Results of the 2021 AORN Salary and Compensation Survey

Abstract

AORN conducted its 19th annual compensation survey for perioperative nurses in June and July of 2021. A multiple regression model was used to examine how several variables, including job title, education level, certification, experience, and geographic region, affect perioperative nurse compensation. Comparisons between the 2021 data and data from previous years are presented. The effects of other forms of compensation (eg, on‐call compensation, overtime, bonuses, shift differentials, benefits) on total compensation are also examined. Additional analyses explore the current state of the nursing shortage and the sources of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

The Importance of Ergonomic Education in Preventing Perioperative Musculoskeletal Disorders

“…The authors noted that both of these results reflected increases from the results of the 2020 survey. 11 The salary survey results also indicated that 38% of respondents either had not seen or had rarely seen a negative effect on the quality of care (eg, adverse events) related to the nursing shortage; this percentage was decreased from 2020. 11 However, it is reasonable to conclude that as the number of available perioperative nurses declines, the safety of personnel and patients may be negatively affected.…”

“…AORN's 2021 salary and compensation survey results showed that 71% of perioperative managers reported at least one vacant position-a 10% increase from 2020. 11 In addition, 99% of the managers who reported vacant positions indicated some were clinical. When asked to provide causes for the nursing shortages at their facilities, 54% of the total respondents indicated that personnel changed employers or industries.…”

“…Further, 33% of the OR nurse respondents indicated that they were likely or somewhat likely to quit their job within the next year. The authors noted that both of these results reflected increases from the results of the 2020 survey 11 . The salary survey results also indicated that 38% of respondents either had not seen or had rarely seen a negative effect on the quality of care (eg, adverse events) related to the nursing shortage; this percentage was decreased from 2020 11 .…”

“…The effects of WMSDs on personnel are concerning because short‐term leave and permanent retirement related to WMSDs may exacerbate perioperative nurse shortages. AORN’s 2021 salary and compensation survey results showed that 71% of perioperative managers reported at least one vacant position—a 10% increase from 2020 11 . In addition, 99% of the managers who reported vacant positions indicated some were clinical.…”

Factors Influencing Perioperative Nurse Turnover: A Classic Grounded Theory Study

“…The Nursing Solutions, Inc (NSI) 2022 NSI National Health Care Retention and RN Staffing Report 5 indicated that the 2021 perioperative RN turnover rate was 18.8%. The percentage of perioperative managers reporting at least one vacancy increased from 61% in 2020 6 to 71% in 2021 7 . Results of a 2021 survey of 244 perioperative managers showed that 120 (49%) reported an increase in the number of open full‐time RN positions, and 185 (75%) reported increased difficulty recruiting experienced perioperative nurses 3 .…”