animated banner
Public Employers Students Media More  

Registration   

   Last modified: July 21, 2006

Retired Class: Questions & Answers


[top]

Why has the College of Nurses created a retired class?

The retired class was created as a "reduced fee" option for individuals who have reached the age of 65 and have permanently retired from nursing, but who wish to retain their identity as a nurse and in particular, the use of the restricted title.

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

[top]

What requirements does one have to meet for membership in the retired class?

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

[top]

Do I have to join the retired class when I turn 65?

No. It is not mandatory. The retired class is an option for those who no longer wish to work as a nurse, have reached the age of 65, want to continue to call themselves nurses, and don't want to pay the annual fee of $122.66 for membership in the general class.

Members may continue their membership within the general class and pay the annual general registration fee for as long as they wish.

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.

[top]

What happens if I join the retired class, and then I am asked to return to work as a nurse on a casual, part-time, or full-time basis? (this includes filling in on a short, once only basis for sick time, vacation time, etc.)

If you register in the retired class, you can no longer work as a nurse, not even for a short period of time (e.g. one hour per week, one day per week).

If you believe that there is any possibility that you will be returning to work, even on a short-term, temporary basis, you should not apply to register in the retired class.

If you do register in the retired class and then wish to return to work after retiring, you will have to reapply for registration. This means that you will have to meet current registration requirements. For example, as of 2005, you would have to have a baccalaureate in nursing.

[top]

What are the Benefits of Membership in the Retired Class?

  • Retired class members may use the designation Registered Nurse (Retired) or Registered Practical Nurse (Retired).
  • Will receive each published edition of The Standard (formerly Communiqué).
  • A retired class member is not required to participate in CNO's quality assurance program.
  • An annual retired class fee of $49.53 rather than the general class fee of $122.66.
  • The member retains contact with the nursing profession and its issues.

[top]

What is the $50 fee for?

The fee of $50 covers the administrative costs associated with the maintenance of membership on the register, The Standard , and any other information that may be sent to the member relating to the regulation of the nursing profession.

[top]

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

  • As long as one is working as a nurse, one is not eligible for retired class status.
  • Any nurse who is employed in nursing must continue to be registered in the general class, or if an RN(EC), in the extended class, must participate in CNO's quality assurance program, and must continue to pay the annual fee of $122.66.

[top]

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 an RN(EC), in the extended class, as a nonpractising member who does not participate in CNO's quality assurance program, but must continue to pay $122.66 annual registration.

[top]

What happens if I resign?

  • If you resign from CNO, you are no longer a member.
  • You may no longer refer to yourself as a Registered Nurse or a Registered Practical Nurse.
  • You may not seek employment as a nurse, or hold yourself out to anyone as a nurse.

[top]

What happens if I don't resign, don't apply for the retired class, and don't pay the annual fee?

  • You would be suspended for nonpayment of fee. The suspension would be recorded on CNO's data base.
  • You would no longer be a member of CNO.
  • You would not be permitted to use the title "nurse", "Registered Nurse" or "Registered Practical Nurse."
  • You would not be permitted to work as a nurse or to hold yourself out in any capacity as a nurse.

[top]

If I have been suspended for nonpayment of fee, am I still eligible for retired class?

The regulations relating to retired status require that a member be "in good standing". By not paying the required fee, you are not a member in good standing. Under specific circumstances, this requirement of good standing with respect to fee payment may be waived by the Registration Committee.

The intent of CNO, for the upcoming registration year, is to grant an exemption for former members who meet the other eligibility requirements for retired class.

[top]

How Can I Become a Retired Class Member?

CNO will be sending letters this August to members who, according to our database, are eligible by age for the retired class.

Members wishing to join the retired class will be requested to complete an application form and forward the retired class annual fee to the College.

[top]

I have received a registration form for the retired class. I am still working and am completing my reflective practice. Is the College forcing me to retire?

No, the College is not forcing anyone to join the retired class, or to retire.

The retired class is a voluntary option for nurses who have reached the age of 65, who no longer wish to be employed in nursing, but who wish to retain the use of the restricted title registered nurse. The only way to retain registration is to either pay the full annual fee of the general class, or to take advantage of the reduced fee being offered to those who qualify for the retired class.

[top]

What happens if there is an emergency, for example a car accident, can I present myself as a nurse and offer to help, if I am retired?

You may present yourself as a retired nurse and offer to help. Under the RHPA, you are exempt from the controlled act restriction when "rendering first aid or temporary assistance in an emergency". Should a complaint be made against you to the College, you would be expected to have performed in a fashion consistent with your background and the circumstances of the situation.

[top]

If I am not 65 but 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 do 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, you must maintain your registered status in the general class until you reach 65.

[top]

Why is the retired class not available to nurses who are under 65 years old and who have permanently retired because of long-term disability and will never be nursing again?

We do not have a retirement class that will address the needs of the disabled, unless they have reached the age of 65. Our current retirement class is based on the specific age requirement of 65. The age of 65 is based on an exception within the Ontario Human Rights Code that specifies that discrimination does not occur where the age of 65 or over is the requirement for preferential treatment. Allowance for other age qualifications into the retired class would be open to allegations of discrimination.

[top]

Will RNAO/RPNAO accept me as a member if I belong to the retired class with CNO?

You should contact RNAO/RPNAO for their membership requirements.

 

[top]