#Japan #Tokyo #Supernurse #Nurse Career #Nursing Challenges

Nurse Career Advancement Survey 2025

In August 2025, Supernurse, a specialized nursing career support service, conducted a comprehensive survey targeting registered nurses with hospital experience across Japan. This investigation aimed to uncover the underlying barriers affecting nurses’ ideal career development and to propose actionable strategies for career enhancement. The survey attracted responses from 1,681 nurses, shedding light on significant challenges faced by professionals in the field.

Key Findings Regarding Career Barriers

The survey revealed that substantial obstacles to nurses achieving their career ideals stem from two major areas: life stage changes and work environment issues.

• - Life Stage Changes: The most significant barrier identified by 21.1% of respondents is the impact of personal life transitions, such as marriage, childbirth, and caregiving responsibilities.
• - Work Environment: 20.8% highlighted workplace challenges, including overwhelming workloads and a lack of staffing, which hinder opportunities for further training and skill development.

Additionally, financial burdens were noted by 17.9% of respondents, reflecting concerns over earnings post-promotion or certification (15.7%), as well as a perceived lack of support from employers (14.1%). These findings indicate that overcoming these hurdles requires not only individual effort but also systemic changes in workplace support and social policies.

Career Advancement Options

When asked about practical pathways to achieving career growth, the most common response, at 25.6%, was to strive for advancement within their current hospital. Close behind, however, was the option of pursuing opportunities at other hospitals (24.2%), while transitioning to corporate settings (11.2%) or home care services (9.3%) were also considered viable options by many nurses.

This data highlights that nurses believe both dedication in their current roles and potential job changes must work together as complementary strategies for career advancement.

Job Selection Criteria

Salary and income remain a priority for nurses, with 38.0% of respondents identifying this as the most critical factor in job selection. Following this, 28.9% emphasized the importance of work hours and holidays, while 24.5% valued roles that allow them to utilize and improve their professional skills and experiences.

These results underscore that nurses are not solely motivated by financial considerations; they also place great importance on job satisfaction and the ability to leverage their expertise in meaningful ways.

Supernurse’s Commitment to Career Support

Supernurse recognizes the multifaceted challenges nurses face in shaping their careers. To address these needs, Supernurse offers a tailored approach to job placements and transitions that align with individual nurses' life stages and career aspirations. Their services encompass varying levels of job flexibility, from short-term roles to comprehensive career transition support, embodying the voices of nurses in their strategy improvements.

As a trusted partner, Supernurse aims to create an environment where nurses can confidently build their careers while fully utilizing their skills and expertise.

About Supernurse Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1993, Supernurse Co., Ltd. has maintained a steadfast focus on providing specialty staffing services for nurses. With a mission to innovate within the ‘nurse and healthcare’ sectors, Supernurse is dedicated to fostering equitable conditions for nurses to work as desired.

The company has garnered significant trust, now boasting over 140,000 registered users. In light of Japan's looming challenges with a rapidly aging population and nursing shortages, Supernurse aims to support the medical sector by facilitating the return of potential nurses to the workforce and creating new opportunities for career growth.

As they continue to enhance their services, Supernurse strives to be recognized as a reliable partner in the healthcare environment, ensuring that both nurses and institutions can thrive together.