The research for this survey was conducted in October 2016. The results represent a sample of 936 RNs currently employed in the U.S. The majority of respondents (80%) work full time, and more than half (67%) have been employed as RNs for at least 15 years.

A majority of nurse respondents would recommend the nursing profession to others.

About two-thirds of the respondents are not currently looking for new employment — 29% (272 respondents) said yes, 71% (664) said no.

“My job gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment and satisfaction.”

“The morale at my workplace is high.”

“I am acknowledged and rewarded for my job performance.”

On a 5-point scale, with 1 being extremely unsatisfying and 5 being extremely satisfying, respondents on average rate their current salary and benefits as 3.18.

The majority of respondents work full time.

More than half of respondents have a BSN or higher; 25% have an associate’s degree.

Less experienced nurses seem to be in the job hunt more often than seasoned nurses. As experience increases, the amount of nurses looking for new employment falls by about half. “Yes, I am looking.”

An overwhelming majority of respondents believe that, as a nurse, they make a difference in the lives of others.

“Yes, I make a difference.” Breakdown by employment type

Breakdown by experience.

A majority of nurse respondents would recommend the nursing profession to others. “Yes, I would recommend nursing.” Breakdown by employment type

Breakdown by experience

“Leadership gives me the tools and resources I need to do my job.”

“I am treated fairly and with respect by my manager and colleagues.”

“Leadership and management clearly communicate strategies and set achievable goals.”

Nurse respondents strongly agree they are treated with respect by their managers and colleagues (3.9 on the 5-point scale). They also report receiving helpful feedback from their manager (3.5 out of 5). Nurses feel less strongly that leadership clearly communicates and sets achievable goals (3.1 out of 5), and don’t agree as enthusiastically that morale is high at their workplace (3.1 out of 5).

Nurses strongly agree their job fills them with accomplishment (average of 3.8), with 71% of respondents rating that statement as either a 4 or a 5.

“I am encouraged and supported to pursue continuing education.”

“I receive opportunities for growth, advancement and/or promotion.”

“I am free to express my opinions, contribute ideas and set personal goals.”

Nurse leaders say there is a lot to glean from the Nurse.com 2017 Job Satisfaction Study, including where leadership can focus its efforts to improve satisfaction among nurses.

71% of respondents feel they are treated with respect by managers and colleagues, but there is less satisfaction with the communication of strategies and achievable goals (49%), and opportunities for growth, advancement and promotion (46%). Results seem to indicate that although respect matters, it does not replace opportunities for growth and advancement or communication from leadership.

71% of respondents feel accomplished and satisfied in their work, but morale and feeling acknowledged and rewarded each had less than a 50% agreement rate. Results seem to indicate much work is still needed to improve work conditions and staff recognition.

97% of respondents believe that as nurses they make a difference in the lives of others, and 81% of respondents, with varying amounts of experience say they would recommend the profession to others. Results seem to indicate the overwhelming majority of respondents feel good about what they do and would like others to join them.