Imagine you were a nurse, and you did not feel safe admitting your friends and family into your own workplace. This unsettling idea is the reality for many nurses in Massachusetts. Read on to uncover the truth behind the healthcare staffing crisis.

Like the rest of the US, Massachusetts has faced severe permanent healthcare staffing shortages over the last few years. Insufficient support, excessive workloads and burnouts have driven many nurses to reconsider their careers. This has led to high turnover, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes have highlighted a need for new, dynamic staffing solutions to ensure ongoing high-quality care.

Unhappy Nurses in Massachusetts

A recent survey by the Massachusetts Nursing Association (MNA) reveals a growing unhappiness among nurses in the Bay State. The survey, released on National Nurses Day, paints a grim picture of the healthcare industry in 2024. A staggering 4 in 10 nurses wouldn’t feel comfortable admitting a family member into their own facility. This highlights an alarming implication for patient care and confidence.

The MNA Survey Speaks Volumes

The MNA survey paints a bleak picture, here are some key insights:

80% of nurses believe patient care has worsened over the past two years.

67% feel that state lawmakers are not adequately addressing their concerns about unsafe staffing.

54% of those surveyed believe more regulations are needed to keep patients safe.

These findings underscore the urgent need for systemic changes in healthcare facilities across the state.

Currently, 20% of nurses plan to leave the profession within the next two years—twice as many as five years ago.

Causes of Nurse Burnout

Nurses cite several causes of burnout, including excessive workloads, inadequate staffing, and insufficient support. This burnout leads to high turnover rates and exacerbates the staffing shortages further.

An alarming 68% of nurses reported experiencing at least one incident of violence in the past 24 months. These incidents contribute significantly to stress and burnout, pushing many nurses to consider leaving the profession.

Major Challenges: Time and Patient Load

The survey identifies two primary challenges impeding quality care:

Not enough time with patients

Caring for too many patients simultaneously

This reduces the overall quality of care, as nurses cannot devote enough time to each patient. Which then leads to rushed assessments and a lack of personalized care. Likewise, patients value personal interactions with their healthcare providers. When nurses are too busy to spend time with patients, it can lead to feelings of neglect and decreased trust in the healthcare system.

A nurse with a lot of admin work to day

EmpowerCare: How We Can Help

EmpowerCare is a leading nurse staffing agency based in Central Massachusetts. Healthcare staffing agencies can play a crucial role in the current staffing shortage. Our wide talent pool of exceptional healthcare professionals help to quickly fill gaps to maintain or increase staffing levels.

Not only this, but our wide array of shift options allows for nurses to have more flexible scheduling, job variety and autonomy. Therefore, helping to reduce workplace stress, more evenly distribute workloads and result in higher quality care.

A Call for Action

The dissatisfaction among nurses in Massachusetts is a call for urgent action. Ensuring adequate support for nurses is an essential step in allowing the healthcare system to thrive. EmpowerCare stands with our nurses and healthcare professionals, and we want to help provide a pathway for a healthier, more sustainable future for patients and nurses.

If you’re a nurse seeking a more supportive work environment, consider EmpowerCare. Together, we can create a positive ripple effect that transforms lives and strengthens communities. Join us in our mission to revolutionize healthcare, one shift at a time.

A confident, happy healtcare professional

Flexible Job Opportunities for Massachusetts Nurses

EmpowerCare provides a variety of staffing solutions, including RN jobs, LPN jobs, and CNA jobs in Massachusetts. We aim to help nurses find local employment that fits their lifestyle and preferences.

EmpowerCare offers a wide range of opportunities, let us help you find:

RN jobs near you

CNA jobs near you

LPN jobs near you