GITNUXREPORT 2026

Nurse Retention Statistics

Nurse turnover is a costly crisis driven by burnout and poor working conditions.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

The average age of RNs is 46.1 years in 2023, with 50% over 45 facing retirement waves soon

Statistic 2

81.6% of RNs are female, but male nurses have 14% higher retention due to better pay equity

Statistic 3

New grad nurses (under 2 years experience) have 27.2% turnover rate, highest demographic group

Statistic 4

BSN-prepared nurses show 10.5% higher retention than ADN nurses in hospital settings 2023

Statistic 5

Minority nurses (BIPOC) experience 22% higher turnover due to discrimination, per 2022 surveys

Statistic 6

Baby boomer nurses (born 1946-1964) comprise 19.5% of workforce, retiring at 8% annual rate

Statistic 7

Rural nurses average 49.3 years old, 3.2 years older than urban, affecting retention dynamics

Statistic 8

Gen Z nurses (born 1997+) prioritize mental health, with 62% demanding hybrid work for retention

Statistic 9

LPNs to RN bridge programs retained 67% of participants in original facilities

Statistic 10

Hispanic nurses grew 12% workforce share to 11.4% but turnover 19% higher than average

Statistic 11

APRNs (NP/PA) retention at 92%, highest due to autonomy vs bedside RNs at 75%

Statistic 12

Night owls (chronotype) nurses retain 15% better on evenings vs forced days

Statistic 13

Military veteran nurses show 25% higher retention from discipline training background

Statistic 14

Urban millennials (25-40) turnover 32%, seeking work-from-home options unavailable

Statistic 15

Foreign-educated nurses (15% workforce) retain 78% after visa, but drop to 60% post

Statistic 16

Disability rates among nurses 22%, with accommodations boosting retention 28%

Statistic 17

Single-parent nurses (18% workforce) have 24% higher turnover without flex policies

Statistic 18

Boomerang nurses (returnees) comprise 12% of rehires, retaining 85% second time

Statistic 19

In 2023, nurse turnover cost U.S. hospitals $8.2 billion annually, with each nurse replacement at $52,000

Statistic 20

Average cost per RN turnover in 2022 was $46,100, including recruitment, onboarding, and lost productivity

Statistic 21

High turnover facilities lost $1.2 million per 100 beds in revenue due to reduced patient days in 2023

Statistic 22

Retention investments yielding 10% improvement saved hospitals $4.5 million annually per 500-bed facility

Statistic 23

Vacancy rates of 15% correlated with $3.8 million extra labor costs from agency staffing in 2022

Statistic 24

Each 1% reduction in turnover saved $300,000 per year for a 300-bed hospital in overtime expenses

Statistic 25

Travel nurse premiums inflated costs by 200% during high turnover periods, totaling $10 billion nationally in 2022

Statistic 26

Low retention led to 12% higher readmission penalties, costing $2.1 billion in Medicare fines in 2023

Statistic 27

Retention programs ROI was 300%, with $1 invested returning $3 in reduced turnover costs

Statistic 28

Nurse turnover contributed to $4.5 billion in annual productivity losses from temporary staffing inefficiencies

Statistic 29

Direct replacement costs per nurse turnover rose to $58,700 in 2023 from $44,000 in 2020

Statistic 30

Agency nurse spending reached $14.6 billion in 2022 due to 20%+ vacancy rates from turnover

Statistic 31

High turnover increased length of stay by 0.4 days, costing $1,100 per admission extra

Statistic 32

Retention bonuses returned $2.50 per $1 spent in reduced agency costs over 2 years

Statistic 33

Turnover-driven understaffing led to 15% higher HCAHPS penalties, $500 million total 2023

Statistic 34

Productivity loss from onboarding new nurses averaged 1,500 hours per hire at $45/hour

Statistic 35

25% turnover threshold triggered $7 million annual losses in 400-bed hospitals 2022 data

Statistic 36

Improved retention cut supply chain errors by 18%, saving $2.3 million in waste annually

Statistic 37

Medicare reimbursement cuts tied to staffing instability cost sector $1.8 billion in 2023

Statistic 38

Mentorship programs increased retention by 22% in new grad nurses over 18 months in 2022 trials

Statistic 39

Flexible scheduling reduced turnover by 15.3% in a 2023 multi-hospital study of 5,000 nurses

Statistic 40

Wellness programs lowered burnout by 28%, boosting retention 19% in participating facilities

