Upcoming Nursing Trends for 2024

Stay up-to-date on how nursing trends impact student education and career paths in the healthcare industry.

Keeping current with nursing trends in 2024 is crucial, ensuring you're aware of the evolving needs of patients, changing healthcare systems, and shifts in the nursing profession itself. As time passes, the industry introduces the latest evidence-based practices, new technologies, and updated guidelines, which can significantly improve patient outcomes and safety. 

When you know what’s happening in the nursing world, you can be more prepared to study it in college and, eventually, get a job. Here’s what you need to know to enter college and the career field with confidence. 

12 Trends in Nursing

The nursing profession is experiencing significant shifts driven by various factors, including technological advancements, changing demographics, and evolving healthcare needs. These current trends are reshaping the landscape of nursing, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation and education among nurses. 

From the rise of telehealth services to the increasing demand for specialized nursing roles, the profession is undergoing a transformation that promises to enhance patient care and improve health outcomes. 

Here are the top trends in nursing students and potential nurses should be aware of:

1. Job Growth for Nursing

The demand for nurses is growing at an unprecedented rate, fueled by an aging population and a greater emphasis on preventive care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% through 2032.

Fueling this growth is an increased need for healthcare services, advancements in medical technology, and a heightened focus on chronic disease management. As a result, nursing remains a promising and stable career choice with numerous opportunities for advancement.

2. Nurse Practitioners On the Rise

The number of nurse practitioners (NPs) has surged in recent years, with projections indicating a continued upward trend. NPs are trained to provide high-quality care, including diagnosing and treating medical conditions, prescribing medications, and managing patient care. This increased presence of nurse practitioners is enhancing access to healthcare, particularly in underserved areas, and is a testament to the evolving role of nurses in the medical field.

3. Home Healthcare Is Increasingly Popular 

Home healthcare is gaining traction as a preferred option for many patients, especially the elderly and those with chronic conditions. This trend is driven by the desire for personalized, convenient care and the rising costs of hospital-based services. The direct care sector is expected to add over 1 million new jobs by 2031, per PHI.

Home healthcare allows patients to receive medical attention in the comfort of their own homes, promoting better recovery and quality of life. For nurses, this shift means more opportunities in home healthcare services, requiring skills in patient management, home care procedures, and coordination with other healthcare professionals.

4. The Government Will Regulate Nursing Home Staffing

In response to concerns about the quality of care in nursing homes, governments are implementing stricter regulations on staffing levels. These regulations aim to ensure that nursing homes have adequate staff to provide safe and effective care to residents. Increased oversight and mandatory staffing ratios are being introduced to address issues such as neglect and understaffing. 

For nurses, these regulations may lead to better working conditions and improved patient outcomes, though they also bring challenges in compliance and workforce management.

5. Nurses May Earn More

The rising demand for nurses and the critical role they play in healthcare are contributing to increased wages in the profession. Nurses are expected to see salary growth as healthcare facilities compete to attract and retain skilled professionals. As of now, the average wage is $94,480, according to the BLS. 

Factors such as advanced nursing program options, specialized skills, and geographic location can significantly influence earning potential. This trend underscores the value of investing in nursing education and professional development to enhance career prospects and financial stability.

6. AI Will Influence Nursing Education and Healthcare

AI is revolutionizing nursing and healthcare by augmenting clinical decision-making, improving patient outcomes, and streamlining administrative tasks. AI-driven tools can assist nurses in diagnosing conditions, predicting patient deterioration, and personalizing treatment plans.

In nursing education, AI can provide interactive simulations and personalized learning experiences. While these digital solutions offer numerous benefits, they also present challenges, including the need for nurses to develop new skills and the ethical considerations of AI in patient care.

7. Retaining the Nursing Workforce

While nursing is a rewarding profession, it can also be demanding, leading to high turnover rates. High turnover rates can disrupt patient care and increase operational costs. Strategies to improve retention include offering competitive salaries, creating supportive work environments, providing opportunities for professional growth, and addressing burnout. By prioritizing retention, healthcare facilities can maintain continuity of care and enhance the overall quality of healthcare services.

