News

The South West, Thames Valley & Wessex, and Kent, Surrey & Sussex Adult Critical Care Networks have released the results of the 2025/26 Nurse Retention Survey, with 1,066 nurses responding across 56 critical care units. This work builds on previous surveys undertaken in 2021 and 2022, providing an important insight into the experiences, wellbeing, and intentions of the critical care nursing workforce.

The findings show that while many nurses continue to take pride in their work, pressures across the workforce remain significant. Almost half (46%) of respondents expect to leave their current ICU within the next three years, and over a quarter of these plan to leave the NHS entirely. The most common reasons cited include lack of recognition through pay awards, being asked to work on other wards, limited career progression, and high workload.

Stress levels, though slightly improved since the previous survey, remain high. Over half (53%) of respondents reported experiencing significant work‑related stress, driven mainly by staff shortages, redeployment, workload, and challenges with work‑life balance.

Nurses highlighted the importance of having a positive impact on patient care, feeling valued, supportive workplace culture, and work‑life balance. However, many reported gaps between what they consider important and what they currently experience, particularly around pay, progression, and flexibility.

Despite the challenges, a majority of respondents (71%) would still recommend adult ICU nursing as a career, and comments reflected strong appreciation for teamwork, autonomy, and the meaningful nature of critical care work. Access to Professional Nurse Advocates has also improved, with 70% now reporting availability.

The networks will continue to use these findings to inform regional work on retention, focusing on reducing redeployment, strengthening career pathways, improving education access, advocating for fair banding, and supporting positive workplace culture.