Statistic 41

Sign-on bonuses of $20,000 retained 65% of new hires past first year vs 42% without

Statistic 42

Shared governance models improved retention by 17.8% in Magnet hospitals per 2023 data

Statistic 43

Simulation-based training reduced new grad turnover from 30% to 11% in 12-month cohorts

Statistic 44

Peer support groups decreased intent to leave by 24% among night-shift nurses in 2022

Statistic 45

Tuition reimbursement programs retained 78% of nurses vs 55% without after 3 years

Statistic 46

AI scheduling tools cut overtime by 35%, improving retention 12.4% in pilot hospitals

Statistic 47

Career ladder programs boosted retention 26% for associate degree nurses in 2023 pilots

Statistic 48

Violence prevention training reduced assaults 40%, lifting retention 16% in EDs 2022

Statistic 49

DEI initiatives retained minority nurses 21% better, addressing 30% exit due to bias

Statistic 50

Micro-credentialing online retained 72% of staff nurses pursuing specialties quickly

Statistic 51

Resilience training workshops cut burnout 32%, upping 1-year retention to 88%

Statistic 52

Childcare subsidies on-site retained parental nurses 29% higher in family-heavy areas

Statistic 53

Gamified learning platforms improved engagement, retaining 19% more new grads

Statistic 54

Quarterly stay interviews predicted and prevented 55% of potential turnovers proactively

Statistic 55

Team-building retreats annually boosted satisfaction 24%, retention 14% across shifts

Statistic 56

Loan forgiveness partnerships retained 81% of rural nurses past 5 years commitment

Statistic 57

Burnout affects 62% of nurses, leading to 47% considering leaving their jobs within the year

Statistic 58

68% of nurses cite inadequate staffing as the top reason for intent to leave in 2023 surveys

Statistic 59

Work-life imbalance influences 55% of nurse resignations, with 40-hour overtime averages weekly

Statistic 60

52% of nurses report workplace violence as a key retention barrier, occurring monthly for 45%

Statistic 61

Lack of career advancement opportunities drives 41% of mid-career nurse turnover (ages 30-45)

Statistic 62

Compensation dissatisfaction affects 59% of nurses, with 73% believing pay doesn't match workload increase

Statistic 63

Moral distress from ethical dilemmas impacts 67% of ICU nurses, correlating with 2x higher turnover intent

Statistic 64

Poor leadership support cited by 48% of departing nurses in exit interviews from 2022-2023

Statistic 65

Inadequate technology and documentation burdens 71% of nurses, increasing fatigue and turnover risk

Statistic 66

Family-unfriendly schedules cause 39% of parental leave turnover, especially among millennial nurses

Statistic 67

35% of nurses plan to leave due to burnout, exacerbated by 12-hour shifts averaging 14 hours actual

Statistic 68

49% cite mandatory overtime as primary stressor, with 25% working 60+ hours weekly regularly

Statistic 69

Leadership incivility affects 58% of nurses, doubling odds of turnover intention per studies

Statistic 70

61% dissatisfied with professional development funding, averaging $500/year vs needed $2,000

Statistic 71

Patient acuity increases without support cited by 53% as retention threat in ICUs

Statistic 72

44% report PPE shortages lingering post-COVID as trust-eroding factor for staying

Statistic 73

Workload ratios exceeding 1:5 nurses-to-patients drive 70% dissatisfaction and exits

Statistic 74

56% of nurses feel undervalued, with recognition programs absent in 40% of workplaces

Statistic 75

Pandemic trauma unresolved in 63%, linking to PTSD symptoms in 29% considering leaving

Statistic 76

Digital fatigue from EMRs burdens 69%, desiring streamlined tech for better retention

Statistic 77

In 2023, the average hospital RN turnover rate reached 24.7%, a 5.2% increase from 2022, primarily driven by burnout in urban facilities

Statistic 78

U.S. hospitals experienced a 27.1% RN turnover rate in Q1 2023, with Midwest regions at 29.4% due to staffing shortages

Statistic 79

California RN turnover hit 33.2% in 2022, highest in the nation, linked to high living costs and mandatory overtime

Statistic 80

Voluntary turnover for nurses under 30 years old was 35.6% in 2023, compared to 18.4% for those over 50

Statistic 81

Post-COVID, ICU nurse turnover surged to 41.2% annually in 2022, versus 22.1% pre-pandemic average

Statistic 82

Rural hospital RN turnover averaged 31.8% in 2023, 7.1% higher than urban counterparts due to isolation factors

