Salaries for nursing home administrator and nursing directors rise modestly in 2012, survey shows

While the recession led to the perception of fewer jobs for new registered nurses, it also led to increased loyalty to employers, a new study reveals.

Overall job satisfaction did not improve between 2006, when a group of newly licensed RNs were interviewed, and 2009, when the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation surveyed a different batch of RNs. The burgeoning economy means that some of the nurses who stayed in their current jobs will consider retirement or another change, said lead investigator Christine T. Kovner, RN, Ph.D.

“As the recession eases and the job market opens up again, it’s likely that nurses who have been delaying changing jobs will begin looking for new positions, which could dramatically increase staff turnover,” Kovner, RN, Ph.D., said, adding that healthcare organizations should consider working conditions and wages in order to boost retention.

The study was published in the March issue of the American Journal of Nursing.