It’s Nurses’ Week 2023, which means it’s time to reflect on all things related to your job. The healthcare industry is always changing for better or worse as new trends come to the fore, so it’s always a good idea to look ahead. We know that demand for nurses is expected to grow substantially in the years ahead due to increasing demand. So, what else can we expect to see in the months ahead?
Emphasis on Adult Social Care
People are living longer than ever before and a large portion of the population is getting ready to retire. But these individuals need a lot of care and many people cannot afford to pay for nursing homes and assisted living. That’s why experts say the industry is about to invest more in adult social care programs that keep seniors connected to healthcare services. This allows more elderly Americans to age in place while reducing the need for hospitalization.
“It’s a universal challenge and it’s not exclusive to social care,” said Deborah Sturdy, the first chief nurse for adult social care in England.”It’s a very competitive employment market but there is a lack of exposure to social care in the undergraduate [nursing] experience. We are looking at the opportunities around international recruitment so we might see some people come in. But we have to be conscious of the fact we’re working against a backdrop of a global workforce shortage.”
Rising Demand for BSN-Educated Nurses
The ADN may finally be going out of fashion. Employers are shifting away from hiring nurses with associate degrees in nursing. Some nurses prefer the ADN because it only takes two years to complete compared to the traditional four-year track for a bachelor’s of science in nursing. But employers want to hire BSN-educated nurses because these degrees are generally seen as more reliable in the industry. You will make more money for your time with a BSN compared to an ADN. It also opens up additional educational opportunities.
The Push Towards Virtual Learning
The nursing shortage will continue to be an overarching trend for the foreseeable future. And nursing schools are doing everything they can to increase the pipeline of eligible providers. Virtual learning is being used to train remote students, so they can get the skills they need without having to visit a hospital or step outside of the classroom.
“Virtual reality creates new, immersive learning opportunities so students can enhance their clinical education by practicing skills, working in teams, and gaining exposure to the fuller and more complex caseloads that nurses manage in real life, better preparing new nurses for the demands of real-world clinical practice even when they don’t have physical access to clinical practice settings,” explained Julie Stegman, Vice President, Nursing Segment of Health Learning, Research & Practice.
Seeking Tech-Savvy Nurses
Technology is changing the way nurses do their jobs. Most providers are expected to know their way around a computer, tablet, or smartphone when delivering care. Employees may be expected to interact with electronic health records systems, AI-enhanced diagnostic tools, and even services like ChatGPT in 2023 and beyond. Experts say technical proficiency will be key to finding employment as a nurse.
“In this day and age, an increasing number of everyday nursing tasks require the use of computer technology, and as a result, many of our clients require that candidates possess at least some basic computing skills,” said Amanda Bleakney, Senior Managing Director of The Execu|Search Group’s Health Services division. “Regardless of whether you are in a clinical or non-clinical role, the more technologically savvy you are, the better. For an employer looking to hire, it can mean the difference between you and another candidate.”
Nurse Practitioners Playing a Larger Role in Primary Care
Nurse practitioner is now the fastest growing position in the country. And more and more states are passing laws that grant nurse practitioners full practice authority to help fill the primary care void. Becoming a NP can give you the freedom to set up your own practice in areas with limited healthcare resources. We’ve seen a lot of nurses go on strike over poor pay and bad working conditions, and this may be the solution you’re looking for.
Helen Lewis, who is a self employed advanced nurse practitioner (ANP), says she believes more nurses will follow in her footsteps in the months to come.
“I understand why they are striking,” she said. But, “working in general practice would give them flexibility they want, because they are not constrained to a practice.”
Keep these predictions in mind as you look towards the next chapter of your career.
