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2025 Career Optimism Index® study underscores the importance of career optimism and professional development for healthcare professionals

BIn honor of National Nurses Week (May 6-12), ��ɫ��Ƶ highlights the evolving role of healthcare workers, showcasing their optimism and the challenges they face. Results from the 2025 ��ɫ��Ƶ Career Optimism Index® study found that healthcare workers, including nurses, are optimistic about their careers and find purpose in their work while also facing challenges in the field. According to the study, 80% of those surveyed are hopeful about the future of their careers, and 88% say the work they do is meaningful to them.

Despite this optimism, healthcare workers are slowly losing their sense of control over their careers. Just over half of workers surveyed (54%) feel in control of their professional future, and 59% report experiencing burnout at work. This lack of control significantly increases the risk of burnout.

“During National Nurses Week, we celebrate the dedication of nurses and the resilience of these real-life heroes," states Raelene Brooks, Ph.D., RN, dean, College of Nursing at ��ɫ��Ƶ. "Nurses are an exceptional level of professionals with a deep desire to care for and support our patients and their families - which can be a gift and a challenge. Healthcare continues to evolve at a rapid pace and nurses not only set the pace, they rise when doing so. We must acknowledge, celebrate and applaud the vital contribution of our nurses whose skills and compassion are essential in delivering safe, quality patient care."

When asked how they expect their role to change within the next five years, healthcare workers cited the following for most anticipated changes:

• Increasing involvement with information systems (43%)

• Increasingly greater role in the management of overall patient care planning (40%)

• Increasingly greater leadership role at their facility (36%)

As opportunities continue to increase in the profession, healthcare workers note that employers should focus on preparing healthcare professionals with greater leadership skills (87%), according to the study.

��ɫ��Ƶ alum and Vice President Health Services for The GEO Group, Inc., Jason Wright, MHA, BSN, RN, says that while nurses are operating in an increasingly complex environment, a strong educational foundation and growth mindset can help pave the way for a fulfilling career. “As the healthcare landscape becomes more complex, continuous education and training are crucial for nurses to thrive,” he states. “By investing in ongoing education and professional development, we can empower nurses to adapt to new challenges and excel in their roles.”

��ɫ��Ƶ College of Nursing recognizes that flexible and relevant educational programs are essential to prepare students for contemporary nursing practice. Nursing students with the College will encounter teaching and learning strategies that encourage progression as well as online options including the availability of:

• Two RN to Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing programs, one being competency-based

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with five concentrations to choose from

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

��ɫ��Ƶ graduate Dorinda Joy Miller, RN, who completed the ��ɫ��Ƶ RN to BSN Competency-based program, shared her experience, stating, "The competency-based program at ��ɫ��Ƶ fit perfectly into my busy lifestyle. I am a mom of six and have been a nurse for over 25 years. The program was challenging but my instructors helped me along the way and reassured me when I had doubts.”

The College of Nursing at ��ɫ��Ƶ offers students access to practitioner faculty that possess an average of 30.2 years of professional experience. The current faculty includes four chief executive officers, two chief nursing officers, and 13 Directors of Service.

Learn more here about online nursing degrees at ��ɫ��Ƶ.

About ��ɫ��Ƶ

��ɫ��Ƶ innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit  phoenix.edu/blog.html.