Two-thirds of nurses intend to leave the profession within the next two years, up from 49% reported in 2021, according to a survey by ShiftMed.

The report also affirmed the challenges nurses and facilities are currently navigating across the country amid staffing shortages.

Among nurses considering leaving the profession, 93% said having the ability to control their schedule would make them more willing to stay. Another 61% reported higher pay would convince them to stay in the profession, which ties in with the concern voiced by 43% who said their current pay is not keeping up with the cost of living.

Additional findings:

• • 52% of nurses reported a considerable or severe staffing shortage at their workplace, with nearly 99% citing a staffing shortage of some degree.
• 49% reported they are concerned their patients are not getting adequate care, while 40% reported a negative impact on their overall mental health.
• 20% believe that an unwillingness to comply with Covid-19 vaccination requirements is preventing people from pursuing a career in nursing, with fear of burnout topping concerns at 29%.
• 36% of nurses said they would not recommend the profession to friends and family, up from 28% in 2021.

“With nursing shortages exacerbated by the pandemic and still affecting healthcare facilities coast to coast, it’s alarming but not shocking to hear that so many of these frontline heroes have been pushed to the edge and are considering leaving the profession,” ShiftMed CEO Todd Walrath said.

“We take great pride in listening to caregivers of all specialties and diving deep to explore what matters most to them and what would keep them on the frontlines. Better pay is of course a driver, but just as important, as we’ve found with this year’s Annual State of Nursing Report, is control over their schedules.”

The ShiftMed Annual State of Nursing Survey was conducted online by Wakefield Research among 500 US nurses between Aug. 4 and Aug. 15.