#Massachusetts Nurses Association #Patient Care #Nursing Survey

Massachusetts Nurses Sound the Alarm on Patient Care

The 2025 State of Nursing in Massachusetts report casts a concerning light on the dire state of healthcare in the state. Conducted by Beacon Research and commissioned by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), the survey involved over 500 registered nurses (RNs) and paints a picture of a profession in crisis, with alarming implications for patient safety and healthcare quality.

Key Findings of the Survey

A staggering 78% of the nurses surveyed indicated that the quality of hospital care has severely declined over the last two years, expressing concerns fueled by unsafe staffing levels and increasing workplace violence. Notably, nearly 40% of RNs voiced that they would hesitate to admit a family member to their own unit, underscoring the pervasive concern over safety and care standards.

As nurses continue to experience overwhelming challenges such as inadequate support staff, insufficient patient beds, and an inability to discharge patients, many are opting to leave bedside care altogether. This report shines a spotlight on the pressures faced by nurses at a time when their profession demands resilience amid escalating workloads.

The Reality of Unsafe Staffing

A fundamental issue identified in the survey was unsafe RN staffing, with evidence showing its detrimental impact on patient care. Approximately 83% of RNs reported witnessing patients not receiving necessary comfort or assistance due to understaffing. Furthermore, 67% of nurses identified their inability to manage safe patient loads, leading to detrimental outpatient outcomes, including re-admissions and medical errors.

The statistics reveal a troubling trend: 26% of RNs reported having seen patient deaths attributed to unsafe staffing levels—a shocking reality for professionals dedicated to saving lives. Such data resonates with research conducted over the years proving that excessive patient assignments lead to poorer care quality and increased risks, a reality that many nurses contend with daily.

Contributing Factors to Nursing Exodus

Despite having enough nurses in the state, as indicated by Massachusetts' rising nurse numbers since 2015, the looming threat of burnout due to poor working conditions is driving many away from the bedside. The survey revealed that 36% of RNs plan to leave the profession sooner than planned, with discussions framing a