Nurses make up the largest segment of America’s healthcare workforce. At a time when holistic care is in vogue, it’s crucial to bring the nursing profession into the future of healthcare.
In a decade shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses are poised to play an increasingly important role.
Increasing Demand for Healthcare Professionals
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As the economy recovers, hiring for healthcare jobs is increasing. It will be particularly true for nurses, whose demand has already expanded to pre-pandemic levels.
While the hospital is traditionally considered a nursing workplace, these professionals are also needed in outpatient care centers, clinics, and private practices. With telehealth technology, nurses can now consult with patients via video or audio.
It advocates removing barriers to nursing practice and education while promoting healthy work environments and greater professional autonomy.
It may have taken the pandemic to highlight the value of nurses in society beyond nostalgic stereotypes, but it was a welcome change. Let’s hope this attention leads to a renewed emphasis on workforce diversity and increased investment in nursing education. The more diverse and empowered the nursing profession, the better the healthcare system.
Millennials Entering the Workforce
With millennials joining the workforce, the demand for nurses is projected to grow. With more people needing medical care, nursing graduates can expect competitive salaries and benefits packages.
BSN-prepared nurses can expect to work in the same clinical settings as ADN-prepared nurses: hospitals, residential care facilities, physician’s offices, home healthcare agencies, and community agencies. However, BSN graduates have a more expansive scope of practice that can lead to management roles and leadership opportunities.
Many RN-to-BSN online programs are designed for working nurses who can continue to earn an income while pursuing their degrees. These programs also typically offer flexible start dates so that nurses can begin their studies when it is most convenient for them. Additionally, financial aid is available to qualified students so they will not be burdened with debt by graduation. These factors make affordable RN to BSN online programs one of the best options for current nurses seeking to advance their careers and earnings potential.
Technology and Advanced Medical Procedures
As medical technology advances, nurses must stay up-to-date on technological advances that may improve their patients’ care. Includes everything from electronic health records to 3D “bioprinters” that can be used for diagnostic purposes. RNs can utilize these advancements to help their patients receive better care and improve the overall healthcare quality for their patient population.
Nursing has a unique role in optimizing global health through emerging technologies. For example, digital recognition of global social determinants of health (SDoH) has become vital for nurses to optimize global health by leveraging technologies to deliver effective, efficient, equitable, and accessible care in rural and urban communities.
Today, more than three million RNs are in the United States, and their numbers continue to grow. The future of nursing is looking brighter than ever, and the demand for qualified professionals has never been higher. Now is a great time to explore an RN to BSN online program and begin building your career in healthcare.
Opportunities for Community Health Leaders
Graduating from an affordable RN to BSN program can advance their careers and improve patient outcomes by gaining more knowledge. They can also apply for leadership positions, such as nurse managers. In addition, nurses with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn higher salaries than those with only an RN license.
While tuition costs for a BSN vary, most universities offer scholarships that help reduce the cost of studying. These scholarships can be academic merit, athletic, or need-based. Some scholarships come from private companies, while the university awards others.
Most RN to BSN programs allow students to work while studying to earn a living. In addition, many employers reimburse their employees for education costs. Other financial options include the federal work-study program and loans. Students may also be eligible for military benefits, including GI Bill transfers.