VA Loses 3.2% of Nursing Workforce in One Year — What’s Driving the Mass Exodus?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is experiencing significant losses in its nursing workforce, with thousands of nurses leaving their positions over the past year. Multiple factors—including policy changes, workforce reductions, and deteriorating working conditions—are contributing to this decline, impacting both patient care and the nurses who remain.

How Many Nurses Has the VA Lost?

Nurse.org analyzed the latest VA Workforce Dashboard onboards data which shows the VA has lost 3.2% of its registered nurse workforce from October 2024 to October 2025. This translates to over 3,000 fewer registered nurses across its system in just one year. There have also been substantial declines in licensed practical nurses (-5.5%), nurse assistants (-4.8%) as well as other critical support staff.​​

 

Data source: VA Workforce Dashboard

The year-over-year declines stand in contrast to the previous year when registered nurse onboards increased 4.5% from October 2023 to 2024.

Why Are VA Nurses Leaving?

• Federal Hiring Freeze and Layoffs: The VA implemented a major staff reduction initiative aiming to cut nearly 30,000 positions by the end of 2025, partly driven by federal hiring freezes, voluntary separations, and early retirements.​
• Loss of Collective Bargaining Rights: The termination of collective bargaining rights for most VA employees—including 16,000 nurses represented by the National Nurses Organizing Committee—has undermined job security and created further dissatisfaction.​
• Unaddressed Workplace Stress: According to exit interviews, nurses frequently mentioned “job stress/pressure,” “lack of trust/confidence in senior leaders,” and “desired work schedule not offered.”​
• Barriers to Hiring and Retention: Nurses and labor groups state that ongoing hiring restrictions and bureaucratic barriers have put patient safety at risk, noting that 82% of VA facilities are experiencing severe nurse shortages.​

What Are Nurses and Leaders Saying?

VA nurses have publicly called for the VA to lift barriers to hiring and to address inadequate scheduling policies. A recent statement from the National Nurses United emphasized, “when we don't have enough staff, we are effectively cutting services to veterans,” highlighting deep concerns about patient safety and the well-being of nurses.​

Senator Richard Blumenthal remarked, “Make no mistake—this draining of talent from VA is already having a damaging and dangerous impact on the quality and timeliness of care,” insisting that urgent action is needed to protect both veterans and nurses.​

Widespread attrition among VA nurses is leading to increased workloads for remaining staff, longer wait times for veterans, and a real risk to the VA’s ability to deliver safe, high-quality care. With ongoing federal cost-cutting and policy changes, the situation remains critical for the country’s largest healthcare workforce.​

As the VA navigates these unprecedented staffing challenges, the focus must shift toward sustainable solutions that prioritize nurse retention, workplace well-being, and timely hiring. The future of veteran care depends on valuing and supporting the nurses who serve on the frontlines every day.

 

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