A Preview of the Future of Nursing in the Next Decade

 A Preview of the Future of Nursing in the Next Decade

The Future of Nursing in General

Those thinking about a career in nursing will find a very bright future ahead of them. The largest group of medical professionals in the United States are registered nurses. Moreover, during the next decade, the number of registered nurses will increase at a rate among the highest of any occupation.

RNs often get their start working in hospitals. The nurse can gain knowledge in a wide range of medical specialties this way. There is a need for nurses in hospitals, but job growth is expected to be slow over the next decade.

RNs are expected to be in high demand in the home health care sector, according to numerous industry analysts. Nurses who are able to supervise care and treatment in the home setting will be in high demand as the elderly population in the United States grows along with the population's increasing wealth and desire to age in place.

In addition, the number of registered nurses who earn their Master's degrees is expected to increase rapidly in the coming years. Due to the high cost of conventional medical care, more people are turning to nurse practitioners and nurse midwives instead of their regular doctors.

Many hospitals now hire nurse anesthetists, clinical nursing specialists, and nurse practitioners in an effort to reduce healthcare spending because of the expertise these professionals bring to the table.

You're not an RN, are you?

Licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, have promising job prospects but not quite as much promise as registered nurses. There will always be a need for LPNs, especially in healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes.

While working, many LPNs pursue their bachelor's or master's degrees in nursing. A registered nurse's workload is heavier, but the field also offers better prospects. In a clinical setting, RNs often serve as managers over LPNs, and their increased expertise opens up additional employment opportunities for them.

BSN or RN?

Two to four years of study are required to earn a nursing license in the United States. There are a lot of required clinical hours, and the material is fairly demanding overall. However, you will only graduate with an RN rather than a BSN from a school that takes fewer than four years to complete. Depending on the laws of the state, a registered nurse is allowed to do any and all nursing tasks. Obtaining a bachelor's degree opens many doors.

When positions in hospital or clinic administration become available, a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree in nursing has an edge. In fact, many healthcare facilities need a BSN for administrative, case management, and supervisory positions due to the high level of federal and state monitoring of healthcare facilities.

You need at least a bachelor's degree before applying to graduate school for a Master of Science in Nursing, whether your goal is to become a nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, or educator. A bachelor's degree in nursing is preferred but not required for entry into some programs.

Thinking about a new profession?

Those who are interested in a career change might do well to consider the nursing profession. Due to the critical shortage of nurses, many potential employers, especially hospitals, are willing to cover the cost of your education in full or in part. Even if you have to pay for your school out of pocket at first, signing bonuses and the assurance of a job once you graduate mitigate most of the danger.

The fact that many employers offer generous tuition reimbursement programs is another perk of working as a nurse. These opportunities, coupled with the adaptable shift scheduling provided by many hospitals and care facilities, make it easy to go from an LPN to an RN to an RN with a BSN to a master's in your selected specialty without incurring significant debt or sacrificing income.

The prognosis for nursing

There is little doubt that the nursing field as a whole will continue to expand during the coming decade. If you want to make a good living, have a flexible schedule, and advance your education, being a nurse is a great option. A good nurse will always have employment, even if the hours are long and the task is physically demanding.

Long hours and physical demands on the job may turn some people away, but others enjoy them because of their adaptability, rapid pace, and chance to help others. If you're worried about the stress of the nursing profession, know that there are many opportunities in settings like private doctor's offices and public schools. The nursing profession is in high demand, both in the clinical and managerial realms.