November 18, 2021 – A year and a half into the pandemic, many healthcare providers are facing severe staffing shortages, and more could be on the horizon, according to results from a recent Morning Consult survey.
The survey indicates the medical staffing problems are widespread. It found that since February 2020:
- 30% of U.S. healthcare workers have either lost their jobs (12%) or quit (18%)
- 31% of those who kept them have considered leaving their employers during the pandemic, including 19% who have thought about leaving the healthcare field entirely.
- 79% of healthcare workers said the national shortage of medical professionals has impacted them and their place of work.
- 77% of healthcare workers said they approve of how their employers have handled the pandemic.
- Of the 19% who said they disapprove of how their employers handled the situation, many cited poor communication around changing safety protocols, inadequate PPE, low pay, and a general sense of being disposable
Of those who left their jobs:
- 50% said they left to seek better pay or benefits
- The other 50% said they found a better opportunity elsewhere, including 44% who cited a desire for more career growth and 23% who said they left because of their caregiving responsibilities