Image of nurses' hands at computer keyboard

A majority of nurses are satisfied with their job security and finances, but worry about their retirement plans, according to a new survey.

Roughly 79% of nurses participating in an online survey of 408 practicing nurses said they are secure in their jobs but expect changes down the pike due to healthcare reform and rising costs, and more than four in 10 nurses (42%) believe they will never be able to fully retire. More than half also expect more demanding hours, less qualified workers and more nurses leaving the profession. About 79% of them said they plan to work past retirement age in order to meet basic living expenses. In 2007, only 65% of nurses surveyed responded this way.

The survey was conducted for Fidelity Investments by Versta Research, and was intended to gauge nurses’ perspectives on the economy and the healthcare industry.