Nurses bring more than clinical skill to their shift. They support the unit, carry the tempo of the team, and the heartbeat of care. When they leave, the absence is felt immediately. And for the nurse leader who invested in their growth and stood by them through the long nights and tough transitions, the departure feels like a punch in the chest.

Turnover rates have improved in many parts of the country. But that progress has not reached newly licensed nurses. In system after system, these early-career professionals leave at rates substantially higher than other RN groups. Some of these nurses exit the profession altogether before their second year. This causes grief for those leading these teams that steadily accumulates over time. In addition, it is exhausting and disappointing for t

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