Sociodemographic Characteristics of Nurses Entering and Leaving the US Nursing Workforce in 2018 and 2022

Abstract

Introduction

Registered nurse (RN) workforce planning relies on a robust understanding of trends in nursing job dynamics. Relevant, current data on RNs’ education, training, and job outcomes are critical to implementing solutions to mitigate high job vacancy rates or workforce shortages.

Methods

This study used data from the 2018 and 2022 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and job dynamics of the nursing workforce before and after the pandemic, including nurses entering and leaving the workforce, and examined factors associated with leaving a primary job.

Results

Despite concerns about 2018 weights, results suggest signs of increasing representation of Black RNs and potential declines in representation of Hispanic RNs over time respective to the US population. We found high rates of job turnover related to wellbeing and safety in the workplace in 2022.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that strategies to increase workforce diversity have been successful among select groups, and ongoing policy should continue to focus on groups that are underrepresented. While the future of federal workforce diversity programs is unclear, states and organizations can implement strategies to support recruitment and retention of diverse groups of RNs.

Authors:

Woodward KF, Skillman SM, Frogner BK

Journal/Publisher:

Health Affairs Scholar

Edition:

Sep 2026.

Funder:

HRSA: HWRC Health Equity

Link to Article

Access the article here: Health Affairs Scholar

Citation:

Woodward KF, Skillman SM, Frogner BK. Sociodemographic Characteristics of Nurses Entering and Leaving the US Nursing Workforce in 2018 and 2022. Health Affairs Scholar. Sep 2026