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HL Shorts: Top 3 Workforce Challenges for CNOs in 2026

Analysis  |  By G Hatfield  
   January 28, 2026

A new year in healthcare means more workforce challenges for CNOs.

On this episode of HL Shorts, we hear from  Michelle Watson, chief nurse executive and senior vice president of clinical operations at Lifepoint Health, about about the biggest workforce challenges that CNOs will face in 2026. Tune in to hear her insights.

G Hatfield is the CNO editor for HealthLeaders.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

CNOs must focus on sustainability by improving recruitment and retention efforts and addressing workforce shortages.

Nurse leaders should increase engagement with the workforce by maintaining connection and fostering professional growth.

CNOs must design and lead an organization where nurses from every generation can thrive.


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