The satisfaction with work environment scores for the whole group (n=1773) were high. Subscale scores showed highest satisfaction with nurse/physician relationships, and lowest satisfaction with nurse control of practice.  A specific satisfaction question showed that younger nurses were less satisfied with their work environments than those over age 40.  Safety concerns were expressed by forty percent (40%) who believe that they or their nurse colleagues are put in the position of being at risk for injury every day.

One-third of Millennial nurses plan to leave their job within 2 years.  Over two-thirds intend to be gone within five years. The Gen X nurses also plan to leave in large numbers, with a quarter of them planning to leave within 2 years and over 40% planning to be gone within 5 years. In general, 61% plan to leave their current jobs within 10 years.

 Five general areas of concern emerged from two focus groups: transitioning from student to nurse; managing difficult staffing conditions; maintaining morale; dealing with safety matters; and, building relationships that enhance teamwork. Open-ended survey questions revealed concern with pay, bonuses and incentives, and staffing. 
                                      

Major recommendations are: 1) create model managers; 2) empower staff nurse councils; 3) stabilize staffing; 4) revamp incentives; and, 5) focus on safety.