5/25/2026
State of Nursing in 2026
Nurses face rising burnout, staffing shortages and pay concerns.
Cross Country Healthcare, in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, released its fifth annual report, Purpose Under Pressure: The State of Nursing in 2026, based on responses from more than 2,000 nurses and nursing students nationwide. The survey provides a comprehensive view of the profession, highlighting what motivates nurses, how workplace pressures are evolving and where healthcare organizations can better support their workforce. Findings show that purpose remains a defining force, with 83% of nurses entering the field to make a meaningful impact, up from 66% in 2022, even as practical considerations like flexibility (62%) and job security (52%) play a growing role in career decisions.
At the same time, the report reveals rising strain across the profession since 2022. Burnout has climbed from 39% to 67%, concerns about pay and benefits have more than doubled to 53%, and nearly half of nurses (49%) report feeling undervalued. Short staffing and high patient ratios have also increased to 61%. Despite these challenges, the future pipeline remains strong, with 99% of nursing students expressing optimism about their careers. Overall, the findings point to a resilient but pressured workforce and outline clear opportunities for healthcare leaders to improve retention through greater flexibility, support and investment in the nursing experience.
“These findings are more than warning signs. They are a roadmap,” said Hank Drummond, Ph.D., enterprise chief nurse executive and divisional senior vice president at Cross Country Healthcare. “Nurses are telling us what they need to continue doing the work they love in a way that is sustainable. Now it is up to healthcare leaders to listen, respond and take meaningful action.”