirement, it’s a real thing, and a very popular retirement gift to give!
I had to laugh when nurse coworkers in the first video talked about gardening with the guest of honor – the nurse retiring! If you have a nurse who is interested in gardening, look at my extensive best gifts for gardeners.
Personalized gifts are a great way to show your appreciation for the retiring nurse’s service. A personalized nurse retirement plaque or blanket with their name and years of service is a thoughtful and unique gift that they will cherish forever. You can also consider a personalized nurse retirement bracelet or necklace to commemorate their career.
The gift wrap up
Have fun planning and preparing for a retiring nurse recognition party. A retiring nurse is an opportunity for her coworkers to acknowledge their close work relationship, and the teamwork that built a strong career.
If you’re the spouse of a nurse, or child, show your parent or spouse how much you appreciate and admire them! Make the day about warm fuzzy feelings – she/he deserves it!
