What is the retired class?

The Retired Class is a voluntary option for nurses who have reached the age of 65 and who no longer wish to be employed in nursing, but wish to retain the use of their restricted title.

Why does the College offer a Retired Class?

The Retired Class was created as a reduced-fee option for those individuals who have reached the age of 65 and have retired from nursing, but who wish to continue to use the protected title nurse, registered nurse (RN) or registered practical nurse (RPN).

The Registered Health Professions Act (RHPA) restricts the use of the titles “nurse,” “RN,” or “RPN” to those individuals who are registered with the College of Nurses and who pay the annual registration fee. Because of this, you cannot refer to yourself as a nurse, registered nurse, or registered practical nurse if you do not maintain registration with the College.

What are the benefits of Retired Class membership?

• You are permitted to use the designation “Registered Nurse (Retired)” or “Registered Practical Nurse (Retired).”
• You receive each issue of The Standard, the College’s magazine.  
• You pay a reduced fee compared to General Class registration.
• You are not required to participate in the College’s Quality Assurance program.

What are the requirements?

• You must be 65 years of age or older.
• You cannot be employed in nursing or hold yourself out as a nurse in an employment or volunteer capacity.
• You must be a current member in good standing, or have been a previous member in good standing.

What does the fee cover?

The fee covers the administrative costs associated with the maintenance of your membership on the register, the Standard, and any other information that may be sent to you regarding the regulation of the nursing profession.

Do I have to join the Retired Class when I turn 65?

No. Members aged 65 and older may continue their membership within the General Class and pay the annual general registration fee for as long as they wish.

What if I am 65 years old (or older) and still working?

As long as you are working as a nurse, you are not eligible for Retired Class status.

What are my options if I am 65 years old (or older) and not working?

• You may apply for the Retired Class.
• You may resign from the College.
• You may continue to be registered in the general class (or, if you are an RN(EC), in the extended class) member.

What if I am a Retired Class member and then decide to return to work? 

If you are registered in the Retired Class, you can no longer work as a nurse, not even for a short period of time (e.g. filling in for another nurse on a short, one-time-only basis). If you believe there is any possibility you will be returning to work – even on a short-term, temporary basis – then you should not apply to register in the Retired Class. If you do enter the Retired Class and then wish to return to work as a practicing nurse, you will have to re-apply for registration in the General Class.

What happens if I resign instead of joining the Retired Class?

Members who are no longer working as nurses, have no intention of ever returning to work as nurses and no longer wish to refer to themselves as nurses may choose to resign from the College. If you resign from the College, you can no longer use the titles "nurse",  "Registered Nurse" or "Registered Practical Nurse", and you may not seek employment as a nurse or hold yourself out to anyone as a nurse.

What happens if I don’t resign, don’t apply for the Retired Class, and don’t pay the annual fee?

In this instance, you would be suspended for non-payment of fees. The suspension would be recorded in the College’s Find a Nurse online register, and you would not be permitted to work as a nurse or hold yourself out in any capacity as a nurse until the matter is resolved.

If I have been suspended for non-payment of fees, am I still eligible to join the Retired Class?

No. The regulations relating to retired status require that a member be in good standing with the College; by not paying the required fee, you are not a member in good standing. Under specific circumstances, the Registration Committee may waive this requirement of good standing with respect to fee payment.

If I am retired and there is an emergency, can I present myself as a nurse and offer to help?

In an emergency, you can present yourself as a retired nurse and offer your assistance. Under the RHPA, you are exempt from the controlled act restriction when “rendering first aid or temporary assistance in an emergency.” If the College receives a complaint about your conduct during the emergency, you would be expected to have performed in a manner consistent with your background and the circumstances of the situation.

If I am not 65 but I am retired, do I have to keep up my general registration (even if I am not using it) to become a member of the Retired Class when I reach age 65?

No. You may choose to resign from the College and then apply for the Retired Class when you turn 65. However, if you wish to refer to yourself as nurse, Registered Nurse, or Registered Practical Nurse in the meantime, then you must maintain your registered status in the General Class until you reach 65.

Why is the Retired Class not available to nurses who are under age 65 and who have permanently retired because of long-term disability?

The age of 65 is based on an exception within the Ontario Human Rights Code that specifies discrimination does not occur where the age of 65 or over is the requirement for preferential treatment. The age limit is also set out in the Nursing Act, which is why a member needs to be 65 in order to enter the Retired Class.

How can I become a Retired Class member?

Members wishing to join the Retired Class can request an application form by contacting the College’s Customer Service Centre.

Will RNAO/RPNAO accept me as a member if I belong to the College’s Retired Class?

Please contact RNAO/RPNAO for information about their membership requirements.