Retirement Reintegration Among Retired Overseas Filipino Worker Nurses Who Worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study as a Basis for a Retirement Development Plan

This study explored and described the reintegration experiences of retired OFW nurses who served in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and who have permanently returned to the Philippines. It examined the process of retirement and reintegration, providing evidence for the development of a Retirement Development Plan. This study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design and was guided by Meleis' Transition Theory. Purposive, snowball, and homogeneous sampling were used to select eleven retired Overseas Filipino Worker nurses. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed through Colaizzi’s Seven-Step Descriptive Phenomenological Method. Results indicated that retirement reintegration is a complex developmental transition that includes financial adjustment, identity reconstruction, emotional adjustment, family and social reintegration, resilience, and the development of a renewed sense of purpose. The participants’ stories generated six themes: Retirement as New Beginning toward Freedom and Personal Fulfillment; Family Reconnection as the Heart of Retirement Reintegration; Identity Reconstruction Beyond Overseas Nursing; Adaptation through Financial Readiness and Resilience; Holistic Well-Being through Faith, Purpose, and Balanced Living; and Continued Contribution through Service and Meaningful Engagement. The scope of this study was limited to retired Filipino Registered Nurses who worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before returning to the Philippines. Therefore, the results are context-bound and are intended for analytical, not statistical, generalization. The findings suggest the necessity of integrated retirement planning and reintegration programs that cover financial planning, psychosocial support, healthy aging, family involvement, and community engagement. The proposed Retirement Development Plan offers an evidence-based framework for nursing practice, policy formulation, and future research. It is one of the first descriptive phenomenological analyses of the reintegration into retirement of Filipino Overseas Filipino Worker nurses from Saudi Arabia.