The Nursing Workforce Is Evolving — Here’s What to Know

Your twice-weekly roundup of nursing news, work trends, and opportunities

Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses, for nurses. This week, we’re breaking down the latest shifts in the profession — from healthcare adding 82,000 jobs in January to new research showing nurses deliver care on par with physicians, and a looming seven-day strike in California that could signal continued labor momentum.

But first, we’ve rounded up featured roles across the country if you’re exploring what’s next.

Featured Jobs

🩺

Admissions Nurse (RN), National Health Care Associates

Augusta, ME

Apply Now →

☤

RN - Operating Room, University of Rochester Medical Center

Rochester, NY

Apply Now →

♡

Dialysis RN, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital

Norwood, OH

Apply Now →

💉

RN/Director of Nursing, Brightview Senior Living

Fairfax, VA

Apply Now →

🩹

Nurse Recruiter, Highland Hospital

Rochester, NY

Apply Now →

🩸

LPN, Delectus

Delmar, MD

Apply Now →

Need a new job?

Reply to this email and we’ll match you with roles that fit your skills

You can also browse additional jobs on CollabWORK.

Headlines in Healthcare

Healthcare Jobs Explode in January — Nursing Gains Lead Sector Growth

New government data show healthcare added 82,000 jobs in January 2026, making up nearly two-thirds of all U.S. job growth. Even though overall job growth is slowing in other sectors, demand for clinical roles like nursing continues to expand, driven by aging populations and persistent care needs.

New Evidence Shows Nurses Deliver Care on Par With Physicians in Key Roles

A new meta-analysis finds that nurses can provide certain care services as well as physicians, and in some cases outperform them. Although this line of research isn’t brand new, its relevance has surged as workforce shortages and care access demands push health systems to rethink provider roles.

More Strikes on the Horizon — California Nurses Up Next

Nurses at USC Keck Hospital and Norris Cancer Center in Los Angeles are set to begin a seven-day strike on Thursday, Feb. 19, following stalled contract negotiations over proposed changes to employee health care plans. More than 1,400 registered nurses say the restructuring would increase out-of-pocket costs and limit provider access for employees and their families, while broader concerns around staffing and retention remain unresolved.

Share your story & be entered to win

As part of our effort to spotlight nurses, we’d love to feature you in an upcoming issue of Nurse Ascent! Share your story by filling out our quick interview form, and you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a $50 gift card.

CollabWORK is a community-powered hiring platform

CollabWORK connects job-seekers to roles shared in trusted spaces—like nurse-led Facebook groups, Slack channels, and industry newsletters. Create your account or log in to discover other roles in nursing, healthcare, and beyond.