A new national survey conducted by Cross Country Healthcare and Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing warns that the U.S. nursing profession is under extreme pressure, with widespread burnout, staffing shortages, and waning morale threatening the future of patient care. The “Beyond the Bedside: The State of Nursing in 2025” report, now in its fourth year, gathered responses from 2,600 nurses and nursing students. Despite widespread recognition of nurses’ essential role during the pandemic, the study reveals that little has improved.
“Nurses are the backbone of our health care system, yet they’re still being asked to carry an unsustainable load,” said John A. Martins, president and CEO of Cross Country Healthcare. “This year’s report is not just data – it’s a resounding cry for change.” Among the most alarming findings: 65% of nurses report high stress and burnout, and only 60% say they would choose nursing again. Key stressors include short staffing, low pay, lack of leadership support, and patient mistreatment.
Interestingly, while seasoned nurses express frustration, many students entering the field still express enthusiasm, albeit with concern. The report shows that 67% of student nurses already fear being overwhelmed by their future workload. “Our data reveals a troubling paradox,” said Cameron Duncan, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s nursing college. “While students are hopeful and eager to begin practicing as a nurse, our experienced workforce is sending distress signals loud and clear.”
To address the crisis, the report outlines five urgent priorities for healthcare leaders: increasing staffing and recruitment efforts, raising wages and benefits, promoting work-life balance, improving leadership and communication, and streamlining administrative processes. These steps, the report suggests, are crucial to repairing trust and retaining qualified staff. “This isn’t just about adding perks – it’s about rebuilding trust,” Martins emphasized. “We must create a system where [nurses] feel heard, valued and empowered to thrive – not just survive.”
With the nation facing a looming care gap, Cross Country and FAU are calling on health systems, educational institutions, and policymakers to take immediate, unified action. The message is clear: without structural change, the nursing profession may face a critical collapse – and the impact on patient care could be severe.
Janette Wider | Editor-in-Chief
Janette Wider is Editor-in-Chief for Healthcare Purchasing News.
