Hospitals move to address nursing staff burnout

One-third of nurses in the United States plan to leave their jobs by the end of the year and another 20% plan to leave the industry altogether, according to two new surveys  (Source: “How to curb nurse burnout? Hospitals adding job flexibility to stem staff shortages,” Cincinnati Enquirer, May 9).

The reasons are largely due to the incessant burnout, stress, and fatigue that nurses have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. But other factors include financial considerations and a perceived lack of flexibility in the industry as well as too few advancement opportunities. 

In response, hospitals are beginning to look inward at how to retain talent and alleviate burnout, particularly among nursing staff as shortages stretch into the foreseeable future. Health systems are pivoting to accommodate the changing needs of nurses.