Only 39% of Nurses Plan to Stay in Current Positions: Report
A recent report from AMN Healthcare has revealed that only 39% of nurses plan to remain in their current positions in the next 12 months. This is primarily due to a combination of burnout, mental health challenges, and staffing issues that are plaguing the healthcare industry.
According to the report, nurses are calling for improvements in working conditions such as having fewer patients per nurse, the introduction of hybrid roles, and greater scheduling flexibility. These changes are seen as essential to sustain their passion for nursing and prolong their careers in the field.
Despite the challenges faced by nurses, the research suggests that the implementation of certain technologies, such as advanced scheduling systems and handheld devices, could empower nurses and help address the current nurse staffing crisis.
The Importance of Addressing Nurse Retention
Robin Johnson, AMN’s group president of nursing and allied solutions, emphasized the importance of looking beyond recruitment efforts and investing in sustainable solutions to help nurses rediscover their passion for the profession.
AMN Healthcare’s 2025 Survey of Registered Nurses revealed that while 75% of nurses reported being satisfied with their career choice and 49% felt valued by their employer, there are still urgent workforce trends that need to be addressed.
Key findings from the survey include:
- 58% of nurses experience burnout on most days
- 64% suffer from compassion fatigue
- 33% of nurses are eligible for retirement this year
The Role of Flexible Scheduling
One of the solutions highlighted in the report is the implementation of flexible scheduling options for nurses. The majority of nurses (55%) strongly agreed that flexible scheduling would help them prioritize time with family, improve their working conditions, and potentially encourage them to stay in the profession longer.
While 34% of nurse respondents reported having access to self-scheduling options and 33% used a shift scheduling app, there is still room for improvement in providing nurses with more control over their work schedules.
AMN’s Nursing in Transition report also recommends the use of mentorship models, enhancement of financial incentives, and the expansion of workplace violence prevention measures as additional strategies to improve nurse retention and satisfaction.
The Impact of Technology on Nurse Satisfaction
Technology has played a significant role in shaping the experiences of nurses in the healthcare industry. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of electronic health record (EHR) user mastery by nurses, with many facing challenges in adapting to new technologies.
While some nurses expressed concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on patient safety and job security, there is potential for AI to be leveraged to improve nursing practices and enhance patient care outcomes.
By prioritizing the well-being of nurses, implementing flexible scheduling options, and leveraging innovative technologies, healthcare organizations can work towards addressing the pressing issues of nurse retention and satisfaction in the industry.
Andrea Fox is the senior editor of Healthcare IT News. Contact her at afox@himss.org
