Medscape Nurse Career Satisfaction Report 2017
In December of this past year, the Medscape Nurse Career Satisfaction Report of 2017 was released. The report was built from responses to an online survey completed by over 10,000 nurses in the United States, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice nurses (APRNs). Respondents were surveyed about the best and worst parts of their job as a nurse, if they would choose nursing again if they were to start over with their career and questions specific to their career as a new nurse, and nurse close to retirement.
All three groups of nurses, including RNs, LPNs and APRNs, reported the best thing about their job was helping people and making a difference in people’s lives. Within the group of APRNs, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) cited working a job they liked as the best thing about their career. All groups of nurses reported being good at what they did as another good reason to be a nurse.
The reported worst aspects of the profession for all three groups included administration, workplace politics and documentation. In addition to aspects listed above, LPNs reported their low salary as a negative of their nursing career. Nurse practitioners (NPs), who were reported under the APRN group, especially noted the extensive documentation they are required to complete and the interaction with insurance companies as the worst aspects of their jobs. Nurse midwives (NMs) and CRNAs, also both within the APRN group, mentioned working nights, holidays and weekends as negative aspects of their careers. All groups also mentioned wanting more respect for their career as a nurse.
When asked if they would choose nursing again, if they were to start over, at least 95% of respondents from all divisions of nursing questioned reported they would. The highest percentage (98%) was for clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). To note, within the group of respondents, male nurses were more likely to report having a preference for changing to a different career than female nurses were. When both males and females were asked what career they would pursue, most said they would stay in healthcare, but pursue a different aspect of healthcare, such as becoming a physician or physical therapist.
Nurses who were early in their career reported finding their first job within 2 months of their job search. Few new nurses reported participation in residency programs. Late-career nurses who were still practicing reported hoping to retire later, while new nurses hope to retire sooner. The report also noted that nurses are increasingly looking for positions with flexible hours, and no weekends, nights or holidays. Overall nurses reported enjoying the diversity a nursing career offers them.
In conclusion, the report encourages nurses to respond to what was presented, and offer their thoughts. So, we in-turn ask you, GANM readers, do you agree with what is the most rewarding part of nursing? Do you see nurses as lacking respect? Are you happy with your career choice as a nurse?
Please respond to this post by replying to this email, or by following the links below.
View the full report: https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2017-nurse-career-satisfaction-6009297
Voice your opinions: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/889293
