A recent study by McKinsey & Co . sheds some light on what is behind this flight from the bedside . According to their findings , two key factors are influencing nurses ’ decisions to leave patient care . First , nurses feel burned out by workload and physically demanding tasks . Second , nurses feel insufficient support for their emotional well-being .
2021 SURVEY OF FACTORS INFLUENCING RN ’ S INTENT TO LEAVE CURRENT POSITIONS Insufficient staffing levels
8 33
59
Demanding nature / intensity of workload 7
37
Emotional toll of job 7
39
Don ’ t feel listened to or supported at work 9
40
56
54
51
Burned out by workload , physically demanding tasks
Insufficient support for emotional well-being
Physical toll of job 13
37 50
Family needs and / or competing life demands 9
45
Seeking higher paid position 12
45
Family needs and / or competing life demands 19
39
46
43
42
Desire for more flexible roles , schedules
Source : “ Nursing in 2021 : Retaining the healthcare workforce when we need it most ,” McKinsey & Co ., May 2021 .
NOT Important Neutral Important
2