Put simply, no. While there are concerns that nurses are quitting their jobs at higher rates, it has nothing to do with job security. In fact, the demand for nurses is expected to grow immensely in the next decade at a rate of six percent for Registered Nurses and five percent for Licensed Practice Nurses.
Hospitals saw a dramatic staffing shortage during the pandemic that they’ve yet to fully recover from. The overwhelming hours brought on by the pandemic, compounded by a high case workload and exacerbated anxiety, took a toll on nurses, resulting in some nurses retiring early or pursuing different career paths.
Nurse Burnout Is a Real Concern for Employers
COVID-19 was a strenuous time for nurses that led to added stress in an already high-pressure job. Nurses faced increased risks of exposure to COVID-19 while caring for an unprecedented influx of patients. The demand on their time and increasing workload made it difficult for some nurses to get back home long enough to recover for their next shift.
Although nurses were on the front line and became familiar with some aspects of COVID-19 earlier than the average person who wasn’t in the medical field, there were still many facets of the condition they learned about along with their patients. Anxiety about exposure in the early months was particularly bad for nurses.
On the front line of the pandemic, many were concerned about their personal safety as well as the safety of their families. They had to wear a sometimes excessive amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) – masks, gloves, gowns, etc. – to protect themselves and their families, which made it difficult to use the restroom, drink water, stay cool or even breathe easily. And that was if they were lucky to have a reliable supply of PPE. Because the general public also wanted to acquire enough PPE to protect themselves, supplies started to run low, which hurt hospitals the most.
All of this contributed to the high-stress environment during prolonged, irregular shifts that sometimes lasted longer than the traditional 12-hour maximum. The conditions made it difficult to maintain an adequate work/life balance.
This led to the massive drop-out in staff during COVID-19 and well afterward. According to NCSBN, approximately 100,000 registered nurses (RNs) left the field in 2021 and 2022, and about 900,000 – or one-fifth of the entire workforce – intend to do the same by 2027. Many cited feeling “used up” after the pandemic, or too emotionally drained and exhausted to keep working.
While a majority of those who retired or are planning to do so soon are older and are merely leaving the workforce a little early, a sizable minority (nearly 200,000) are younger than 40. As a result, 89 percent of healthcare organizations have reported a significant staffing shortage.
The Field Is Growing and Nursing School Graduates Are in High Demand
A serious shortage has led to high demand, meaning hospitals and doctor’s offices are having to pay more to attract and keep qualified nursing applicants. Many programs that introduced online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic are still offering them, which makes working while getting your degree easier.
Because of the shortage, nursing is growing more quickly than many other occupations. The RN workforce is projected to expand by six percent by 2031, which is faster than the national average. By 2035, it’s estimated that there will be 4.56 million RNs. There’s never been a better time to apply to a reputable nursing program that will help you hone your skills and put your best foot forward in your career.
Excel In Your Chosen Nursing Profession With a Rigorous Medical Education You Can Depend On
Get the education you need to stand out in your nursing career at St. Louis College of Health Careers. We offer comprehensive LPN, RN and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs that provide the comprehensive education and training students need to sit for certification exams and succeed in their field. Our course offerings are designed to optimize your critical thinking and reasoning skills so you can give your patients high-quality care in any setting.
With online and in-person options, as well as staggered semesters that start throughout the year, students can get an accredited education on their schedule. Explore our programs and start your application today by calling 866-529-2070.