U.S. healthcare technicians face burnout amid staffing crisis: report
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Healthcare technicians in the United States are under mounting pressure due to severe staffing shortages, unfair compensation, and economic instability, a new report reveals.
According to the report by nurse-sourcing platform Incredible Health, 61% of technicians say understaffing is disrupting their work, with many considering leaving their roles by 2025.
Staffing shortages and rising stress levels
Out of all the causes, heightened stress was chosen by 32%, while the absence of colleagues to split the work made it tougher for employees, contributing to burnout.
Surgical technologists’ demand has risen 68%, and without changes, things will get busier.
The problem of shortages means more than frustration—28% of technicians intend to leave their jobs by 2025, and most of them blame the difficult work environment. Close to 42% of them also say insufficient pay and benefits are the main reason for leaving.
If healthcare institutions do not increase their wages or support, they might suffer excess employee turnover, which would harm patient care across the country.
Economic and political pressures squeezing healthcare workers
Financial instability is compounding the crisis, with 71% of technicians saying they are underpaid and 48% struggling to meet basic needs. A 6 to 10% raise would help 32% feel fairly compensated, but stagnant wages amid inflation and rising living costs are forcing many to reconsider their careers.
Additionally, 78% of technicians say housing costs and interest rates have locked them into their current locations, limiting job mobility.
Political uncertainty is adding another layer of stress, with 88% of healthcare workers fearing Medicaid and Medicare cuts will harm health systems. 63% of nurses believe the political climate could destabilize their workplaces, creating an environment of instability.
As economic and policy pressures mount, retaining skilled technicians and nurses will require not just better pay but also policy safeguards to ensure long-term stability in healthcare staffing.
Shifting attitudes toward AI
While challenges dominate the survey, one positive shift stands out: only 38% of nurses now view AI as a job threat, down from 64% in 2024.
Instead, 85% want more AI training, with many optimistic about its potential to reduce administrative tasks, boost efficiency, and improve technical training.
Incredible Health’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Iman Abuzeid, emphasizes that healthcare employers must invest in competitive pay, flexibility, mental health support, and AI training to retain workers.
The survey uncovers perspectives of the healthcare workforce that highlight actionable steps to address the crisis—before it worsens.
