Nursing workforce faces high turnover despite signs of recovery

Editor's Note

Nearly 140,000 nurses have left the workforce since 2022, and 40% of the remaining workforce plans to exit by 2029, according to the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Study from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

According to an April 17 announcement from NCSBN, the survey reached more than 800,000 nurses and was conducted in concert with the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers. Findings signal some signs of stabilization but underscore persistent burnout, stress, and systemic challenges. For example, while employment has slightly rebounded—with 87.7% of RN licensees and 70.6% of LPN/VNs currently employed—intent-to-leave rates remain alarmingly high. Nine percent of RNs and over 41% of LPN/VNs say they plan to retire or leave the workforce within five years. Among those not retiring, stress and burnout remain the most commonly cited reasons, followed by workload, understaffing, and inadequate pay.

NCSBN notes a 10 to 16% increase in median pre-tax annual earnings for both RNs and LPNs, likely driven by inflation and growing demand for healthcare. The workforce has also grown more diverse, with the proportion of Latino/Hispanic RNs doubling from 3.6% in 2015 to 7.2%. Meanwhile, educational attainment continues to improve, with 73% of RNs now holding a bachelor’s degree or higher (reportedly the highest level recorded by NCSBN).

Although workloads have decreased by 20 to 25% since 2022, the profession continues to suffer from unresolved structural issues. NCSBN CEO Phil Dickison emphasized that blaming COVID-19 no longer suffices. Instead, he called for renewed focus on long-standing problems that predate the pandemic, including inadequate support systems and workforce safety.

The study also highlights a recent re-entry of experienced nurses, which has helped restore the workforce’s median age to 50. However, this may be temporary, as many baby boomers are expected to retire by 2027.