The U.S. healthcare industry is facing a critical shortage of nurses. And this challenge isn't expected to be resolved anytime soon, with many reaching retirement age or eying new opportunities.

We analyzed data from 112,504 registered nurses (RNs) and 2,071 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to better understand the state of the nursing workforce today. What factors drive retention—and turnover? How does the work environment influence those decisions and, more broadly, the healthcare experience?

The nurse work environment: Key takeaways for 2024

• Nurses are largely satisfied where they are. Over 75% of acute care RNs intend to stay in their current roles over the next three years. And of those who have their eyes on other opportunities, only 4% plan to quit nursing altogether. 
• 40% of nurses who plan to leave point to their work environment as the reason. In healthy work environments, where nurses are satisfied, respected, and supported by their managers, nurses are 21.1% less likely to leave.
• 87% of APRNs are happy in their roles. The rest cite low pay, poor management, and disrespect as key drivers of dissatisfaction.
• A positive work environment leads to better patient experience and fewer safety events. Hospitals that can boast the most positive work environments are rated 7.4% higher by patients and see 6.7% better “Likelihood to Recommend” scores.

Download our report for a deep dive into these findings—and many more. Learn how top-performing healthcare organizations have made measurable improvements in their work environments and, as a result, driven nurse retention, patient experience, and safety outcomes.