AONL, Laudio release findings on early-tenure nurse retention

The most powerful drivers of early-tenure nurse retention are early connection, consistent engagement and manageable teams, according to an AONL and Laudio study spanning over 5,000 nurse managers overseeing 75,000 nurses in more than 100 hospitals. When nurse managers have the time and tools to lead effectively, early-tenure nurses ─ defined as new graduates who are still building confidence and deciding whether to stay ─ have more positive experiences. The report outlines practical strategies leaders are using to help new nurses succeed and contribute to stable, high-performing teams. The report shows that nurse managers who managed teams with fewer than 45 staff averaged 27% early-tenure turnover, compared with nurse managers with 90 or more direct reports who experienced turnover rates as high as 40%. (Laudio news release, 4/30/25)