New survey shows nurse morale at ten year low

Published: 24 August 2007

Nurse morale is at a ten year low according to a new survey commissioned by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The survey shows that optimism over job security, career progression and training are at their lowest levels since 1997. The survey also highlights that more than a quarter of all nurses are still forced to take a second job to make ends meet.

The survey, ‘Holding On’, shows that over the last two years fear of redundancy amongst nurses has jumped from 7% in 2005 to 35% today. Even more worryingly, the number of those surveyed who feel nursing offers a secure job has fallen by more than half (from 71% in 2005 to 34% 2007).

The survey shows that as RCN members in the NHS in England receive ballot papers this week on the issue of pay, one in four (26%) of the nurses surveyed work a second job to supplement their income.

Despite falling morale, the survey reinforces the dedication nurses show their patients, with 58% of all those surveyed working longer hours than they are contracted for. Nurses working full time work an average of 44 hours per week, 7 more than their contracted hours.

Speaking today RCN General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said;

“To have such a large part of the nursing workforce genuinely worried about the security of their employment is simply unacceptable. Despite feeling undervalued, underpaid and under threat our nurses continue to put in the hours and dedication to deliver high quality patient care.

“In the week that nurses are receiving ballot papers on proposed industrial action this survey demonstrates to the government that nurses’ goodwill is at breaking point”

The survey shows that the deficits crisis has also had a massive impact on the continuing professional development (CPD) of nurses confirming the affect that the slashing of training budgets has had on the workforce. In 2005, nurses spent an average of 11 days on CPD but this figure has now dropped by a third to seven days, with 45% saying they are able to take time off for training (down from 55% in 2005).

Other key results from the survey show;

55% of nurses feel they are too busy to provide the care they would like (up from 47% in 2005)
Less than half (49%) would recommend nursing as a career (56% in 2005)
One in four (28%) nurses surveyed would leave nursing if they could and fewer nurses say they are satisfied with their jobs or that they feel their work is valued
87% of nurses feel that they are paid poorly in relation to other professions

-ends-

Notes to editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.

Embargoed copies of the survey “Holding on” are available on request from the RCN press office. The survey will be on the RCN website as of the 18^th July 2007