Nurse turnover and vacancy rates have declined since their pandemic-era peaks but remain slightly elevated, according to the 2025 NSI National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing Report.
The report, released in March, includes survey findings from 450 hospitals in 37 states on registered nurse turnover, retention, vacancy rates, recruitment metrics and staffing strategies. The survey reflects hospital-reported data on 218,626 registered nurses spanning January through December 2024. Learn more about the methodology here.
Below are the average rates of registered nurse turnover and vacancy in hospitals between 2020 and 2025, according to the report. The data suggests hospitals have made significant progress in reducing nurse turnover and vacancy rates since their peak during the pandemic.
The national nurse turnover rate was 16.4% in 2024, marking a 2% drop from the year prior. The national hospital staff turnover rate was 18.3%, in comparison.
However, sustained efforts to stabilize the workforce, improve working conditions and address burnout are needed to fully recover.
“As hospitals face growing shortages, burnout and engagement challenges, the AHA
calls for bold investments, the adoption of supportive innovations, thoughtful policy and enduring respect for those who show up every day to care for others,” the American Hospital Association said in its 2026 Environmental Scan report released Dec. 18.
|
Year |
Hospital staff nurse turnover rate |
Average hospital staff nurse vacancy rate |
| 2020 | 18.7% | 9.0% |
|
2021 |
27.1% |
9.0% |
|
2022 |
22.5% |
17.0% |
|
2023 |
18.4% |
15.7% |
|
2024 |
16.4% |
9.9% |
|
2025 |
— |
9.6% |
Note: Data was not available for turnover rates in 2025.
