Study: 75% of Nurses Say Understaffing is Jeopardizing Patient Safety

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By Jay Kumar

A recent survey of U.S. nurses found that patient safety is at risk due to understaffing and the demands of nursing are leading to burnout and mental health challenges.

The survey of 180 nurses was conducted by St. Thomas University in June 2025 to assess how emotional intelligence (EI), workplace challenges, and job expectations are impacting nurses.

“When 75% of nurses report working shifts that compromise patient safety, we’re looking at a systemic liability,” says Nashat Abualhaija, PhD, RN, Dean of the College of Nursing at St. Thomas University. “Chronic understaffing burns out nurses and creates clinical blind spots, delays in care, and medication errors. Health systems need to treat staffing as a frontline safety intervention.”

The survey’s findings include the following:

Patient safety and workforce pressures

  • 75% of nurses have worked a shift where they felt patient safety was compromised due to understaffing
  • 59% say emotional burnout has impaired their ability to provide safe, effective care
  • 36% have considered leaving the profession due to mental health challenges
  • 27% report crying at work due to stress and emotional strain
  • 22% of nurses would switch careers entirely if given the chance today
  • 22% of nurses work more than 40 hours a week, with 10% working 50 hours or more

Emotional health and professional expectations

  • 82% feel pressure to suppress their emotions to appear “professional”
  • 93% say understanding patients’ emotions contributes to better patient outcomes
  • 99% believe EI should be taught as a core nursing skill
  • 67% view EI and technical skills as equally important for long-term success
  • 21% say EI matters more than technical skills, while 12% rank technical skills higher
  • 43% of nurses find their typical workday stressful

Personality, pay, and job satisfaction

  • Extroverted nurses earn 15% more on average than introverted nurses
  • 43% of extroverted nurses report being extremely satisfied with their jobs, compared to 25% of introverts
  • 67% of extroverts report burnout, compared to 61% of introverts
  • 76% of nurses identify as highly empathetic
  • Among highly empathetic nurses, 35% report being extremely satisfied in their roles

Traits that drive career success

  • 53% cite empathy as essential for success in nursing
  • 53% cite compassion as essential
  • 47% say critical thinking is one of the most essential skills for success
  • 27% emphasize patience and communication as critical traits
  • 25% say attention to detail is essential
  • 19% believe adaptability is a key success factor
  • 12% say emotional intelligence itself is one of the most essential traits

Coping with stress and burnout

  • 59% spend quality time with family and friends to manage stress
  • 55% engage in physical exercise such as jogging, yoga, or gym workouts
  • 55% discuss challenges and vent with colleagues or friends
  • 51% pursue hobbies outside of work such as music, painting, or reading
  • 45% prioritize self-care activities like spa days or reading
  • 43% take short vacations or days off to recover
  • 40% practice meditation or mindfulness
  • 39% prioritize sleep and rest
  • 37% take regular breaks during shifts

Abualhaija says the survey results signal some disturbing trends in healthcare.

“Three out of four nurses have worked shifts where patient safety was compromised due to short staffing. That’s an alarming signal that safety protocols are being stretched to the breaking point,” he adds. “When emotional burnout impairs nearly 60% of nurses’ ability to provide effective care, and 36% are considering leaving the field altogether, it’s clear that our safety net is fraying from both ends. Patient outcomes are directly tied to the stability of the workforce. Without urgent intervention, we risk normalizing unsafe care environments as the new status quo.”

Nurse burnout is not a new issue, but it’s reaching a crisis point.

“The data show that burnout is closely linked with emotional suppression, moral injury, and a lack of psychological safety in the workplace,” says Abualhaija. “The writing is on the wall, as over a quarter of nurses cry at work and a third have considered leaving the profession due to mental health struggles. We need structural changes that make emotional well-being a priority, not an afterthought.”