AMN Healthcare Survey Reveals Sharp Divide Between Leaders’ Organizational Confidence and Industry Outlook for 2026

Core Insights - Nearly three-quarters of healthcare executives believe their organizations will be as strong or stronger in 2026, while over half expect the overall healthcare industry to face a worse year ahead, indicating a widening confidence gap [1][7] - The demand for AI-savvy leaders is surging, with 63% of leaders prioritizing the development of a clear AI strategy, 48% focusing on clinician and staff engagement for adoption, and 41% emphasizing investment in data infrastructure [3][7] - Succession planning remains underdeveloped, with fewer than half of organizations maintaining formal succession plans for any leadership level [7] Industry Trends - The 2026 Healthcare Leadership Trends survey, conducted by B.E. Smith, gathered insights from 703 healthcare executives across various leadership levels and organizational types [2][5] - Leaders are navigating financial pressures, workforce realities, and rising expectations for innovation, with a focus on adaptable leadership that can leverage AI and technology for operational improvements [3][6] - Retention risk shows signs of cooling, but 35% of leaders considering leaving would like to do so within one year, indicating ongoing mobility concerns [7] Leadership Challenges - Attracting quality leadership candidates remains extremely or very challenging for 40% of respondents, highlighting difficulties in leadership recruiting [7] - Clinician engagement continues to lag, with leadership teams perceived as more engaged compared to physicians and nursing staff, reflecting ongoing workforce experience challenges [7] - Career advancement is a friction point, as only 21% of respondents feel they are on a promotion track, while 26% believe they must leave their employer to advance [7]