Healthcare workforce shortage impacts all system stakeholders, particularly rural Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in the United States. The purpose of our study is to examine current workforce recruitment and retention practices perceived by managers in rural Oklahoma FQHC healthcare organizations. Our research utilizes a qualitative, phenomenological approach to conduct in-depth interviews via Zoom. We explore the lived experiences of rural FQHC managers with at least five years of experience to discern the nuanced aspects that influence their practices. Based on the literature, we developed the interview protocol, recorded, transcribed, interviewed, and performed member checking to ensure accuracy. Utilizing NVivo, we analyzed perceptions with a thematic analysis. We interviewed (n = 18) managers identifying key themes including learning and growth, positive experiences, COVID-related challenges, unawareness the FQHC mission upon employment, implementation of technology and word of mouth for recruitment, operational and competitive job market concerns, rewards and recognition, passion for serving the population as important recruitment, and retention factors for rural healthcare managers. Our research illuminates unique workforce recruitment and retention challenges faced by FQHC managers. Findings may assist healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and researchers invested in enhancing the effectiveness of recruitment and retention with targeted strategies within rural healthcare settings.