Although 76 percent of nurses report feeling satisfied or very satisfied professionally, 72 percent of nurses say they believe troubles are ahead, such as workload increase, nursing shortages, and greater liabilities and litigation regarding nursing, according to a survey by Jackson Healthcare.

"Nursing is a great profession at the moment," says Richard L. Jackson, chairman and CEO of Jackson Healthcare. "It provides good pay, rewarding work and a nice balance between personal and professional life. However, with so many seniors approaching retirement, a potential nursing shortage, more litigation in the medical profession, and a potential explosion of newly insured patients thanks to the Affordable Care Act, nurses fear the future and changes coming to their profession."

Meanwhile, only 5 percent of respondents say they are dissatisfied with their work. These respondents typically are between ages 25 and 34 and are more often men. Additionally, the survey reveals that there is an expected spike in nursing retirement in the next 10 years.