By 2027, 20% of US Nurses may leave the nursing profession. According to a study presented at the National Press Club, it is estimated that nearly 800,000 registered nurses (RNs) plan to exit the workforce by 2027. This is in addition to over 100,000 who left during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research estimates a loss of 1 million nurses altogether.
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The Journal Of Nursing Regulation
According to Brendan Martin, PhD, director of nursing regulation for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), this would mean a loss of nearly one-fifth of the country’s 4.5 million RNs. As a result will likely cause significant disruptions to the healthcare system.
The article, published in the Journal of Nursing Regulation, states that:
- The US nursing workforce has declined by 3.3% in the past two years
- 250,000 nurses left the workforce since 2020 due to the pandemic
- Approximately 100,000 were registered nurses (RNs)
- Around 34,000 were licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs and LVNs)
Factors Influencing Departures Of 1 Million Nurses
Martin’s research reveals that high workloads and burnout during the pandemic have strained the US nursing workforce. This is in particular among younger RNs with less experience. Out of the nearly 800k RNs planning to leave, roughly 610,388 have over 10 years of experience.
Increased workloads for nurses during the pandemic is a possible reason behind the projected departures. About 62% of surveyed nurses reported an increased workload during the pandemic.
They also report feelings of emotional exhaustion, fatigue, and burnout experienced by over 45% of respondents. Early-career nurses with higher workloads were three to four times more likely to report these feelings.
Addressing the Nursing Workforce Crisis
In a panel discussion, led by Maryann Alexander, PhD, RN, chief officer of nursing regulation for NCSBN, emphasizes that the projected departures are reversible. Gay Landstrom, PhD, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Trinity Health System, stresses the need to create a safer, more flexible, and supportive work environment for nurses. She also highlights the importance of strong mentorship, given the challenges posed by the pandemic on nursing education.
Leveraging technology in nursing to bring more experienced nurses back into care teams for mentoring younger nurses is in discussion as a solution. Rayna Letourneau, PhD, RN, executive director of the Florida Center for Nursing, mentioned the potential for academic-practice partnerships as another way to address the issue.
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These partnerships involve two organizations, one academic and one clinical, working together to provide clinical affiliation for a nursing school and pool resources for a shared goal.
Robyn Begley, DNP, RN, CEO of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, added that during the pandemic, some hospitals and health systems were able to lend or subsidize qualified nurse educators to teach and be preceptors for colleges and schools of nursing. She emphasizes that such partnerships should be continued.
About the Study
Martin and his colleagues used data from the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey, which included 39 questions across six domains. The survey sample comprised 54,025 respondents from 45 states, with 29,472 RNs and 24,061 LPNs or LVNs participating. The study has limitations, including not capturing pandemic-related feedback from all states and possible multiplicative effects associated with potential attrition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing the impending nursing workforce crisis is crucial for maintaining the stability of the US healthcare system. By fostering a supportive work environment, investing in mentorship programs, and promoting academic-practice partnerships, the industry can effectively counter the projected departure of 1 million of nurses by 2027.
As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, it is essential to prioritize the well-being and professional development of nurses, ensuring their retention and overall satisfaction. By focusing on these key strategies, the nursing profession can remain resilient, adaptable, and prepared to face future challenges, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.