Statistic 83

Magnet-designated hospitals reported 12.5% lower turnover rates at 19.3% in 2022 compared to non-Magnet at 31.8%

Statistic 84

Emergency department nurse turnover was 38.4% in 2023, driven by violence and high acuity cases

Statistic 85

Overall healthcare turnover rate for all positions was 25.9% in 2023, with RNs at 27.5% leading the category

Statistic 86

Pediatric nursing turnover reached 28.7% in 2022, up 9.3% from 2019 due to emotional exhaustion

Statistic 87

Turnover Rates in for-profit hospitals averaged 29.4% vs 21.7% in nonprofits in 2023

Statistic 88

Long-term care facilities saw LPN turnover at 42.1% in 2022, highest subsector rate

Statistic 89

Psychiatric nurse turnover was 34.7% in 2023, linked to patient aggression levels

Statistic 90

OR nurses had 25.8% turnover, lower due to specialization but rising with case volumes

Statistic 91

Home health nurse turnover hit 36.9% amid travel pay competition in 2023

Statistic 92

Academic medical centers reported 22.3% RN turnover, better than community hospitals at 28.1%

Statistic 93

Night shift turnover 18.2% higher than day shift at 31.5% vs 26.7% annually

Statistic 94

Veteran nurses (10+ years) turnover at 14.9%, but increasing due to retirement incentives

Statistic 95

Travel nursing vacancy fill dropped retention efforts, with contract turnover at 50% post-assignment

Statistic 96

Midwest states averaged 28.6% turnover, highest regionally due to weather and competition

Statistic 97

Northeast RN turnover stabilized at 23.4% in 2023 after 2022 peak of 31.2%

1/97

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Imagine a hospital where nearly a quarter of the nursing staff leaves every single year, a staggering reality underscored by a 2023 national RN turnover rate of 24.7% that is burning through billions of dollars and eroding the very foundation of patient care.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the average hospital RN turnover rate reached 24.7%, a 5.2% increase from 2022, primarily driven by burnout in urban facilities
U.S. hospitals experienced a 27.1% RN turnover rate in Q1 2023, with Midwest regions at 29.4% due to staffing shortages
California RN turnover hit 33.2% in 2022, highest in the nation, linked to high living costs and mandatory overtime
In 2023, nurse turnover cost U.S. hospitals $8.2 billion annually, with each nurse replacement at $52,000
Average cost per RN turnover in 2022 was $46,100, including recruitment, onboarding, and lost productivity
High turnover facilities lost $1.2 million per 100 beds in revenue due to reduced patient days in 2023
Burnout affects 62% of nurses, leading to 47% considering leaving their jobs within the year
68% of nurses cite inadequate staffing as the top reason for intent to leave in 2023 surveys
Work-life imbalance influences 55% of nurse resignations, with 40-hour overtime averages weekly
Mentorship programs increased retention by 22% in new grad nurses over 18 months in 2022 trials
Flexible scheduling reduced turnover by 15.3% in a 2023 multi-hospital study of 5,000 nurses
Wellness programs lowered burnout by 28%, boosting retention 19% in participating facilities
The average age of RNs is 46.1 years in 2023, with 50% over 45 facing retirement waves soon
81.6% of RNs are female, but male nurses have 14% higher retention due to better pay equity
New grad nurses (under 2 years experience) have 27.2% turnover rate, highest demographic group

Nurse turnover is a costly crisis driven by burnout and poor working conditions.

Demographic and Workforce Trends

The average age of RNs is 46.1 years in 2023, with 50% over 45 facing retirement waves soon
81.6% of RNs are female, but male nurses have 14% higher retention due to better pay equity
New grad nurses (under 2 years experience) have 27.2% turnover rate, highest demographic group
BSN-prepared nurses show 10.5% higher retention than ADN nurses in hospital settings 2023
Minority nurses (BIPOC) experience 22% higher turnover due to discrimination, per 2022 surveys
Baby boomer nurses (born 1946-1964) comprise 19.5% of workforce, retiring at 8% annual rate
Rural nurses average 49.3 years old, 3.2 years older than urban, affecting retention dynamics
Gen Z nurses (born 1997+) prioritize mental health, with 62% demanding hybrid work for retention
LPNs to RN bridge programs retained 67% of participants in original facilities
Hispanic nurses grew 12% workforce share to 11.4% but turnover 19% higher than average
APRNs (NP/PA) retention at 92%, highest due to autonomy vs bedside RNs at 75%
Night owls (chronotype) nurses retain 15% better on evenings vs forced days
Military veteran nurses show 25% higher retention from discipline training background
Urban millennials (25-40) turnover 32%, seeking work-from-home options unavailable
Foreign-educated nurses (15% workforce) retain 78% after visa, but drop to 60% post
Disability rates among nurses 22%, with accommodations boosting retention 28%
Single-parent nurses (18% workforce) have 24% higher turnover without flex policies
Boomerang nurses (returnees) comprise 12% of rehires, retaining 85% second time

