In 2025, the average U.S. hospital lost $5.19 million from registered nurse turnover. Financially and operationally, a persistently high turnover rate among early-career nurses presents a growing risk for the industry, according to Press Ganey’s “State of Nursing 2026” report.
The report, published May 11, analyzed data from 422,761 registered nurses and 41,279 advanced practice providers across the U.S. While Press Ganey found increased engagement and resilience among RNs, it also found few improvements in retention.
At 17%, the nation’s overall nursing turnover rate has remained about the same as past years, the report said — a concerning data point despite signs of stabilization, according to a Press Ganey news release. The organization said RN retention “demands urgent, targeted attention.”
Demographically, Generation X registered nurses have the lowest turnover rate at 14%, while millennials are 21% and, Generation Z and baby boomers are each 22%.
“One in five early-career nurses are departing their organizations, creating an ongoing threat to long-term workforce stability as millennials and Gen Z represent an increasing share of the workforce,” Press Ganey said.
This lower retention rate for early-career nurses could be attributed to engagement, as engagement perceptions begin to dip after the first six months and reach the lowest average at the one- to two-year mark.
Press Ganey’s report recommends supporting early-career nurses through a balanced workload, “robust onboarding and intentional social integration” and “consistent access to coaching and mentorship.”
Access the report here.
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