Healthcare Staffing Report: Dec. 3, 2015

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Baby boomer nurses: 62% contemplating retirement

Nearly two-thirds of registered nurses over age 54 are now considering retirement, according to survey results released by AMN Healthcare Services Inc. (NYSE: AHS) and its Center for the Advancement of Healthcare Professionals.

Of those nurses over 54 who are considering retirement, 62% plan to retire within the next three years. Additionally, 21% of nurses over age 54 said they will switch to part time work.

More than half of current registered nurses are over 50, according to a 2013 study by the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers.

“This data confirms what we’ve known anecdotally and allows us to finally put dimensions and a timeline around a predicted retirement surge,” said Marcia Faller, RN, PhD, chief clinical officer at AMN Healthcare. “But the harm to the healthcare industry goes beyond the numbers. The loss of this intellectual asset may be acutely felt in terms of quality of care and patient satisfaction. To withstand this loss, healthcare administrators need help in preparing for the nursing workforce of the future.”

The survey found that nursing education roles will be hit hard by the retirement surge, which could impact the ability to educate incoming nurses who will replace those who retire.

While 85% of nurses reported they are satisfied with their overall career choice, their optimism wanes when questioned about the day-to-day aspects of their work. Twenty-two percent are less satisfied with their current roles and only 36% said they have the time they need to spend with patients. Fifty percent worry that their job is affecting their health and 30% said they often feel like quitting.

The 2015 Survey of Registered Nurses included 9,000 registered nurses in a variety of fields and specialties.