Demographic and Workforce Trends Interpretation

The nursing profession is staring down a demographic time bomb where the seasoned majority is nearing retirement, the new generation demands radical flexibility, and systemic inequities continue to hemorrhage talent, making the solution not just about hiring bodies but fundamentally re-building a sustainable and equitable human ecosystem.

Economic Impacts

In 2023, nurse turnover cost U.S. hospitals $8.2 billion annually, with each nurse replacement at $52,000
Average cost per RN turnover in 2022 was $46,100, including recruitment, onboarding, and lost productivity
High turnover facilities lost $1.2 million per 100 beds in revenue due to reduced patient days in 2023
Retention investments yielding 10% improvement saved hospitals $4.5 million annually per 500-bed facility
Vacancy rates of 15% correlated with $3.8 million extra labor costs from agency staffing in 2022
Each 1% reduction in turnover saved $300,000 per year for a 300-bed hospital in overtime expenses
Travel nurse premiums inflated costs by 200% during high turnover periods, totaling $10 billion nationally in 2022
Low retention led to 12% higher readmission penalties, costing $2.1 billion in Medicare fines in 2023
Retention programs ROI was 300%, with $1 invested returning $3 in reduced turnover costs
Nurse turnover contributed to $4.5 billion in annual productivity losses from temporary staffing inefficiencies
Direct replacement costs per nurse turnover rose to $58,700 in 2023 from $44,000 in 2020
Agency nurse spending reached $14.6 billion in 2022 due to 20%+ vacancy rates from turnover
High turnover increased length of stay by 0.4 days, costing $1,100 per admission extra
Retention bonuses returned $2.50 per $1 spent in reduced agency costs over 2 years
Turnover-driven understaffing led to 15% higher HCAHPS penalties, $500 million total 2023
Productivity loss from onboarding new nurses averaged 1,500 hours per hire at $45/hour
25% turnover threshold triggered $7 million annual losses in 400-bed hospitals 2022 data
Improved retention cut supply chain errors by 18%, saving $2.3 million in waste annually
Medicare reimbursement cuts tied to staffing instability cost sector $1.8 billion in 2023

Economic Impacts Interpretation

American hospitals hemorrhaged billions proving the adage that it's cheaper to keep a nurse than to chase one.

Interventions and Strategies

Mentorship programs increased retention by 22% in new grad nurses over 18 months in 2022 trials
Flexible scheduling reduced turnover by 15.3% in a 2023 multi-hospital study of 5,000 nurses
Wellness programs lowered burnout by 28%, boosting retention 19% in participating facilities
Sign-on bonuses of $20,000 retained 65% of new hires past first year vs 42% without
Shared governance models improved retention by 17.8% in Magnet hospitals per 2023 data
Simulation-based training reduced new grad turnover from 30% to 11% in 12-month cohorts
Peer support groups decreased intent to leave by 24% among night-shift nurses in 2022
Tuition reimbursement programs retained 78% of nurses vs 55% without after 3 years
AI scheduling tools cut overtime by 35%, improving retention 12.4% in pilot hospitals
Career ladder programs boosted retention 26% for associate degree nurses in 2023 pilots
Violence prevention training reduced assaults 40%, lifting retention 16% in EDs 2022
DEI initiatives retained minority nurses 21% better, addressing 30% exit due to bias
Micro-credentialing online retained 72% of staff nurses pursuing specialties quickly
Resilience training workshops cut burnout 32%, upping 1-year retention to 88%
Childcare subsidies on-site retained parental nurses 29% higher in family-heavy areas
Gamified learning platforms improved engagement, retaining 19% more new grads
Quarterly stay interviews predicted and prevented 55% of potential turnovers proactively
Team-building retreats annually boosted satisfaction 24%, retention 14% across shifts
Loan forgiveness partnerships retained 81% of rural nurses past 5 years commitment

Interventions and Strategies Interpretation

The data suggests that the solution to the nursing crisis isn't a magical potion but a rather simple, if expensive, recipe: treat nurses like valued human beings instead of disposable parts, and—surprise—they tend to stay.

