The Coming Exodus of RN’s
I feel like I sound like a broken record continually harping on how many registered nurses are expected to leave their careers and how the path will affect mandatory state safe staffing. Along with previous research, another survey on this subject has been published by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. In it, 335,000 registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses surveyed in 2022.
That survey found that one in four nurses intended to leave the profession in the next four years. This is a staggering statistic, especially when we realize that since the COVID pandemic began, about 100,000 registered nurses have already said goodbye to their careers!
With 25% of our country’s 4.5 million registered nurses expected to quit by 2027 means a potential loss of approximately 1.1 million who will move on to other job opportunities or continue their education to become nurse practitioners.
The need for nurse practitioners is growing and, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, present projections call for a 38% increase in the need for nurse practitioners between now and 2032.
Interestingly, many nurses who leave to become nurse practitioners think it will be better for them. Some want scheduling freedom to do travel nursing or remote nursing. But the problems in healthcare exist no matter where you work.
The main culprit for nurses leaving is under staffing. For the first time ever, centers for Medicare and Medicaid services have proposed new staffing regulations for long term care facilities. Specifically, it would require facilities to always have a registered nurse on duty and that each patient receives at least 2.5 hours of direct care from a certified nursing assistant.
As pointed out to me by a colleague, I do not believe that this regulation took into consideration LPNs/LVNs which are the bulk of staffing in long-term care facilities. Many say that they would not be able to attract nurses to work in such facilities, which could mean they might be closing their doors.
The average nurse turnover is between 8.8% and 37%. It appears that the issue is not necessarily staffing alone but also how the nurses are treated, valued, and respected. If nurses are continually working short, that leads to burnout and frustration.
I’m not sure what the answer may be, if any. I initially tried to help nurses become empowered in their role working for corporate healthcare. However, I am seeing that I cannot do this alone. It’s going to take all nurses to stand together to make the needed changes we want to see in healthcare.
