February 23, 2022 – A new poll conducted by USA Today-Ipsos has found that while healthcare workers are still overall satisfied with their jobs, many are still experiencing the ongoing strain perpetuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost 1 in 4 healthcare workers polled are likely to leave the industry altogether soon.
The poll was conducted from February 9-16 among a nationally representative sample of 1,170 healthcare workers including physicians, nurses, paramedics, therapists, and other professionals.
Here are a few highlights:
- Four in five (80%) of healthcare workers report being somewhat or very satisfied with their current job, down slightly from the 89% saying the same in a Spring 2021 Kaiser Family Foundation/Washington Post poll.
- A majority report feeling “hopeful” (59%), “motivated” (59%), or “optimistic” (56%) about going to work. However, the number saying hopeful (to 59% from 76%) or optimistic (to 56% from 67%) is down compared to last year.
- About half (52%) report feeling “burned out”, on par with the 2021 numbers (55%).
- A quarter of healthcare workers (23%) say they are likely to leave the field in the near future.
- Only one in five (21%) of healthcare workers say that the pandemic is mostly or completely under control.
- Almost two-thirds (61%) do not think Americans are taking enough precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-1