Nursing is a respected career for those interested in the healthcare field. Nurses perform essential tasks, and a nurse’s daily job responsibilities can include assisting with medical procedures, giving medications, and assisting with medical tests. Nurses are often the primary contact for those in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. They monitor patients and report concerns to physicians.
Suppose you’re considering a career in nursing. In that case, you may wonder about the job market and future nursing opportunities. Let’s look at the nurse job market and current and future nursing opportunities.
What is the future demand like for nurses?
There is a high demand for healthcare professionals in the United States, and demand for nurses is expected to outpace the average growth rate for all careers over the next decade.
What is the job outlook for a nurse over the next ten years?
While the average job growth rate for all occupations is expected to be 2.8% from 2022 to 2032, nursing professionals will experience the following job growth rates from 2022 to 2032:
- Certified nursing assistants (CNAs): 4.1%
- Licensed practice and licensed vocational nurses (LPNs and LVNs): 5%
- Nurse practitioners (NPs): 45%
- Registered nurses (RNs): 5.6%
What does the future look like for nurses?
Although hospitals employ 59% of all RNs, opportunities in skilled nursing facilities are increasing. As of 2020, over 55 million Americans are 65 or older. Forecasts suggest the number of older Americans will exceed 80 million by 2040. The aging population contributes to increased demand for assisted living facilities, which means there will be more opportunities for assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facility nurses.
How to become a nurse
Nurses need postsecondary training. The duration of the training depends on the type of nursing career you choose. LPNs and LVNs are the nurses most likely to work in assisted living facilities.
Nursing assistants
As of 2022, 33% of CNAs worked in skilled nursing facilities. CNAs typically complete a college or vocational school program. These programs take less than a year. CNAs must also complete practical on-the-job training and may need to be licensed or certified depending on the state where they’re employed.
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
LPNs and LVNs spend approximately a year earning a college diploma or certificate before entering the workforce. Many LPNs and LVNs work in wound care, and 35% of these nurses work in skilled nursing facilities or senior care facilities.
Registered nurses
RNs may spend two years in college. Becoming an RN with a nursing diploma is possible, or aspiring RNs can earn an associate’s degree in nursing before taking their licensing exam and entering the workforce. After four years of postsecondary studies, other RNs earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Nurse practitioners
Nurse practitioners must earn their RN credentials and complete a master’s or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program to work as nurse practitioners.
Reasons to choose a nursing career
Those considering a career as an assisted living or skilled nursing facility nurse should note some advantages of entering this field. Some of the benefits include the following:
- Advancement opportunities: You can begin as a CNA, LPN, or LVN and continue your education to become an RN. Those with RN credentials can opt to advance and become a nurse practitioner. There are also opportunities to specialize in different healthcare fields, enabling you to focus on the work you find most rewarding.
- Flexible schedules: Some people prefer working weekdays during the day, but others enjoy a varied schedule. Nursing opportunities include weekday and weekend work and day, evening, and overnight shifts. This is an excellent way to balance schedules to avoid childcare costs for some families. Those who function best at night may prefer night shifts.
- High salaries: The average annual income for all occupations in 2022 was $46,310. While nursing assistants average $35,760 annually, the median annual income for LPNs and LVNs is $54,620. The average annual salary for RNs was $81,220.
- Job security: The high job growth rate ensures nursing professionals have stable work opportunities
- Job settings: Nurses can pursue opportunities in rural and urban areas in any state
Nurses also make a significant difference in their patients’ lives. Those looking for a meaningful career where they can help others will find this field rewarding.
Why Haven Health?
Nurses may work in various settings, including doctors’ offices, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals. Working in skilled nursing facilities allows nurses to form long-term relationships with patients and have a meaningful impact on their daily lives. Haven Health invests in an expert care team and offers free CNA training for those interested in entering this field. Haven Health has 22 locations throughout Arizona, and our care professionals are part of a dedicated, passionate care team in a supportive work environment.
Contact Haven Health to learn about our free CNA training program
Sources:
Caplan, Z. (2023). U.S. Older Population Grew From 2010 to 2020 at Fastest Rate Since 1880 to 1890.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. (2023).
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Work Environment. (2023).
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners: Job Outlook. (2023).
Nursing Assistants and Orderlies: Pay. (2023).
Nursing Assistants and Orderlies: Work Environment. (2023).
Occupations with the most job growth. (2023).
Registered Nurses. (2023).
Registered Nurses: Work Environment. (2023).
Searing, L. (2023). More than 1 in 6 Americans now 65 or older as U.S. continues graying.