The U.S. healthcare system is standing at a crossroads. A new survey reveals that more than half of American healthcare workers are planning to switch jobs within the next year—a finding that highlights the severity of the ongoing healthcare staffing crisis. Burnout, job dissatisfaction, and lack of support are driving forces behind this growing challenge, putting additional strain on hospitals and clinics already struggling to recover from the pandemic.
At 3B Healthcare, we believe in shedding light on critical issues that shape the future of patient care. This latest survey, conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by Strategic Education, offers a clear look at what healthcare workers are experiencing today and what employers can do to prevent further losses.
A Troubling Forecast for U.S. Healthcare
Between June 26 and July 21, the survey gathered insights from 1,504 frontline healthcare workers and 304 healthcare employers. The findings are sobering:
- 55% of healthcare employees said they intend to search for, interview for, or switch jobs in 2026.
- 84% reported feeling underappreciated by their current employer.
- Only 1 in 5 felt their workplace was invested in their long-term career growth.
The U.S. is already facing significant shortages in healthcare staff. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the nation could see a shortage of nearly 700,000 physicians, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses by 2037. For patients, this means longer wait times, fewer available appointments, and potentially lower-quality care. For providers, it translates into heavier workloads and higher stress levels—fueling an endless cycle of burnout that deepens the healthcare staffing crisis.
A Troubling Forecast for U.S. Healthcare
Burnout among healthcare professionals is not a new phenomenon, but the scale of the problem has grown dramatically. Nurses, physicians, and support staff report that their work has become more challenging than ever before.
“Healthcare is really at a critical juncture,” said Adele Webb, a nurse with more than four decades of experience. “In my experience, it is worse than it’s ever been. We are losing more staff than we have ever lost. Jobs are harder, patients are older and more chronically ill. We do not have enough staff.”
This sobering reality underscores that the healthcare staffing crisis is not just about numbers. It’s about people—professionals who are pushed to their limits and patients who depend on them for life-saving care.
Retention Hinges on Education and Career Growth
One of the most compelling findings of the survey is the link between retention and educational opportunities. More than 60% of healthcare workers said they would be more likely to stay with their current employer if tuition assistance or educational support were available.
This is particularly important for younger generations of healthcare workers. Gen Z and Millennials were the most likely to express an interest in leaving their current jobs but also the most likely to stay if provided with opportunities for continuing education, skill development, and career advancement.
As Jennifer Musil, Global President of Research at The Harris Poll, explained:
“Given the unprecedented need for care driven by the aging Baby Boomer population, these findings offer critical insights into how to better retain, support, and prepare the people at the heart of our nation’s healthcare system.”
Educational support, leadership training, and tuition reimbursement programs may become essential tools for healthcare organizations that want to retain staff and reduce turnover. Investing in career growth could be one of the most effective solutions to the healthcare staffing crisis.
Why Recognition Matters More Than Ever
Beyond education, recognition plays a crucial role. With 84% of workers saying they feel underappreciated, the lack of acknowledgment is a silent driver of resignations. Many healthcare professionals are passionate about patient care, but without organizational support, they may feel overlooked and undervalued.
Simple measures such as recognition programs, leadership communication, and employee well-being initiatives can help reduce dissatisfaction. Building a culture where healthcare workers feel heard and valued can make a meaningful difference in addressing the healthcare staffing crisis.
The Future of Patient Care
The challenges outlined in this survey raise an important question: How can we ensure patients continue to receive high-quality care as the workforce declines?
If nothing changes, the shortage of healthcare professionals could escalate into a full-scale national emergency. However, the survey findings also provide a roadmap for improvement. By focusing on:
- Educational advancement (scholarships, tuition support, continuing education)
- Career development pathways (mentorship, leadership opportunities, skill-building)
- Workplace recognition (employee appreciation programs, well-being initiatives)
…employers can reduce turnover, increase loyalty, and rebuild trust with their teams.
A Call to Action
The healthcare staffing crisis is not a distant threat—it’s here now, and it’s growing. Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations must act quickly to implement strategies that support their workforce. For employers, this means investing in career growth, fostering a culture of appreciation, and providing resources that ease burnout.
For healthcare professionals, the survey serves as a reminder that their concerns are not isolated. Many are experiencing the same frustrations, and their voices are shaping the conversation about the future of healthcare.
At 3B Healthcare, we remain committed to highlighting these challenges while exploring solutions that improve both patient care and provider well-being. The nation’s healthcare workers are the backbone of our system, and their needs must be prioritized if we are to overcome this crisis.
Final Thoughts
The message from healthcare workers is clear: they need more support, more recognition, and more opportunities to grow. Without immediate action, the healthcare staffing crisis will only deepen, putting patients and providers at greater risk.
By investing in education, building stronger career pathways, and showing appreciation for frontline staff, healthcare organizations can begin to reverse the tide. The future of patient care depends on it.
If this blog resonated with you, like, share, or drop a comment with your favorite takeaway—or share your own views on the healthcare staffing crisis. Let’s keep the conversation going.
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