Nursing Profession Outlook: 80% Anticipate No Progress

The outlook for the nursing profession in 2024 remains uncertain, with many US nurses foreseeing ongoing challenges, according to a recent survey by AMN Healthcare.

Key findings include:

1. General Outlook: 80% of nurses predict no improvement or worsening conditions compared to 2023, with 42% expecting stability and 38% anticipating a decline. Conversely, only 20% feel optimistic about improvements.

2. Job Satisfaction and Retention: Nurses endured the Covid-19 crisis, yet many still see challenges ahead,” stated Robin Johnson, Group President of Nursing Solutions at AMN Healthcare. Focusing on nurse wellness, job satisfaction, and retention must continue to be a priority.

3. Job Changes: 35% of nurses are extremely likely to seek new jobs in 2024, and another 55% consider it very or somewhat likely. Changes in work hours or schedules are also on the horizon, with 35% extremely likely to make adjustments, and 58% seeing it as somewhat or extremely likely.

4. Workforce Stability: Turnover and instability have been constants in the nursing workforce over recent years, and this trend will persist until their concerns are adequately addressed,” Johnson added.

5. Priorities: For 2024, nurses prioritize compensation, better patient-to-nurse ratios, improved schedules, recognition, and wellness programs.

6. Impact and Pride: While 37% of nurses feel their impact on patient health and well-being is extremely positive, 74% view it as moderately or somewhat positive. However, pride in their profession varies, with only 37% feeling extremely proud, 44% moderately or somewhat proud, and 19% slightly or not at all proud.

Johnson emphasized the importance of addressing these issues, noting, “Given their often lifesaving roles, more nurses should feel extremely proud of their contributions. The current sentiment is a significant concern that warrants reflection.”

This survey highlights the ongoing issues within the nursing profession and underscores the need for continued efforts to improve conditions and morale among nurses.