2025–2026 Research Report

State of the Clinical Workforce:
The Friction & Future

Discover what's driving clinicians to stay, leave, or rethink their careers—and what employers can do about it.

The Numbers Don't Lie

A preview of insights from real clinicians across the country.

74%

Feel Undercompensated

Say pay doesn't match 2025 patient complexity

51%

Financially Stuck

Housing costs prevent job mobility

71%

Experience Moral Injury

Weekly or daily due to systemic constraints

1 in 4

Plan to Leave Healthcare

Or move to non-clinical roles within 12 months

76%

Understaffed Regularly

Report rarely hitting 'safe' staffing ratios

74%

Want Cash Over Time

Prefer salary increase vs. admin burden reduction

Based on survey responses from physicians, nurses, NPs, therapists, and other clinicians.

What's Inside the Full Report

Data-driven insights to help you attract, retain, and support your clinical workforce.

Compensation Reality

How clinicians perceive pay fairness and what truly motivates them beyond salary.

The 'Pajama Time' Problem

Unpaid hours spent on documentation—and how it drives burnout and turnover.

Safety & Staffing Gaps

Real data on when staff feel safe vs. when patient volume takes priority.

AI & Automation Attitudes

Clinician sentiment on new tech—excitement, skepticism, and adoption barriers.

The 'Stay Levers'

What would actually keep clinicians at your organization (hint: it's not just pay).

Career Trajectory Plans

12-month outlook: who's staying, switching to gig work, or exiting entirely.

Get the Complete Report

Access all survey findings, detailed breakdowns by role and setting, plus actionable recommendations for healthcare leaders.

Full data by clinical role, setting, and employment model

Verbatim clinician comments on what would improve work life

Strategic recommendations for retention and recruitment

Ready to Reduce Workforce Friction?

DirectShifts helps healthcare employers source top clinical talent, optimize internal teams, and streamline hiring.