Nurses seem to be doing slightly better now than in 2021, though levels of burnout are still high, and many still report a lack of support at work, according to a survey of more than 2,100 nurses led by nurse.org.
Between October and November 2022, 2,145 nurses completed an online survey from nurse.org. The organization polled its own audience and newsletter subscribers. Ninety-two percent of respondents had RN status. Data from the survey was used to develop the 2023 "This is the State of Nursing" report, which was peer-reviewed by a panel of six nurse leaders.
Key findings from the report:
- Sixty percent of respondents agreed with the statement, "I love being a nurse." At the same time, 62 percent reported being concerned about the future of nursing.
- There were marginal improvements in rates of burnout, mental health suffering and lack of support from 2021. Still, 81 percent of nurses reported burnout, and the same proportion said their mental health has taken a toll.
- Sixty-one percent of nurses feel unsupported at work, down from 77 percent in 2021.
- Nearly 40 percent of respondents said they were dissatisfied with their current job, though this varied depending on education level and specialty.
- Ninety-one percent of nurses believe the nursing shortage is worsening.
- More than half of respondents, 55 percent, received a pay increase in the past year. Still, three-quarters of nurses feel underpaid.