Hospital vacancies below pre-pandemic levels in Missouri Hospital Association report
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
According to a Missouri Hospital Association report, Missouri hospitals saw a 4% drop in vacancies in 2024; however, overall turnover has remained steady.
Based on 2024 data, the report found that the overall turnover rate for Missouri hospitals has been above pre-pandemic levels at 22.2%, compared to 21.5% in 2020. Vacancies have dropped to 9.7% from 11.1% in 2020.
"While the turnover rate has slightly declined, it remains relatively high, suggesting ongoing workforce instability," the report says. "The steady and more significant [vacancy] decline indicates improved staffing or more success in filling open roles."
The report also found that staff positions with high rates of vacancy and turnover included practical nurses, registered nurses and nursing assistants.
The staff turnover rate for registered nurses in 2025 was 16.1%, down 2% from 2020. The registered nurse vacancy rate was also at 10.1%, below 12% in 2020.
In 2025, the University of Missouri had over 351 completed nursing degrees. Columbia College had more than 20 nursing graduates at its Nurses Pinning Ceremony on Friday.
According to Nursing Solutions Inc., hospital turnover nationally was at 18.3% in 2024.
To increase staffing and retention, the MHA recommends providing more options for students to enter the workforce through financial support and training opportunities. They add that improved equipment, onboarding and employee benefits would help current staff.
