Move FM Global News

WASHINGTON D.C.: According to a survey of more than 18,000 nurses conducted by AMN Healthcare Services Inc in January, almost one-third of those in the US are considering quitting, as the COVID-19 pandemic left them overwhelmed and fatigued.

The survey, released this week, showed that 30 percent of respondents are looking to leave the profession, an increase of 7 percentage points over 2021 when the pandemic triggered a wave of resignations.

Some 36 percent of nurses plan to continue working in the sector, but may change workplaces, the survey also showed.

In an interview with Reuters, AMN Healthcare CEO Cary Grace said, “This really underscores the continued mental health and well-being challenges the nursing workforce experiences post pandemic.”

The survey also showed that 69 percent of nurses are seeking higher salaries, and 63 percent are looking for a better working environment to reduce their stress.

Already an ongoing issue that has affected the health sector for a number of years, the shortage of staff in hospitals worsened globally in late 2021, peaking early last year following a large number of resignations caused by burn out.

The staffing crisis drove up costs for hospital operators, while increasing the profits of medical staffing providers, such as AMN Healthcare.