Gone are the days when Florence Nightingale was the only nurse in town. Modern times have given way to a new breed of nurses with new responsibilities and expectations. From bed number 35 to Mrs. Smith in room 12, it’s a brave new world for nurses from the ICU to the ER. And if you pause and ponder over it, most of the trends directly result from the ever-changing technology, which has a significant impact on patient care.
A survey conducted in Canada in 2018 showed that 75% of 1500 respondents agreed that timely and accessible technology is essential to providing quality patient care. Another study found that nurses use five different technology devices during their shifts and spend two or more daily documenting patient information.
So, what does this all mean for the nurses of today and tomorrow?
Scope of Work and Career Growth:
The nurse’s role has always been to care for patients, but nurses can now do more as technology advances and our understanding of medicine grows. With the help of technology, nurses can now provide a higher level of care and are often involved in patient diagnosis and treatment plans. This trend will continue as the demand for nurses with advanced skills increases.
In addition to an expanded scope of work, nurses can expect career growth in new opportunities and higher salaries. An advanced study by the American Nurses Association found that nearly 60% of respondents were interested in pursuing advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctorate, to further their careers.
Similarly, professionals with an RN to BSN degree earned a median salary that was much higher than those without a BSN.
Looming Nurse Shortage:
Despite the many opportunities for career growth, the nursing profession faces a severe shortage. According to the World Health Organization, the global nursing workforce may grow by over one million by 2030. However, the demand for nurses is projected to be much higher, meaning there could be a shortage of nearly 13 million nurses by 2030.
The factors driving this trend include an aging population, an increase in chronic diseases, and a shortage of qualified nursing instructors. The shortage is also leading to symptoms of nurse burnout. Many hospitals and healthcare organizations offer incentives, such as signing bonuses and tuition reimbursement, to attract and retain nurses to combat this trend.
Technology and Telehealth:
As mentioned earlier, technology has a significant impact on the nursing profession. In addition to the increased use of technology in patient care, nurses also use it to connect with patients outside the hospital.
Telehealth, or the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely, is becoming increasingly popular as it allows patients to receive care from the comfort of their own homes. This trend is especially beneficial for patients with chronic illnesses or those who live in rural areas. During the pandemic, the use of telehealth skyrocketed as patients sought to avoid exposure to the virus.
As the demand for telehealth services continues to grow, nurses will need to be comfortable using a variety of technology platforms, such as video conferencing, to provide care.
Putting Self-Care First:
Stress and trauma are everyday issues among nurses. According to a study, nearly one-third of nurses experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. With such a high-stress rate, it’s no wonder many nurses are turning to self-care to cope.
Self-care can take many forms, such as exercise, journaling, and meditation. However, one of the nurses’ most popular self-care activities is getting a massage. Massage therapy can reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost mood.
As the demands of the nursing profession continue to increase, it’s more important than ever for nurses to prioritize self-care. Surprisingly, more organizations recognize the significance of health equality for all, including healthcare workers, according to a study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) in 2021.
Expanding Distance Education:
The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled many nurses to put their careers on hold. However, distance education allows nurses to continue learning and advancing their careers while remaining at home.
A recent report found that students enrolled in online nursing programs increased by nearly 20% during the pandemic. This trend is expected to continue as more nurses seek flexible and affordable ways to further their education.
As the healthcare landscape changes, nurses need to be prepared for anything. By staying up-to-date on the latest trends, nurses can ensure that they provide the best possible care for their patients.
Interprofessional Partnerships:
Nurses need to work effectively with other healthcare providers to provide the best possible care for patients. Interprofessional partnerships are becoming increasingly popular as they allow healthcare providers from different disciplines to collaborate and share resources.
One of the benefits of interprofessional partnerships is improving patient outcomes. A recent study found that patients who receive care from an interprofessional team are more likely to have a positive experience and receive better quality care.
Professionals are cooperatively deploying their talents and knowledge. For example, pharmacies have transformed into community care providers through fast diagnosis and treatment.
Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship Opportunities:
Nurses find new opportunities to use their skills and knowledge as the healthcare industry evolves. Entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship are two of the most popular options for nurses looking to make a difference.
Entrepreneurship allows nurses to use their creativity and business acumen to start their businesses. On the other hand, intrapreneurship allows nurses to use their skills and knowledge to improve the quality of care within their organization.
Regardless of their path, nurses interested in making a difference in healthcare will find plenty of opportunities.
Nursing Advocacy:
There is a lot of talk about advocacy these days, and for a good reason. Advocacy is an integral part of the nursing profession, and it’s something that all nurses should be involved in.
Advocacy can take several distinct forms, such as speaking out against discrimination or working to improve the quality of care. Regardless of its form, advocacy is essential to ensuring that nurses provide the best possible care for their patients.
Ending Note:
These are just a few healthcare trends that nurses need to know about. By staying up-to-date on the latest trends, nurses can ensure that they provide the best possible care for their patients.
Thanks for reading! I hope this was informative and a fun read.
