Cross Country Healthcare and Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing Release Purpose Under Pressure: The State of Nursing in 2026

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Fifth annual survey finds nurses remain deeply committed to patient care as workforce expectations, flexibility needs and support priorities continue to evolve BOCA RATON, Fla., May 05, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cross Country Healthcare (NASDAQ: CCRN), a market-leading provider of workforce solutions and tech-enabled staffing, recruitment and advisory services, today released its fifth annual nursing survey, Purpose Under Pressure: The State of Nursing in 2026, developed in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. Based on insights from more than 2,000 nurses and nursing students across the United States, the study offers a comprehensive look at the current state of the profession, including what continues to motivate nurses, where workplace pressures are increasing and how healthcare organizations can better support the workforce at the center of patient care. The findings point to a profession defined by resilience, purpose and change. Despite continued workforce pressures, nurses remain deeply connected to the meaning of their work. Eighty-three percent of nurses say they entered the profession to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives, up from 66% in 2022. "Purpose remains one of the strongest forces in nursing," said Kevin Clark, Chairman and CEO of Cross Country Healthcare. "Nurses continue to choose this profession because they want to make a difference. At the same time, the data makes clear that the workforce experience is changing, and healthcare organizations have an opportunity to respond with more flexibility, better support and a renewed focus on retention." The survey also shows that practical career considerations are playing a larger role in how nurses evaluate their future. Sixty-two percent of respondents cited flexibility and lifestyle as key drivers, while 52% cited job security. These findings reflect a workforce that remains mission-driven while also seeking greater balance, stability and long-term sustainability. Since 2022, the data shows several areas where pressure on nurses has increased: "These findings are more than warning signs. They are a roadmap," said Hank Drummond, PhD, RN, 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 the...

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