While other sectors have recovered from the pandemic, nursing enters a new, dangerous chapter of burnout and staff resignations
January 19, 2023
WASHINGTON—The American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment today released the findings of its annual nationwide survey of 500 foreign-educated registered nurses showing widespread alarm among clinicians about the worsening healthcare staffing crisis, its effect on patient care and provider wellbeing, and its long-term implications for workforce development.
"While most industries have rebounded from the initial interruption and economic shock of the pandemic, nursing will bear the scars of the last three years for decades to come—and at great cost for ordinary patients," AAIHR President Patty Jeffrey said. "Even before the first wave in 2020, hospital bedsides were understaffed. Now, 75 percent of practicing registered nurses say they might leave medicine long-term if the shortage isn't finally corrected. That’s going to mean more closed beds for everyone from expecting mothers to dialysis patients, and the problem will only compound.”
Model nurse staffing mix is one of the strongest predictors of positive patient outcomes. One study by the National Institutes of Health found that increasing a nurse’s workload by just one patient increases the risk of patient mortality by seven percent. Understaffed units carry increased patient safety events, morbidity, and mortality but the triple crises of covid burnout, staff nurse resignations, and Baby Boomer retirements have pushed hospitals—and their patients—to the brink.
Key survey findings:
The survey, conducted by the AAIHR, sampled the opinions of 500 registered nurses between December 1-31, 2022.
ABOUT THE AAIHR
The American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment (AAIHR) is the preeminent advocate for the ethical international recruiting industry. Our members are integral to the delivery of quality health care to Americans in every corner of the country.
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91 percent rate the staffing shortage as a moderate or serious problem. Fewer than one half of one percent say it's not a problem at all.
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Majority of nurses report their units have the necessary number of nurses with right skills and experience less than half of the time.
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Fewer than one in three nurses say they are emotionally healthy or extremely emotionally healthy
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Respondents overwhelming supplied negative responses.
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