Now more than ever, the healthcare system is in need of nurses and their unique skill set. In every specialty and setting across the country, there are open nursing positions. Some have a more urgent need than others. The needs and demand for nurses is always changing. In this article we will take a look at where nurses are needed most within the healthcare system.
In this article, we’ll explore the job outlook of different nursing education levels. Examine the specialties in which nurses are in demand, and allow you to make an informed decision.
The States That Need Nurses the Most
Globally, healthcare is expected to be short 13 million nurses. Here, in the U.S. that number is projected to be closer to 450,000.
Even with so many positions to fill, the need for nurses is not spread out across the country evenly. While some states will not have enough nurses, other states are expected to have an excess.
While Alaska, South Carolina, South Dakota, California, New Jersey, Texas, and Georgia are expected to have the greatest need for nurses by 2030. The rest of the 43 states could have too many. This is where remote based roles can help fill the gap across the country.
Nurses are needed in a variety of locations on a daily basis. Remote positions allow nurses to work in one state while living in another. It’s true that not every position can remotely staffed. When location matters, there are travel assignments nurses can take to help fill the need, temporarily.
Current Demand for Different Nurse Specialties in 2023
The demand for nurses is everywhere. 60%, of nurses work in the hospital setting making the demand for acute care nurses even larger. That makes up the majority of nurses who work 12 hr shifts, with the most acutely ill patients.
What specialty is in the highest demand is a combination of many factors. There are many things that influence where nurses are in highest demand. Where you live, the services available, and the patient population you serve all add to the complexity.
For some nurses, they want a specialty that will provide them with stability in their local area. Others choose a nursing specialty that will allow them to travel the country and find work.
Why you choose the specialty you do is a personal matter. No matter why you choose to go into it’s important to remember that, as a nurse, you are in control of your license. You have the ability to lead yourself and your nursing career in the direction you want to go in.
It can be difficult to determine which specialties are most in demand at any given time. The following trends can be identified though. Critical care units consistently rank at the top of the list. This is a result of their unique and specialized skill sets that’s needed. This includes specialties like intensive care units (ICUs), pediatric intensive care units (ICUs), and neonatal intensive care units (ICUs).
Similarly, dialysis clinics and operating rooms require specialized knowledge. As a result, they remain in high demand throughout the country as patients become sicker.
Travel nursing is another option for nurses who wish to fill the current gap in healthcare. Even after the peak of the pandemic, the need for travel nurses to fill the gap is immense. With delays in surgical procedures and an increase in turnover among staff nurses, there is a continued need to deploy nurses to different parts of the country.
While the peak of travel nurse demand may have passed, there remains a need for nurses. By combining your skill set at the bedside with a travel nurse assignment, you can set yourself up for a successful career.
But, what if you lack the experience necessary to take on a travel assignment? First, gaining experience in the area you want to travel in is important. This can sometimes be easier said than done.
Finding and choosing your nursing niche can be challenging. But, once you know what you are looking for, it becomes much easier to find it.
Demand for Nurses By Education Level in 2023
No matter if your a CNA or CRNA, your skill set is in demand. Many nurses start at one level of education and continue on to an advanced degree. Other stay at their same education level their entire careers. If you are thinking about going back to school, let’s take a look at some statistics that may persuade you.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) work along side Registered Nurses to perform routine care. The majority of CNAs work in the nursing home settings and help with activities of daily living. They make up over 1 million of the healthcare workforce in the U.S. To become a CNA most states you must completion you education from an approved facility.
While the majority of CNAs work in nursing homes, there are many other areas they can work. This includes hospitals, retirement communities, and more. The median pay for CNAs in 2021 was $14.56 per hour. Long hours doing physically demanding work is typically required.
Licensed Practical Nurses
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or sometimes called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), are another avenue to nursing. LPNs work under the direction of doctors and RNs in the clinic setting. To be an LVN you must pass a national licensure exam. To do so, you must first complete a state approved education program that takes about one year.
LPNs provide routine medical care and monitoring. They work within a collaborative team to provide patient care in many settings. The scope of practice for LPNs is very state dependent. For examples, some states allow LPNs to administer IV medications and other won’t even permit LPNs to start IVs. If you are ever in doubt, refer to your state’s scope of practice or ask your state board of nursing for clarification.
The majority of LPNs work in nursing homes and residential care facilities. The median pay is $23.11 with the opportunity to quickly advance to RN through many bridge programs.
Registered Nurse
As a Registered Nurse (RN), you work closely with all members of the care team. The most popular path to becoming an RN is to complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program. To become an RN, one must first complete the program and then go on to pass the N-CLEX, or national licensing exam.
The majority of nurses work in the hospital setting and represent more than 3 million positions across the industry. The median salary is $37.31 per hour. Most employees work 12-hour shifts that require significant physical, mental, and emotional endurance. Nurses who wish to work in acute care settings have a number of specialties to choose from.
Advanced Practice Nurse
An advanced practice nurse (APRN) is a nurse who has advanced their education to at least a Master’s degree. There are three main branches of APRNs; Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. Within each of these are additional sub-specialties nurses can fall into.
The majority of APRNs work in doctor’s offices and make up 300k positions within healthcare. Although, that number is expected to grow. While all levels of nursing education are needed, the need for APRNs is expected to grow by 40% before 2031. That’s an increase far higher than the national average of other industries.
APRNs make a median income of $59.21 per hour, with Nurse Anesthetists making the most per year. Some states permit APRNs to work independently, without direct supervision from a physician.
How America Needs Nurses Can Help
No matter what level of education, or what your goals are for your nursing career, you can achieve them. Having a supportive network of nurses to help guide you toward success is imperative for a fulfilling and fruitful nursing career.
Join America Needs Nurses and become part of a growing community. This means you can take advantage of learning and growing from other nurses who are or have done what you want to do.
Expanding your network of healthcare professionals can help you achieve your goals faster. You’ll get insider information on the latest trends and openings within nursing.
Join America Needs Nurses today and stay up to date on jobs that meet your criteria.
