Many healthcare providers express that the lack of support and resources is driving them away from their healthcare profession. According to recent studies done by the American Hospital Association, between 20% and 30% of front line U.S. healthcare workers say they are now considering leaving the profession.

Notably, one April 2021 study by healthcare jobs marketplace, Vivian, found that four in 10 (43%) nurses are considering leaving their role in 2021. There’s an even higher figure among ICU workers (48%).

The Reason for the Exodus

Healthcare providers have seen a surge from the Delta variant and they are having difficulty keeping up. On August 13, 2021, there were 3,986 newly reported COVID-19 cases in Alabama and 41 newly reported COVID-19 deaths.

According to a recent survey conducted by the nonprofit Mental Health America:

  • 93% of healthcare workers were experiencing stress
  • 86% reported experiencing anxiety
  • 77% reported frustration
  • 76% reported exhaustion and burnout
  • 75% said they were overwhelmed

A traveling nurse at the ER in the VA Hospital in Birmingham, Sirena, expressed that she doesn’t have any fight left. She’s exhausted and so are
her colleagues.

“It feels like nobody cares,” said Sirena, marking her frustration

The Burden is Expected to Continue to Rise

UAB researchers predict 7,800 COVID-19 hospitalizations within the next month. These projections are based on the growing trend of large gatherings, a lack of mask wearing, and a low vaccination rate. Healthcare providers are worried that the next two to three weeks are critical since school is back in session. Doctors fear that emergency services could no longer be an option if these projections are correct due to the lack of hospital beds to accommodate these numbers.

“Many times, I’ve just wanted to clock out and quit, but I was made for this job. I love this job and I love helping people,” said Sirena.

Vaccination Challenges

Like many people in Alabama, nurse Sirena is not vaccinated. Nationwide, 1 in 4 hospital workers who have direct contact with patients have not received a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

“I understand why the people in my community are hesitant about getting vaccinated. I’m even hesitant about getting the vaccine and I work on the
front lines,” said Sirena. “I am reluctant because there is a concern due to inconsistency in the media and the misinformation that is out there.”

Although Sirena is not vaccinated, she plans to get herself vaccinated now that a vaccine has become FDA approved. Sirena also encourages everyone to do their research about the different vaccinations and make the best decision for themselves and their families.

For a list of local testing & vaccination sites, visit thewellnesscoalition.org/covid.