The nursing profession has experienced significant upheavals in recent years, with the COVID pandemic presenting unprecedented challenges to healthcare workers. However, there have also been positive developments, such as travel nurses being able to command higher salaries than ever before. Despite this, the high demand for nurses has also led to a significant rise in burnout rates as healthcare professionals struggle to cope with working in high-pressure environments.
To better understand the state of the nursing profession in 2023, it is helpful to review some key nursing statistics. These figures could have implications for where nurses choose to work, the job opportunities open to them, and their ability to handle the pressures of the job.
One of the most pressing issues facing nurses today is the nursing shortage. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that over the next eight years, the country will need over 275,000 additional nurses to meet demand. Furthermore, a recent survey has found that 34% of nurses plan to quit their jobs by the end of 2022 due to burnout and stress. Moody’s predicts that this trend will continue, indicating that there will be no shortage of job opportunities for nurses in the future. However, it also signals that nurses need to prioritize self-care to avoid burning out themselves.
Another key trend is the high number of job openings projected for registered nurses. On average, there will be around 203,200 openings per year over the next decade. This suggests that travel nurses, in particular, will find ample work opportunities even if some locations are fully staffed.
There are also indications that nurses with specialized skills will be in high demand. While the BLS predicts a 6% growth rate for registered nurses in general, certain specialties such as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners are expected to grow by 40%. Nurses who acquire additional training in these areas will have better job prospects and potentially higher pay.
Employers also prefer to hire nurses with at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Nearly 41% of employers require new hires to have a bachelor’s degree, while 77% strongly prefer baccalaureate-prepared nurses. Nurses who invest in extra training and a higher level of education will have a competitive advantage in the job market.
Lastly, travel nursing is becoming an increasingly popular choice among healthcare professionals. According to the American Hospital Association, travel nurses worked 23% of total hours worked by nurses in hospitals in January 2022, up from less than 4% in January 2019. There has also been a 120% increase in job postings for contract or travel nurses since before the pandemic. Therefore, nurses who are open to travel could find themselves with numerous job opportunities and potentially higher salaries.
Overall, these nursing statistics highlight the opportunities and challenges facing healthcare professionals in 2023. While nurses are in high demand, they must also contend with a significant nursing shortage, high burnout rates, and growing pressure on healthcare budgets. However, nurses who invest in specialized training, education, and are open to travel will have a competitive advantage in the job market.
