Hospitals are under growing pressure to staff safely, control labor costs, and retain nurses — and scheduling sits at the center of all three. Drawing on insights from 566 nurse leaders, this article explores the key nurse scheduling trends shaping 2026, from self-scheduling and acuity-based staffing to float pools and early artificial intelligence adoption. This article provides  practical takeaways to improve schedule fairness, scheduling efficiency, and workforce stability.

Nurse turnover remains one of the most expensive and disruptive challenges in healthcare. Every time a registered nurse (RN) leaves, a hospital loses time, money, and institutional knowledge that is difficult to replace. One of the most effective ways to keep nurses on staff does not require a new benefits package or a costly recruitment campaign — it starts with nursing workforce development. When nurses have access to continuing education (CE), specialty certification support, and clear career pathways, they are more likely to stay, grow, and thrive.

Healthcare organizations are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI), not just for clinical applications but also to optimize operations and workforce management. With 78% of healthcare leaders reporting that their AI budgets would grow in 2025, the pressure to streamline staffing, reduce costs, and boost productivity has never been greater.

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​​Inclusive healthcare environments are shaped by everyday interactions, clear communication, and a steady commitment to learning. When organizations invest in building understanding and supporting their teams, they create spaces where LGBTQ+ patients and staff can feel respected and supported. This guide highlights practical ways healthcare organizations can strengthen inclusive care and workplace cultures, with a focus on education, leadership, and trusted resources that support lasting progress.

We analyzed insights from over 450 nursing professionals to bring you a deeper understanding of the issues health systems are trying to solve today.

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HealthStream is a proud Elite Sponsor of the NAMSS 50th Annual Conference, taking place October 18–21 in New Orleans. This conference brings together 1,500+ medical services and credentialing professionals for dynamic keynotes, 45+ expert-led sessions, and immersive networking experiences. Visit us at Booth #111 to learn more about how we are supporting the credentialing industry.

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