Nurse, technician report reveals burnout, underpayment, safety concerns

Editor's Note

A recent article from HIT Consultant highlights findings from Incredible Health’s 2025 State of US Nursing & Technicians Report, revealing mounting strain across the nursing and healthcare technician workforce.

Reportedly based on insights from more than 1 million professionals, findings include:

•  71% of nurses report that staffing shortages have directly impacted their work, with 80% citing increased stress, 73% citing more responsibility with fewer resources, and 69% citing less time for patient care.
• Looking ahead, 29% anticipate heightened burnout risk, and 25% expect even less direct patient care time.
•  58% of nurses do not feel supported by their employers. When asked what would help, 69% cited higher pay, 68% cited improved staffing, and 43% cited better benefits. Poor management or leadership was the top concern for 44%, an increase from the prior year.
• 66% of nurses say they are not fairly compensated, and 65% say the economic climate has impacted their career decisions. Additionally, 88% of nurses fear potential Medicaid and Medicare cuts will harm health systems, and 63% believe the political environment will affect their jobs.
• Workplace safety remains an issue, with 46% of nurses reporting verbal or physical assault from patients or family members in the past year.
• While only 14% of nurses report using AI, 85% want more training. Forty percent see AI’s greatest benefit in reducing administrative burdens, and 36% in improving efficiency. However, 64% are concerned about AI diminishing personal connection with patients.
• Beyond nurses, 61% healthcare professionals say technician shortages have negatively affected their work, including 68% of surgical techs who report rising demand, and 53% who believe systems are failing to meet it.

The full article also includes findings on technicians, such as numbers on job and pay satisfaction, AI experience, mental health, and more.