Survey: Burnout, rigid schedules push nurses to leave

Editor's Note

Only 39% of nurses expect to remain in their current jobs a year from now, citing burnout, compassion fatigue, and inflexible schedules as top reasons for leaving, according to AMN Healthcare’s 2025 Survey of Registered Nurses. Healthcare IT News reported on the findings May 14.

As detailed in the article, the survey collected responses from more than 12,000 nurses and revealed that 58% experience burnout most days, while 64% report compassion fatigue—issues that negatively affect health and job satisfaction. A third of respondents said they are eligible for retirement this year, compounding a worsening staffing crisis. Nurses pointed to improved scheduling flexibility, reduced patient ratios, and hybrid roles as key to rekindling their professional passion and extending their careers.

Despite these pressures, 75% of nurses still reported being satisfied with their career choice, and 35% said they were very likely to recommend nursing to others—a notable rebound from a historic low of 23% in 2023. The article notes that career satisfaction varied across generations and education levels, with older nurses reporting higher satisfaction.

The report also highlights the gap between what nurses need and what they currently receive. While 55% strongly agreed that flexible scheduling would help them prioritize family time, only 34% currently have access to self-scheduling, and just 33% use shift-scheduling apps. Nearly half said that flexible hours would encourage them to remain in the profession longer.

According to AMN leaders cited in the article, technology can play a critical role in improving working conditions. Tools like mobile charting, advanced scheduling systems, and AI-driven credentialing and handoff support have helped boost nurse retention in health systems such as Mercy. Still, many nurses remain wary, with 45% voicing concern about AI’s impact on patient safety, and 26% fearing being replaced.

The outlet notes that nurse morale has been in decline for over a decade, worsened by pandemic-related stress and documentation burdens. According to the American Medical Informatics Association, more than 77% of surveyed healthcare workers regularly work after hours at home, often due to excessive administrative tasks that affect care quality.