Fewer nurses are satisfied with their occupation in the wake of Covid, according to a study by healthcare staffing firm Cross Country Healthcare Inc. (NASDAQ: CCRN) and Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.
It found 32% of nurses are “very/completely” satisfied with their occupation compared to 52% prior to the pandemic.
In addition, 29% of nurses surveyed said their desire to leave the profession is dramatically higher now than before the pandemic.
“Having recently worked in the hospital setting, I can tell you how difficult this time has been for nurses and other healthcare staff,” said Michael Skovira, chief medical officer at Cross Country Healthcare.
One way to increase satisfaction is raising pay, according to the survey. It found that 97% of respondents agreed that increasing pay rates and other incentives would attract and retain more nurses. In addition, 85% believed cross-training must be improved to respond to crisis events. And another 85% said a multistate license for nurses would have greatly benefited the country during the pandemic.
The survey included 570 responses and took place between May and June.