A recent study has found that Canada is struggling to retain young nurses, with a significant number leaving the profession before the age of 35.
What happened
According to the report, for every 100 nurses under 35 registering to practice in Canada, 34 additional young nurses chose not to renew their registration in 2024. This high turnover rate is putting pressure on already strained healthcare systems.
The report, released by the Montreal Economic Institute, notes that Canada has been grappling with a nursing shortage for some time, with 27,139 nursing vacancies recorded across the nation in 2025. The shortage is most pronounced in certain regions, with Newfoundland and Labrador having the highest nursing license non-renewal rate, followed by Nova Scotia.
The study also highlights the challenges faced by young nurses, including stressful working conditions, violence, and harassment. A survey by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Union found that 95% of nurses had experienced violence or harassment at work in the past year, and 53% were showing signs of burnout.
The report suggests that allowing nurses more flexibility in their work arrangements, such as working for travel nurse agencies or private clinics, could help improve retention rates. Additionally, loosening the government monopoly on healthcare could enable nurses to be offered better working conditions.
