- Share Story
-
-
-
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic entered the world’s consciousness, healthcare professionals were feeling the strain of staffing and resources in the tumultuous world of healthcare. And, as the world’s largest health crisis in recent history began to explode, the situation only got worse. But, not all hope is lost.
With all that healthcare professionals have endured in the last two years, it is critical that we take the time to amplify their voices and their stories. Every year, our team at Vivian runs a survey of our huge network of healthcare professionals about their jobs, their career, their mental health, and so much more.
The Future of Healthcare Employment
Last year, we reported that 40% of healthcare professionals surveyed were considering leaving their profession. This year, the results showed a big uptick in clinicians who plan to leave the profession in the next 5 years. 67% of respondents indicated they plan to leave healthcare, and 11.3% of respondents said they would leave within the next 6 months.
But There Are Silver Linings
Although there is still a lot we can do to support healthcare workers, there are still positive signals in the industry for healthcare professionals. 73.5% of respondents reported earning more money in 2021 when compared to 2020. When asked which factors mattered most in their decision to stay or leave a job, the most selected responses were Compensation, Mental Wellbeing, Staff-to-Patient Ratios, and Respect in that order.
The Numbers of Mental Health
Unsurprisingly, HCPs are overwhelmingly reporting that their mental health has been harmed over the last two years.
- 41.3% report that their mental health has been severely impacted working in healthcare during COVID-19, while only 6.2% say it hasn’t been impacted at all
- 76.4% said that morale in their hospital had gotten worse since this time last year
- 44.4% of respondents report that their unit is short-staffed “all of the time or every day,” and 46.6% saying that 2021 staff shortages far surpassed the shortages experienced in 2020.
- 79.4% said that their employers were not doing enough to support their mental health.
Now What?
There is an undeniable truth that healthcare workers have not been happy for some time now, but the results of this survey open the doors for discussion and strategies about moving forward. It may see like a grim picture at first glance, but there are clear indicators that the problems are solvable. Nurses are speaking out about what they need to feel valued, respected, and safe in their profession, and we are committed to helping find the best places to work and feel confident in their nursing careers.
