.svg?iar=0&hash=F6049510E33E4E6D8196C26CCC0A64A4){kind=logo}
/hfh-logo-main--white.svg?iar=0&hash=ED491CBFADFB7670FAE94559C98D7798){kind=logo}
Related News
Nurses Stay — and Thrive — Amid National Workforce Challenges
May
6,
2026
DETROIT- (May 6, 2026)— New independent data shows nurses at Henry Ford Health are staying in their jobs longer – and report far greater job satisfaction rates – than the national average.
Turnover rates and vacancy rates are two categories examined in the recently-released 2026 National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing report from NSI Nursing Solutions. The survey found that the nationwide turnover rate for nurses grew by 1.2% in 2025, resulting in an average nation-wide turnover rate of 17.6%.
Henry Ford Health’s system-wide turnover rate in 2025 was 9.8%, well below the national average and amongst the lowest in the country.
The NSI surveyors also found the national RN vacancy is 8.6%, with one‑third of the hospitals surveyed reporting vacancy rates of 10% or higher.
At Henry Ford Health, the systemwide nurse vacancy rate is well below the national average, at 5%, when excluding Henry Ford Genesys Hospital— which is currently experiencing an indefinite labor strike. With Genesys Hospital included, the vacancy rate is 8%, still below the national average.
These statistics are encouraging, as recruiting and retaining nurses, who comprise the largest segment of the national healthcare workforce, remains one of the industry’s greatest challenges, driven by an aging Baby Boomer population, rising care needs, and limited nursing school capacity.
This National Nurses Week, which runs May 6-12, the Detroit-based health system is recognizing the invaluable contributions of 18,000 registered nurses working across 550 sites of care, including 12 acute care hospitals in Metro Detroit, Jackson, Mich., and Grand Blanc, Mich., and celebrating a culture where nurses feel empowered to provide high-quality care.
“Our Henry Ford Health nurses touch lives in ways seen and unseen by providing exceptional care, demonstrating leadership, showing compassion and more,” said Eric Wallis, the system’s Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive. “Nurses Week is an opportunity to recognize the work they do every day and celebrate a culture where nurses feel supported, listened to, and valued for their unique talents and expertise.”
Turnover rates directly affect vacancy rates and are reflected in team member engagement scores. Henry Ford Health partners with Press Ganey to conduct anonymous annual nurse engagement surveys, giving nursing leaders valuable insight into job satisfaction, workplace experiences, and factors that influence retention. The feedback helps leaders identify what’s working well and where additional support is needed. Nurse satisfaction scores across the Henry Ford Health system have increased for four consecutive years, with the system reaching the 63rd percentile this year.
Wallis said hospital leaders were especially encouraged this year by Press Ganey’s findings at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital.
Since assuming operations of the hospital in October 2024, leaders have conducted a thorough review of hospital operations and have been working with hospital leadership to implement practices proven to foster a culture in which every team member feels valued and supported.
Press Ganey data shows that registered nurses working at Genesys Hospital through an ongoing labor strike reported an average job satisfaction score of 4.16 out of 5 in the fourth quarter of 2025. The average national RN satisfaction score is 3.91. Before the strike, which began in September 2025, nurses at Genesys Hospital reported a job satisfaction score of 3.41.
“Nurses are at the heart of everything we do at Henry Ford Health, and that is why these insights are so crucial,” Wallis said. “This feedback guides improvements that strengthen team culture, reduce burnout, and ultimately support better care for our patients. It’s a continuous cycle of listening, learning, and acting — one that directly shapes the patient experience.”
The system’s strong nursing culture has been officially recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program, which awards Magnet Status to hospitals and healthcare organizations that exhibit the highest quality patient care and nursing excellence. Three Henry Ford Health hospitals are Magnet-designated , with a fourth expected this fall. All Henry Ford Health hospitals are pursuing Magnet, a distinction earned by less than 10% of hospitals nationwide.
In their own words
Statistics tell just part of nurses’ stories. Here Henry Ford Health nurses share what their profession means to them.
“I’ve always been driven to help others. Nursing has allowed that passion to grow, now I’m not only caring for patients, but also mentoring and supporting the people around me.”
— Kimberly Jacobs, Clinical Nurse Manager, 24 years of nursing experience
“Nursing means caring — and making a true, authentic difference in people’s lives. For me, ‘people’ include my patients and their families, my co‑workers, and my leaders. I believe deeply that kindness, caring, and grace are at the core of nursing.”
— Wendy‑Anne MacKenzie, Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery, 39 years of nursing experience
“I became a nurse after experiencing my mom’s ICU journey and loss, which showed me the impact compassionate care has on patients and families. I remain a nurse because even small moments small moments, like making someone smile or feel seen, remind me why this work matters.”
— Casandra Fontana, Registered Nurse, 3 years of nursing experience
“Health issues affect almost all of us at some point. I cherish having the honor and privilege to support individuals through some of the most difficult, challenging moments they will face.”
— Cyndi Engelhadt, Assistant Clinical Manager, 15 years of nursing experience
“I became a nurse to be a good example for my son. As a single parent, I wanted to be a good role model. I remain a nurse for our patients and my family.”
— Megan Marucio, Operating Room Assistant Clinical Manager, 9 years of nursing experience
“Nurses are the ultimate advocates ensuring that the patient’s voice is heard and that physical and emotional needs are met safely. This is what gives me purpose!”
— Christy Vrana Stevens, Nurse Manager, 26 years of nursing experience
“I became a nurse because of my godfather, who courageously fought brain cancer. I stay in nursing because I want to give patients and their families the same compassion and support my own family needed during that time, and to stand alongside the nurses who provide that care every day.”
— Chelsea Stotler, Assistant Clinical Manager, Neurosciences/Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, 5 years of nursing experience
###