Medical Solutions Shares New Data on Evolving Clinician Workforce

Report reveals generational shift reshaping healthcare staffing and retention

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Medical Solutions, a leading healthcare workforce partner, has released a new whitepaper that provides actionable insights into the evolving clinician workforce. The report draws on data from nearly 7,000 nurses and allied health professionals to help healthcare leaders understand how changing motivations and career expectations among different generations are impacting retention, patient care continuity, and long-term operational planning.

Why it matters

With Baby Boomers retiring at accelerating rates and nearly 40% of RNs planning to exit the workforce within five years, hospitals risk losing critical institutional knowledge. At the same time, Gen X and Millennials now make up the majority of the workforce, bringing new expectations around fair pay, flexibility, and manageable workloads. Understanding these generational shifts is crucial for healthcare organizations to stabilize their workforce and improve patient outcomes.

The details

The whitepaper outlines key generational motivators and provides data-driven strategies for strengthening engagement and reducing turnover. For example, Gen Z clinicians are motivated by growth opportunities, supportive environments, and long-term development, while Millennials prioritize fair pay and work-life balance. The report empowers healthcare leaders to meet clinicians where they are and plan for the future workforce.

  • The whitepaper was released on February 16, 2026.

The players

Medical Solutions

A leading healthcare workforce partner that delivers workforce solutions, advisory services, technology, recruiting, and staffing.

Patti Artley

Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Clinical Officer at Medical Solutions.

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What they’re saying

“At a time when every healthcare organization is working to stabilize its workforce, understanding what matters to clinicians has never been more important. These findings reveal how generational change is influencing career decisions and highlight where leaders can take meaningful action to improve retention, engagement, and patient outcomes.”

— Patti Artley, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Clinical Officer (Medical Solutions)

What’s next

Healthcare leaders can access the full whitepaper, 'Pulse Check: What We're Hearing From Nurses', on the Medical Solutions website to learn more about the evolving clinician workforce and strategies for strengthening engagement and retention.

The takeaway

This report from Medical Solutions provides valuable insights for healthcare organizations navigating the generational shift in their clinician workforce. By understanding the evolving motivations and career expectations of different generations, leaders can take proactive steps to improve retention, reduce burnout, and ensure continuity of patient care.