SAN DIEGO, Nov. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A surge in
retirements among Baby Boomer nurses is about to hit the healthcare
industry, with nearly two-thirds of registered nurses over age 54
now considering retirement, according to a survey by AMN Healthcare
and its Center for the Advancement of Healthcare Professionals.
The survey also found that of nurses over 54 who are considering
retirement, 62% are planning to retire within the next three
years.
Older nurses comprise a critically important segment of the
nursing workforce. More than half of RNs are over 50,
according to a 2013 study by the National Forum of State Nursing
Workforce Centers, and their institutional knowledge and mentoring
expertise are invaluable to quality healthcare. As seen by AMN
Healthcare, the nation's largest supplier of nursing, healthcare
staffing and workforce solutions, demand for nurses is rising
rapidly.
"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.
Mixed Feelings About Nursing
The 2015 Survey of Registered Nurses is a biennial assessment by
AMN Healthcare (NYSE: AHS) of almost 9,000 registered nurses in a
variety of fields and specialties.
While a large majority of nurses (85%) say they are satisfied
with their overall career choice of nursing, their optimism wanes
when questioned about the day-to-day aspects of their work, and
many say they don't have the time they need to spend with
patients.
In addition, the survey found that while the majority of RNs are
happy with their career choice, many are dissatisfied with their
jobs and concerned about the future of the care environment.
Strong Interest in Education
The survey also shows very strong interest in further education,
which is a recommendation among healthcare experts to instill
necessary improvements in the nursing profession. This ardor for
more training and education is especially strong among younger
nurses. Survey results showed that among all nurses, more are
planning to seek a higher degree in nursing than those who are
not.
"All of us in healthcare should take very seriously the impact
of the impending retirement of so many experienced nurses," said
Susan Salka, President and Chief
Executive Officer of AMN Healthcare. "At the same time, we should
honor the fact that so many nurses are interested in furthering
their education and training. To ensure appropriate levels of care,
it is important that healthcare administrators begin now to
optimize their current workforce and seek partners and solutions
that can help in finding the quality clinicians that they
need."
Further survey results will be presented at AMN Healthcare's
2015 Healthcare Workforce Summit in Nashville, TN, on Nov.
13.
Visit www.AMNHealthcare.com/2015RNSurvey to view the 2015 Survey
summary and infographic, watch our 2015 Survey video, and pre-order
a copy of the full survey, which will be available on Nov. 13, 2015.
About AMN Healthcare
AMN Healthcare is the leader and innovator in healthcare
workforce solutions and staffing services to healthcare facilities
across the nation. AMN Healthcare's workforce solutions - including
managed services programs, vendor management systems, recruitment
process outsourcing and consulting services - enable providers to
successfully reduce complexity, increase efficiency and improve
patient outcomes within the rapidly evolving healthcare
environment. The Company provides unparalleled access to the most
comprehensive network of quality healthcare professionals through
its innovative recruitment strategies and breadth of career
opportunities. Clients include acute-care hospitals, community
health centers and clinics, physician practice groups, retail and
urgent care centers, home health facilities, and many other
healthcare settings. AMN Healthcare disseminates news and
information about the Company through its website, which can be
found at www.amnhealthcare.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. The Company based these forward-looking statements on its
current expectations, estimates and projections about future events
and the industry in which it operates using information currently
available to it. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
from those implied by the forward-looking statements contained in
this press release are set forth in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2014 and its other periodic reports as well as the Company's
current and other reports filed from time to time with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Be advised that developments
subsequent to this press release are likely to cause these
statements to become outdated with the passage of time.
Media Contact:
Jim
Gogek
Corporate Communications
(858) 350-3209
Jim.Gogek@amnhealthcare.com
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SOURCE AMN Healthcare