May is National Nurses Month and while 97% of nurses report overall job satisfaction it’s clear that the effects of burnout are widespread, according to new data from MyPerfectResume. The national survey emphasizes that despite dedication to their roles, nurses are struggling with burnout, inadequate staffing and emotional strain.
The survey found that 96% of nurses have seriously considered leaving the profession and 83% feel burned out at least weekly.
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While many nurses reported that they entered the field for personal reasons – rather than the paycheck – they also work unpaid hours, manage side gigs and deal with conditions that compromise patient care. Nearly 50% say that the quality of care suffers due to staff shortages and that 92% feel the need to supplement their income with extra work – further driving burnout.
According to the survey, 47% of nurses work an extra 5-10 hours each week off the clock and 92% take on side jobs or gig work to supplement their income. It’s clear that nurses are subsidizing a system that does not work with their own time, health and money. Without change, the survey suggests these burdens will continue to drive nurses out of the field altogether.
Even though nurses remain committed to providing quality care, the survey found that commitment alone cannot offset the toll of unsupported and high-pressure environments. Burnout is systemic and will require intentional and substantial changes. Top causes of burnout cited in the survey included lack of mental health support (37%), safety concerns (36%), and long shifts with mandatory overtime (34%).
The survey found that 56% of nurses say that understaffing has worsened and 44% say their workplace relies on temp or travel nurses to meet care needs.
Although many employers are attempting to address concerns of burnout, the solutions often seem to fall short. The survey found that 63% of nurses said their employer has attempted to address burnout but 1 in 3 say those efforts were ineffective.
Unfortunately, staffing challenges don’t just affect employees, but also directly affect patient care and outcomes. While hospital systems continue to better address these systematic issues, the survey recommends nurses prioritize self care and setting boundaries, build a support network to supply help and evaluate workplace culture before taking a new role in order to combat burnout.
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