2026 State of Nursing Report Offers a Snapshot of Progress and Persistent Challenges.
This spring, the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) released its 2026 State of Nursing in Ontario: The RPN Experience in Focus report, offering a timely snapshot of the profession’s health across the province. Based on survey responses from more than 800 Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), the report reveals a workforce marked by cautious progress alongside significant, ongoing strain. These findings will directly shape WeRPN’s services and advocacy in the year ahead.
A Complex Picture
The headline numbers tell a story of resilience under pressure. Nearly all RPNs surveyed (98%) reported that work has taken a toll on their personal well-being, and 43% say they are in immediate need of mental health support due to workplace stress. Staffing shortages continue to ripple through patient care: 77% of respondents witnessed patient care negatively impacted by short staffing, 72% reported increased workloads over the past year, and 63% are being asked to take on additional shifts or overtime to cover gaps.
The toll extends beyond workload. Forty-seven per cent of RPNs experienced workplace violence in the past year, and 43% are considering leaving the nursing profession entirely. More than half reported experiencing moral distress, most often tied to knowing patients needed more care than nurses were able to provide. Nearly half of respondents reported worsening patient care, citing longer wait times, delays in assessments, and difficulty accessing care.
Reasons for Cautious Optimism
While those stats are concerning, the report is not without encouraging signs. WeRPN identified modest improvements in workplace support and in nurses’ intent to leave the profession compared with previous years. And despite the challenges, nurses continue to express a strong sense of purpose: ninety-one per cent of respondents said making a difference in the lives of patients, residents, and clients brings them joy.
From Findings to Action
For WeRPN, this 6th annual survey is more than a snapshot. It is a roadmap. The findings will directly inform how the association tailors its professional development offerings, mental health and well-being support, and workplace safety resources to meet the needs RPNs have identified. They also anchor WeRPN’s advocacy agenda.
WeRPN shared findings directly with elected officials from all parties at our Queen’s Park Day this May. In response to the report, WeRPN has called on government policymakers and healthcare leaders to take coordinated action through a five-step plan focused on: fair compensation for RPNs; evidence-based nurse-to-patient staffing ratios; stronger protections against workplace violence; universal mental health supports for healthcare workers; and sustained investment in professional development and education.
The full State of Nursing in Ontario: The RPN Experience in Focus – 2026 Review report is available at stateofnursing.ca.
As WeRPN continues to be the professional voice of Ontario’s Registered Practical Nurses, this year’s findings will guide both the practical services the association delivers and the advocacy it brings to the table. This work is essential to building a sustainable, equitable, and high-quality healthcare system across the province.
