Navigating the Nursing Profession's Transition in 2025
Cutting through the headlines to understand what’s really happening
Media reports on the nursing profession often paint a chaotic picture. Headlines in early 2025 still claim that “half of all nurses are planning to quit” or that turnover is “at crisis levels.” But what’s the truth behind the statistics, and what do nurses actually plan to do?
As the healthcare system continues to adapt to post-pandemic realities, it’s more important than ever to examine data critically.
Are Nurses Actually Leaving the Profession?
The answer is more nuanced than most headlines suggest.
While recent 2025 survey data from the American Nurses Foundation found that 51% of acute care nurses are actively planning to leave their current jobs, only 14% reported intentions to leave the nursing profession altogether. In contrast, 65% still say they would choose nursing again if they had to restart their careers.
That’s a very different story than what’s often reported.
Why the Numbers Are Often Misleading
Many of the more alarming statistics come from small, non-representative surveys. For example, a poll with 400 respondents may be cited as a national trend, even if it lacks demographic balance or a sufficient sample size. The American Nurses Foundation’s 2025 survey, with more than 10,000 respondents, paints a more reliable picture. It captures both short-term frustrations and long-term commitment.
It’s also important to pay attention to how survey questions are worded. For example:
- “Have you considered leaving your role?” captures passing thoughts
- “Do you plan to leave your role within 6 months?” captures real intent
Conflating the two leads to confusion, and media outlets often take the former and imply the latter.
Job Change vs. Career Change
The reality in 2025 is this: most nurses are switching jobs, not leaving healthcare.
Common reasons cited in the latest surveys include:
- Desire for better pay and benefits
- Frustration with staffing levels
- Burnout and mental health strain
- Poor management or lack of autonomy
These are actionable issues. And in many cases, hospitals and health systems are responding by offering more flexible hours, mental health support, increased salaries, and reduced patient ratios.
Why It Matters
When headlines exaggerate how many nurses are leaving the profession, they not only misinform the public, they discourage new entrants and shake patient confidence. They also obscure the good news—most nurses still find purpose in their work and are committed to the profession, even if they are changing employers.
The real story is not about mass exits. It’s about mass reevaluation. Nurses are seeking roles that reflect their values, compensate them fairly, and support their well-being.
Final Thought
Nursing in 2025 is at a crossroads. While retention remains a challenge, especially in high-acuity environments, most nurses are not leaving healthcare—they’re demanding better jobs. The focus should be on listening, reforming, and improving conditions to keep them.
The future of nursing depends not on keeping people in roles they have outgrown, but on creating roles worth staying in.