Retention Factors

Burnout affects 62% of nurses, leading to 47% considering leaving their jobs within the year
68% of nurses cite inadequate staffing as the top reason for intent to leave in 2023 surveys
Work-life imbalance influences 55% of nurse resignations, with 40-hour overtime averages weekly
52% of nurses report workplace violence as a key retention barrier, occurring monthly for 45%
Lack of career advancement opportunities drives 41% of mid-career nurse turnover (ages 30-45)
Compensation dissatisfaction affects 59% of nurses, with 73% believing pay doesn't match workload increase
Moral distress from ethical dilemmas impacts 67% of ICU nurses, correlating with 2x higher turnover intent
Poor leadership support cited by 48% of departing nurses in exit interviews from 2022-2023
Inadequate technology and documentation burdens 71% of nurses, increasing fatigue and turnover risk
Family-unfriendly schedules cause 39% of parental leave turnover, especially among millennial nurses
35% of nurses plan to leave due to burnout, exacerbated by 12-hour shifts averaging 14 hours actual
49% cite mandatory overtime as primary stressor, with 25% working 60+ hours weekly regularly
Leadership incivility affects 58% of nurses, doubling odds of turnover intention per studies
61% dissatisfied with professional development funding, averaging $500/year vs needed $2,000
Patient acuity increases without support cited by 53% as retention threat in ICUs
44% report PPE shortages lingering post-COVID as trust-eroding factor for staying
Workload ratios exceeding 1:5 nurses-to-patients drive 70% dissatisfaction and exits
56% of nurses feel undervalued, with recognition programs absent in 40% of workplaces
Pandemic trauma unresolved in 63%, linking to PTSD symptoms in 29% considering leaving
Digital fatigue from EMRs burdens 69%, desiring streamlined tech for better retention

Retention Factors Interpretation

It’s tragically ironic that a profession defined by caring for others is being bled dry by a system that so blatantly refuses to care for it in return.

Turnover Rates

In 2023, the average hospital RN turnover rate reached 24.7%, a 5.2% increase from 2022, primarily driven by burnout in urban facilities
U.S. hospitals experienced a 27.1% RN turnover rate in Q1 2023, with Midwest regions at 29.4% due to staffing shortages
California RN turnover hit 33.2% in 2022, highest in the nation, linked to high living costs and mandatory overtime
Voluntary turnover for nurses under 30 years old was 35.6% in 2023, compared to 18.4% for those over 50
Post-COVID, ICU nurse turnover surged to 41.2% annually in 2022, versus 22.1% pre-pandemic average
Rural hospital RN turnover averaged 31.8% in 2023, 7.1% higher than urban counterparts due to isolation factors
Magnet-designated hospitals reported 12.5% lower turnover rates at 19.3% in 2022 compared to non-Magnet at 31.8%
Emergency department nurse turnover was 38.4% in 2023, driven by violence and high acuity cases
Overall healthcare turnover rate for all positions was 25.9% in 2023, with RNs at 27.5% leading the category
Pediatric nursing turnover reached 28.7% in 2022, up 9.3% from 2019 due to emotional exhaustion
Turnover Rates in for-profit hospitals averaged 29.4% vs 21.7% in nonprofits in 2023
Long-term care facilities saw LPN turnover at 42.1% in 2022, highest subsector rate
Psychiatric nurse turnover was 34.7% in 2023, linked to patient aggression levels
OR nurses had 25.8% turnover, lower due to specialization but rising with case volumes
Home health nurse turnover hit 36.9% amid travel pay competition in 2023
Academic medical centers reported 22.3% RN turnover, better than community hospitals at 28.1%
Night shift turnover 18.2% higher than day shift at 31.5% vs 26.7% annually
Veteran nurses (10+ years) turnover at 14.9%, but increasing due to retirement incentives
Travel nursing vacancy fill dropped retention efforts, with contract turnover at 50% post-assignment
Midwest states averaged 28.6% turnover, highest regionally due to weather and competition
Northeast RN turnover stabilized at 23.4% in 2023 after 2022 peak of 31.2%

Turnover Rates Interpretation

The statistics paint a grim portrait: hospitals are hemorrhaging nurses so fast that the national average turnover rate of nearly 25% feels like a miracle of retention, driven by a perfect storm of burnout, untenable working conditions, and a system that seems to reward leaving more than staying.

Sources & References

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