A Virginia Beach native, Beth Koonan Dorsk retired as a hospice nurse in 2025. She agreed to share with Jewish News some of her reasons for retiring and how it’s working out.
Jewish News: Where were you educated?
Beth Koonan Dorsk: Flagler Medical Assistant Program (Miami, Fla.) Tidewater Community College School of Nursing (Suffolk).
JN: What was your work history?
BD: Medical Assistant for OB/GYN and pediatric offices; Bayside Hospital on the cardiac floor; Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Cardiac step-down unit; Jewish Family Service Home Health Care; Harbor’s Edge IL clinic; Hospice Nurse Liaison for the last 16 years of my career.
JN: How long did you work?
BD: 48 years
JN: Why did you decide to retire?
BD: To take care of my husband with recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and to spend more time with my three sons, two daughters-in-law, and my three beautiful grandchildren.
JN: Can you believe it has been one full year since you retired?
BD: No, I can’t but it has taken this long going to different doctor appointments for me and my husband. Now, we are ready to have some fun!
JN: Did you have a plan for what you would do with your time?
BD: Travel as much as I can, go to the gym more, read, take walks, enjoy living at the oceanfront, community service (soup kitchen, BeAR program), and to be an advocate for seniors.
JN: Is your husband, Barry, glad that you’re no longer working?
BD: Absolutely!
JN: Do you use your professional skills in any way since retirement? Do people still call you for medical advice?
BD: Yes, this community finds me when their loved ones need hospice or their health is failing. I am always happy to guide families through the healthcare system and be a resource.
JN: What do you do to relax?
BD: Yoga, walk on the beach, read a good book, go to lunch with friends, and spend time with my grandchildren.
JN: What about travel? What has been a favorite destination?
BD: Colorado where our youngest son Mitch lives, Cancun, or Cayman Islands.
JN: In general, are you glad you retired? Have you missed working?
BD: I do miss my work very much as I love to help patients and families at end of life.
I am glad I have retired and very grateful that I can. My husband always said I could retire at 62 but you never know when your plan will change.
JN: Do you feel any healthier? Less stressed?
BD: Oh yes! I can wake up when I feel like it and take my time in the mornings. No alarm clock! I love not rushing out the door. My day is my own and I love that.
JN: Do you have any advice for someone considering retirement?
BD: Absolutely, take a year to find the balance with your time and don’t commit to anything!
JN: Last comments?
BD: Enjoy the next chapter of your life and fill it with only the things you want to do to bring you peace, happiness and good health.