Increased demand, labor shortages, and changes in the industry are putting pressure on registered nurses nationwide, according to an AMN Healthcare study. The Irving-based healthcare staffing firm surveyed 20,000 nurses across the country, and found that many are working second jobs, don’t have enough time with patients, and have experienced workplace violence; but the greatest challenge was flexibility and work-life balance.
Baby Boomer nurses and patients are creating a double challenge, as the nurses retire just as their generation needs more medical care than ever. People who are 65 and over spend three times as many days in the hospital as younger patients, and the survey says that 86 percent of Baby Boomer nurses are planning on retiring in the next five years.
One in five nurses holds more than one job, and 273,000 nurses have two full-time jobs nationwide. Two thirds of nurses say their job is impacting their health, and nearly half consider quitting often. Over 40 percent say they don’t have enough time to spend with patients, and 41 percent say they have been victims of bullying, incivility or other forms of workplace violence.
The survey says that nurses who feel supported in their professional development have higher satisfaction scores, as well as organizations that support workplace diversity. Enhancing safety, addressing workplace violence, reducing bullying and adding flexibility were all important factors for satisfaction and retention as well.
On the whole, 81 percent of nurses are satisfeid with their career choice, and nearly two thirds are satisfied with their current role. A little under half of all nurses say their organization supports their professional development.
“From everything we know, this next decade will be extremely challenging for the nursing profession and healthcare in general, with serious workforce issues facing healthcare organizations at a time when many nurses are already experiencing tremendous pressure,” said Dr. Cole Edmonson, Chief Clinical Officer at AMN Healthcare via release. “The 2019 RN Survey can help healthcare organizations understand and prepare for the workforce issues they face, particularly through addressing the need for greater flexibility and work-life balance, better professional development opportunities, embracing diversity, and reducing workplace violence.”
Read the entire study here.
