Staffing, Flexibility Top Nurses' List to Return - Summary - MDSpire

Staffing, Flexibility Top Nurses' List to Return

  • By

  • Kerri Miller

  • February 11, 2026

  • 3 min

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Objective:

To identify factors that could encourage registered nurses to return to hospital employment after leaving their positions.

Key Findings:
  • Adequate staffing and manageable workloads were cited by 65% of nonretired nurses as factors for returning.
  • 59% of respondents indicated that flexible scheduling and better wages/benefits would increase their likelihood of returning.
  • Younger nurses (40 and under) prioritized staffing adequacy and compensation more than older nurses.
  • 79% of all respondents expressed satisfaction with their nursing career, with higher satisfaction among retirees.
Interpretation:

Organizational changes focusing on staffing, scheduling flexibility, and compensation could effectively enhance nurse retention and attract former nurses back to the workforce.

Limitations:
  • Sample limited to RNs with active licenses, potentially biasing results towards those more inclined to return.
Conclusion:

Reevaluating staffing and scheduling practices may help hospitals retain and attract nurses, addressing the ongoing workforce challenges in healthcare.

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