NCSBN Research Highlights Small Steps Toward Nursing Workforce Recovery; Burnout and Staffing Challenges Persist

CHICAGO - Today, NCSBN released findings from its 2024 National Nursing Workforce Study, surveying 800,000 nurses to understand the state of the workforce since the 2022 study revealed a workforce crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today's research reveals the U.S. nursing workforce has shown some signs of recovery although long-term stability remains uncertain. And, while emotional exhaustion and workloads have moderated since 2022, high levels of stress and burnout continue to impact the workforce.

This is the largest and most comprehensive research study of the nursing workforce, uncovering the data points which have far reaching implications for the health care system at large and for patient populations. The research was gathered as part of a biennial nursing workforce study conducted by NCSBN and the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers.

Key findings include:

• More than 138,000 nurses left the workforce since 2022 and they report stress, burnout and retirement as key reasons, the same reasons as those surveyed two years ago.
• 9% of RNs and 41.3% of LPN/VNs reported an intent to leave the workforce or retire within the next five years.
• Of the nurses who reported an intent to leave within the next five years, the reasons they are leaving aside from retirement include:
  • Approximately 41.5% selected stress and burnout as the root cause.
  • Following stress and burnout, other top reasons include workload, understaffing and inadequate salary.
• Employment levels have rebounded slightly, with 87.7% of RN licensees and 70.6% of LPN/VN licensees now actively employed in nursing.
• Median pre-tax annual earnings for both RNs and LPNs have increased by 10-16%, likely driven by inflation and rising demand for health care services.
• The percentage of Latino/Hispanic RNs has doubled since 2015, from 3.6% to 7.2%.

"While we have seen some improvements, staffing challenges, stress and burnout, and workforce safety are issues that have permeated the nursing industry before, during and after the pandemic and are still challenges," said Phil Dickison, NCSBN Chief Executive Officer. "We can no longer use COVID-19 as an excuse as to why nurses are leaving the workforce. We can infer that while hospitals continue to prioritize investments in mental health and other support services for nurses since the pandemic, structural issues that predated the pandemic remain."

Despite these challenges, the industry shows some signs of improvement. In addition to the increased employment levels, the educational attainment of the nursing profession is increasing, with more than 73% of RNs holding a baccalaureate degree or higher. The nursing workforce is at the highest educational level ever documented by NCSBN, and is becoming more racially diverse.

The re-entry of experienced nurses has helped stabilize the workforce, restoring the median age distribution to 50, but it is unclear if this is a long-term trend or a temporary adjustment, especially as many of the last of the baby boomers are expected to exit the workforce in 2027 as they reach retirement age. While workloads have decreased by 20-25% since 2022, staffing shortages, burnout and high intent-to-leave rates remain critical challenges that threaten long-term stability.

"It is necessary to continue efforts to retain more experienced nurses and address longstanding factors associated with nurses' premature intent to leave, ensuring dependable workforce planning moving forward," added Dickison.

To view research supplement, please contact [email protected] or visit ncsbn.org/workforce.

Research Methodology
The study examines a subset of the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Study for analysis. Reported trends represent population-based estimates. It represents data from a broad sample of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/VNs), providing a robust and data-driven look at workforce trends. The study is conducted across 53 jurisdictions, including all U.S. states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

About NCSBN
Empowering and supporting nursing regulators across the world in their mandate to protect the public, NCSBN is an independent, not-for-profit organization. As a global leader in regulatory excellence, NCSBN champions regulatory solutions to borderless health care delivery, agile regulatory systems and nurses practicing to the full scope of their education, experience and expertise. A world leader in test development and administration, NCSBN's NCLEX Exams are internationally recognized as preeminent nursing examinations.

NCSBN's membership is comprised of the nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories. There are nine exam user members and 21 associate members that are either NRBs or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not individual members.