Nursing remains one of the most popular careers in the country, employing more than 3.2 million people. The profession has also undergone significant changes in recent years. Among these changes are more emphasis on telehealth, travel nursing, and a prolonged period of nursing shortages in parts of the country.
The COVID-19 pandemic drove some of these changes, although the virus accelerated a trend already well underway in some cases (such as telehealth). As the country slowly puts the height of the pandemic behind, the nursing profession has emerged with more specialization options and career choices than ever.
These latest trends in nursing have made enrolling in an online RN to BSN program more attractive than ever for working nurses. A BSN provides nurses with the skills and knowledge needed to take full advantage of the profession’s career options.
Emerging Trends in Nursing
Many nursing trends that have been around for a while became even more important because of the pandemic. This crisis showed just how crucial nurses are to public health and made people realize we need their special skills in taking care of patients more than ever.
Experts in the industry think that three main trends will continue to shape the nursing field for the next few years.
Nursing Shortages
The pandemic increased a nursing shortage that began years ago. The trend is expected to continue as many nurses from the Baby Boomer generation retire from the profession. At the same time, an aging U.S. population increases the demand for healthcare services. More nurses are needed in doctor’s offices, community centers, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and other medical care facilities.
The combination of demand and nursing shortages makes educating a new generation of nurses even more critical. Current projections call for 193,100 openings for nurses in the United States every year through 2032.
Telehealth
Many doctor’s offices, clinics, and other healthcare operations shifted to telehealth services during the height of the global pandemic. Medical practitioners managed patient health more efficiently without an in-person office visit, preventing staff and patients from exposure to the virus.
Telehealth typically involves a patient speaking with a doctor or nurse through a virtual online meeting platform or a smartphone video call. Even without the pandemic, telehealth saves time for both the patient and the clinical staff. It works well for routine consultations like speaking with patients about blood work and other test results. Nurses working in telehealth require excellent communication skills as well as computer competency.
Travel Nurse
As the national nursing shortage worsens, healthcare administrators are increasingly turning to travel nurses to ensure adequate staffing. They proactively hire these nurses to handle expected patient increases, especially during busy periods like flu season. Travel nurses not only benefit from higher salaries compared to their permanently stationed counterparts but also enjoy the chance to visit new places and gain valuable experience from skilled clinicians in diverse medical environments. This exposure broadens their professional skills and enhances their adaptability in various healthcare scenarios.
The Benefits of Online Learning for Nurses
Online learning benefits working adults in all industries. Nursing is no exception. Without the flexibility of online degree programs, nurses face a difficult challenge in trying to attend college while maintaining their current job.
The online RN to BSN program from NMU Global Campus allows nurses to finish their BSN degree in as little as four semesters. The online format provides working nurses flexibility when viewing program materials and watching lectures.
The NMU RN to BSN programs are led by experienced faculty teaching a curriculum that prepares nurses to excel in the modern healthcare industry. Program graduates possess enhanced skills in evidence-based practice, nursing policy, population and global health, leadership, and management.
In addition to the core nursing courses, the program also features optional leadership courses that focus on effective communication, ethical leadership, assessment, and leadership in diverse workplaces.
Graduates from the NMU Global Campus RN to BSN program emerge prepared to immediately take the next steps in their career and the opportunities offered by the latest trends in nursing.
