For Immediate Release
Contact: Diane Comer
502-356-9033
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 19, 2023) – Results of the most comprehensive workforce survey of Kentucky nurses ever undertaken have been released by the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) in recognition of National Nurses Month, celebrated annually in May.
Executive Director Kelly Jenkins, MSN, RN, NE- BC, presented survey highlights this week as part of panel presentations at two statewide conferences, the Kentucky Hospital Association 94th Annual Convention and the Kentucky League of Nursing 19th Annual Nurse Educator Conference, both taking place in Lexington.
“For both the Board and our elected officials in Frankfort, accurate and reliable data is an essential tool to plan for the future,” Jenkins said. “This nursing licensure survey data is highly valuable and important feedback offering a true representation of the status of the nursing profession in Kentucky, with mandatory input generating comprehensive and reliable feedback rather than projections based on optional surveys or limited sampling.”
The survey was included as part of the annual statewide license renewal period this past fall, with 13 questions ranging from demographic data to current employment status, primary and secondary practice areas, reasons for employment other than nursing, and timeframe for anticipated retirement. The only optional question related to salary.
Of 89,558 respondents, the data showed a total 36,742 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), or 41% have been in the field for 10 years or less, with 13,254, or 15%, having 30 or more years of professional experience. Among all respondents, 9% indicated they were planning to retire within the next five years. Of the 5,377 not currently working, the top two reasons cited by 71%, or 3,799 of these respondents, were home/family obligations or “other,” vs. 427 or 8% of those citing stress or burnout.
“Results indicate a generally stable workforce, but not surprisingly, with opportunities for improvement,” said Audria Denker, DNP, RN, FAADN, Board president. “The numbers are encouraging in terms of the percentage of younger nurses in the workforce, while the number of nurses who have been in the field for more than 30 years involves a relatively smaller number of potential retirees than anticipated.”
One recently released national study examined the impact of COVID on burnout and stress among nurses, and “the summary was alarming,” Denker said. “But a closer look reveals extremes in some states and larger urban centers that did not necessarily translate to more Midwestern states like Kentucky.”
Of the respondents, 59,277 are working full time, 11,962 are working part-time, 2,188 are working in a non-nursing field, 1,876 need employment, 3,020 are not seeking employment, and 4,367 are retired. Cumulatively, respondents represented professionals working both in- and out-of-state, those with new or reinstated licenses, and retirees.
According to consultant Timothy Dall, Executive Director for Life Sciences Consulting at GlobalData, “Recent actions by the Kentucky Board of Nursing to gather nurse workforce data as part of the annual licensure renewal process have made Kentucky a leader in collecting information to provide a clear picture of the current nurse workforce, for use in workforce planning. As data are collected across years, such data will provide valuable information on career pathways and inform activities to help attract and retain nurses at the bedside.”
Jenkins said survey responses will continue to be mandatory as part of the annual license renewal process, with this first survey providing a strong foundation on which to build and establish trends over time. Additional findings and data are available at the KBN website, www.kbn.ky.gov.
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The Kentucky Board of Nursing protects the public through development and enforcement of state laws governing the safe practice of nurses, dialysis technicians, and licensed certified professional midwives.