Remaining current with nursing trends is important because it helps nursing professionals stay atop of changes in patient care protocols, changes in professional development requirements, and changes that affect states’ nurse licensure compact, among others. For example, nurses who pay close attention to advancements in healthcare will understand how new approaches to care can improve patient outcomes and facilitate better experiences. Additionally, registered nurses who remain current on changes to the healthcare landscape, such as technological advancements in care procedures and changes in RN demographics due to the baby boomer nurse retirement wave, will better understand the implications these changes have for the nursing field.
More Flexibility than Ever
Many healthcare practices moved their clinical care online where applicable. The pandemic was a catalyst to it, but telemedicine/telehealth is here to stay. The utilization of telehealth has skyrocketed over the past decade, making remote work opportunities an important nursing trend.
Per diem nursing and allied positions were always notorious for their flexibility, and the biggest attraction toward that type of nursing. By providing remote work opportunities, the flexibility becomes vast. This means even travel or staff nurses and allied clinicians can dabble in the gig economy of per diem nursing.
Nurses can play a key role in telehealth by not only facilitating online sessions but also training others on usage. Meg Barron, the AMA’s vice president of digital health innovations, shared, “Telehealth is here to stay. It’s not whether telehealth will be offered, but how best to offer telehealth services as we move toward what we’re terming digitally enabled care—which is not just hybrid care, but more so fully integrated in-person and virtual care based on clinical appropriateness.” (American Medical Association)
Travel Nursing and Per Diem Nursing will Remain Key
If healthcare facilities and hospitals need staff, travel nursing and per diem nursing will continue to prevail as a top trend. Travel nurse assignments typically last several weeks to several months, sending nurses to work in any state where they are licensed. Per diem nursing usually involves much shorter contracts and jobs are typically created to fill short-term staffing gaps or provide additional coverage during busy periods.
As a per diem nurse, you can be called for a same-day shift, block booking opportunities a few weeks out, or even longer contracts that include temp-to-perm and direct hire. Both per diem and travel nursing offer a variety of benefits and perks, including great pay, flexible scheduling options, work experience, skill enhancement, continuing education, and more.
High Pay Rates and Work Options for Nurses
Nurses have seen nice gains in compensation rates over the years, and temporary staffing options like travel nursing and per diem nursing provide even more avenues for increased pay rates. This is due to the last-minute nature of the job in order to meet staff-to-patient ratios. Traditionally, these nurses can earn higher salaries than permanent nurses, and the pandemic has only helped bolster the pay rates for those nurses who opt to work in crisis situations. Many travel nursing and per diem nursing agencies, including NurseFinders, are reporting an increase in weekly pay rates.
The Number of Nurse Practitioners Is Rising
While there is an ongoing shortage of RNs, the increase of nurse practitioners (NPs) over time is a nursing trend that continues to grow. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reports that the number of NPs has reached an all-time high of 325,000. The BLS predicts that between 2021 and 2031, the number of NPs will grow by 46%, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the country. In many states, NPs enjoy a high degree of autonomy compared with RNs. Many operate their own practices, have prescriptive privileges, and have enough seniority to control their own schedules.
Hospitals Are Experimenting With Scheduling and Perks
Just as hiring bonuses have emerged among nursing trends, we’re also seeing more competitive employee perks. Scheduling is a major priority for most nurses. In fact, many RNs are motivated to pursue advanced degrees so they can land roles with more work-life balance, like an FNP role. Hospitals in more remote areas are experimenting with providing staff with free local accommodations, such as access to housing. Aside from reducing financial stress, this cuts down on commuting. Offering nurses more perks is one of several nursing trends we’d like to see grow.
A New Focus on Nurses’ Mental Health
Taking care of our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and this could not ring truer for nurses. Stress, fatigue, and burnout can take their toll, which is why mental health awareness for nurses will continue to be a trend. There are countless resources available for healthcare workers, including many that are free. This includes NurseFinders’ EAP (employee assistance program), which provides on-demand counseling services, and crisis counselors available 24/7.
Virtual therapy and support groups, meditation and sleep apps, journaling, exercising, and gratitude planning are just a few of the topics we can expect to hear more about. The ANA and American Nurse Foundation’s “Well-Being Initiative” provide free tools to support the mental health and resilience of nurses. They have a variety of applications and resources that nurses can leverage to prioritize their mental health and well-being, including a list of free and discounted therapy options.