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Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com 7 January 25-February 22, 2021 The Pandemic's Impact on Staffing and Salaries "Nurses don't jump ship" T he good news is that the 2020 survey responses don't suggest an impending mass exodus of exhausted, frustrated nurses — quite the oppo- site! Only 2 percent of respondents (mostly in Southern states) say they plan to leave the profession due to the pandemic. "Nurses don't jump ship," said one respondent. Strong Marks for Nursing Despite the stress, the vast majority (85 percent) of survey respondents say they would still become a nurse if they had it to do over again. Sixty-nine percent are satisfied with their current organization's COVID-19 response. While 56 percent of respondents say their workload has increased in the past year, only 11 percent of nurses are looking to change jobs or specialty areas. Despite the increased workload, more than two-thirds (69 per- cent) are satisfied with their current compensation — 49 percent have an annual base salary of $80,000 or more. Fifty-five percent reported receiving a salary increase. What would cause a nurse to leave? Sixty-three per- cent say they'd consider jumping ship for more money. Thirty percent would find a new employer for a more positive workplace environment. Although most nurses don't plan to seek a new posi- tion in the immediate future, just under half (42 per- cent) see themselves staying with their current employers for the long haul (i.e., five or more years). A Recruitment Challenge Managers who responded to the survey are noticing increases in open positions and turnover compared to 2019, and 59 percent say recruitment has become more difficult. As the pandemic drags on, that situation may get worse before it gets better, suggesting that healthcare employers should take a closer look at their strategies for RN recruitment and retention. WN MH20-0253 Join a talented, friendly team of CCU nurses dedicated to providing excellent and compassionate care for our patients. - Award-winning community hospital - Sign-on bonuses up to $15,000 - Great learning environment - Work / Life balance - Various shifts available To apply today, go to www.methodisthospital.org/careers 300 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia CA 91007 Your New CCU Coworkers are Waiting for You! BE PART OF A GREAT TEAM Quynh Nguyen, RN CRITICAL CARE UNIT