Nurse leaders discuss factors leading to Gen Z nurses’ departures

With Gen Z nurses comprising the second-largest nurse cohort, leaders are observing the factors causing them to quit. AONL member Sylvain Trepanier, DNP, RN, CNE, Providence Health System, Renton, Wash., says exit rates for Gen Z nurses are almost twice that of other generations at about three to 3.5 years after tenure. Retention varies by market, care setting, role and individual circumstances, with relocation and other personal factors the most common reasons cited for leaving. They often seek better cost-of-living locations when buying homes or starting families. Trepanier says Gen Z nurses typically leave after gaining sufficient experience to compete for other roles. They may pursue an advanced degree, move into a specialty, or find a different schedule or care setting. Most stay within healthcare. (Becker’s Hospital Review article, 10/21/26)