nursing shortage and issues
of job dissatisfaction

nursing shortage and issues

According to a 1999 Nursing Executive Center Report, between 1993 and 1996, enrollment in diploma programs dropped 42 percent and enrollment in associate degree programs declined 11 percent.

Furthermore, between 1995 and 1998, enrollment in baccalaureate programs declined 19 percent, and enrollment in masters programs decreased 4 percent. Over the past 25 years, career opportunities available to women have expanded significantly, while there has been a corresponding decline of interest by women in nursing as a career.  

A recent study reported that women graduating from high school in the 1990s were 35 percent less likely to become RNs than women who graduated in the 1970s.

In addition to the lack of students entering and graduating from nursing programs, there is concern about a pending shortage of nurse educators. The average age of professors in nursing programs is 52 years old, and 49 years old for associate professors. The average age of new doctoral recipients in nursing is 45, compared with 34 in all fields. From 1995 to 1999, enrollments in doctoral nursing programs were relatively stagnant.

Job Dissatisfaction May Be a Major Factor in Future Nurse Shortages

Job dissatisfaction may play a crucial role in determining the extent of future nurse shortages. Recent surveys of nurses have found decreased job satisfaction, and a high portion of respondents have reported increased pressure to accomplish work, the need to work overtime, and stress- related illness.

A recent Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals survey found that half of the currently employed nurses who were surveyed had considered leaving the patient-care field for reasons other than retirement over the past 2 years.

Of this group, 56 percent indicated that they wanted a less stressful and physically demanding job, 22 percent said they were concerned about schedules and hours, and 18 percent wanted more money. Over one-fourth (28 percent) of nurses in a 1999 study by the Nursing Executive Center described themselves as somewhat or very dissatisfied with their job, and about half (51 percent) were much less satisfied with their job than they were 2 years ago.

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