State sees increase in nursing turnover, vacancy rates

By: Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) -- Missouri saw an increase in the turnover and vacancy rates for nurses in 2025, according to data provided by the Missouri Hospital Association.

A report shows the nursing turnover rate was at 18.9% in 2025, compared to 16.1% in 2024, bucking a four-year downward trend. The vacancy rate also increased 10.9% in 2025 compared to 10.1% in 2024. The vacancy rate also was seeing a downward trend the same four years.

Central Missouri has the highest turnover rate in the state for the registered nurse workforce at 28.8%. West Central Missouri is second with 22.1%, while the Northeast region is 21.1%. Mid-Missouri’s vacancy rate sits at 9.7%

Overall for the healthcare workforce, the state saw a 23.7% turnover rate, which is 1.5% higher than 2024. The vacancy rate sits at 10.1%, which increased from 9.7%.