Why Nursing Is Such a High-Demand Field

If you’re considering your first career, or maybe your second or third, you may be surprised to see that nursing consistently tops several lists of in-demand fields. Those who have felt even a slight calling to nursing will do well to consider the field. But first, it’s a good idea to see just why the profession remains so popular after all these years.

Nurses Have Become Increasingly Critical

Rather than seeing nurses as “sidekicks” to physicians, the truth is that nurses are taking the place of doctors in the U.S. One reason for this is the fact that there is a shortage of primary care physicians, and nurses will be depended on to fill the gaps. What’s more is nurses have more medical responsibilities normally carried out by doctors. Now, it’s not unusual for nurses to diagnose illnesses, write prescriptions and sign death certificates.

There’s a Shortage of Nurses

In addition to a lack of primary care physicians, another reason to consider a curriculum like the Grand Canyon University nursing program is there’s also a shortage of nurses to take proper care of patients. Many of today’s nurses are nearing the age of retirement, and a new, younger generation is necessary to pick up the slack. Once you graduate from a nursing program, you may have no problem finding a job in your current location or a state you’re thinking of moving to. That said, don’t think you can glide by in your studies just because there’s a high demand. You’ve got to remember you’ll be dealing with people’s lives and health.

An Abundance of Specialties

If you like variety, nursing could be the perfect field for you. This is because there are several different specialties that exist in the nursing field. Examples include:

• Nurse midwives

• Nurse anesthetists

• Nurse management

• Critical care nurses

The Aging Baby Boomer Population

While there’s a shortage of physicians and nurses, the population of patients who need exemplary medical care is growing. Baby boomers are getting to an age where they require more medical care, and they’ll need qualified nurses to take care of them. Opportunities are expected in several specific facilities, including health centers, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes.

Healthcare Reform

There’s no telling what, if anything, is going to happen to the Affordable Care Act. In the meantime, current healthcare reform has provided people with the means to secure affordable healthcare insurance and take better care of their health. This influx of new patients has resulted in the need for more nurses, like those trained at Grand Canyon University nursing programs.

The Creation of Accountable Care Organizations

You may not realize it, but new healthcare trends have created what’s known as Accountable Care Organizations. Essentially, such organizations are a combination of healthcare professionals, clinics and hospitals. ACOs were created to ensure Medicare beneficiaries and other specific patient populations receive top-notch care at the right price. To that end, more nurses are needed to manage not only patient needs but the medical centers where healthcare is administered.

A Need for Faster Care

Touching back on the Affordable Care Act, with more people filling up hospital and medical care facility waiting rooms, facilities need to see patients as quickly as possible while also providing thorough care. Rather than simply shuffle patients out before they receive the full range of care they need, those in need of medical attention are instead discharged to care centers. There are also those who may be better suited for home-based care. In either instance, nurses are needed to finish what hospitals started.

Current technology has made it easier than ever for you to complete your training to become a nurse and start your career. Look into on-campuses programs as well as online courses. Deciding to go into nursing could be one of the best decisions you make in your life.