8. Increase in Training and Higher Education Demand

The changing healthcare landscape requires nurses to pursue higher education and advanced training to meet the demands of modern medical practice. There is a growing emphasis on obtaining bachelor's degrees, advanced certifications, and specialized training in areas such as critical care, oncology, and geriatrics. 

Higher education, like that found at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), equips nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex healthcare environments, adapt to technological advancements, and provide high-quality patient care.

9. Nurses Are Increasingly Pursuing Specializations

Specialization within nursing is becoming more prevalent as healthcare becomes increasingly complex. Nurses are seeking advanced certifications in fields such as pediatrics, emergency care, and anesthesia to enhance their expertise and career prospects. 

Specialization allows nurses to provide targeted, high-level care and to become leaders in their chosen fields. It also enables medical professionals to work in the niche field they desire. 

10. Hiring Bonuses Are Becoming More Common

To attract top talent in a competitive job market, more healthcare organizations are offering hiring bonuses to prospective nurses. These incentives can range from lump-sum payments to tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance. Hiring bonuses are particularly common in areas with high demand for nurses, such as critical care and emergency services. 

While these bonuses can help address the nursing shortage, they also underscore the need for long-term retention strategies to sustain a stable nursing workforce.

11. More Male Nurses Are Joining the Workforce

The nursing profession is seeing a gradual rise in male nurse employment. In the last decade, there has been an increase exceeding 59% across the board. This is especially true for the number of male licensed practical nurses, which has risen by 112%, nurse practitioners by 108%, and registered nurses by 51%. 

This shift is promoting diversity and bringing new perspectives to patient care. Male nurses are entering various specialties, from pediatrics to intensive care, contributing to a more balanced workforce. Encouraging more men to pursue nursing careers can help address shortages and enrich the profession with diverse skills and experiences.

12. Telehealth Services Are On the Rise

While COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of telehealth services, they have now become a staple in the healthcare industry. Telehealth enables nurses to provide remote care, conduct virtual consultations, and monitor patients from a distance. This trend enhances access to healthcare, especially for individuals in rural or underserved areas. 

As telehealth technology continues to evolve, nurses will need to adapt to new modes of patient interaction and care delivery, underscoring the importance of technological proficiency in modern nursing practice.

The Bottom Line: How Do These Trends Impact Students?

Current trends impact every nursing student by shaping their education, preparing them for future roles, and influencing their career trajectories. Here are some ways trends are currently changing the educational and professional medical landscape:

Curriculum and Training

Nursing trends play a significant role in shaping the curriculum and training programs for nursing students. As healthcare evolves, nursing schools must adapt to incorporate the latest evidence-based practices, technologies, and patient care models. This ensures every nursing student receives a contemporary education that prepares them to transition from the classroom to the modern medical facility.  

Trends like the integration of telehealth, the use of simulation labs for hands-on practice, and the emphasis on specializations are increasingly reflected in nursing curricula. Students are trained in the most current methods, tools, and protocols, which enhances their readiness to enter the workforce as competent and effective healthcare providers.

Skill Development

With advancements in medical technology and changes in patient care practices, learners must acquire diverse skills to meet the industry’s demands. For instance, the rise in nurse practitioner openings requires students to receive advanced training and specialization to enter this popular career.

Additionally, the growing emphasis on holistic and people-focused health practices means students must be proficient in a wide range of care techniques and be able to listen to and provide care based on the patient’s specific needs, whether traditional clinical procedures or mental health-focused therapy. By staying updated on trends, nursing students can ensure they develop the necessary skills to provide comprehensive care after graduation. 

Interprofessional Education

As the healthcare landscape becomes more collaborative, nursing students are increasingly trained alongside medical, pharmacy, and allied health students. This approach fosters a team-based mentality and improves communication and coordination skills. 

Trends emphasizing patient-centered care and integrated health systems underscore the need for nurses to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Through interprofessional education (IPE), students learn to appreciate the roles and expertise of other healthcare professionals, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and a more cohesive healthcare delivery system.

Career Preparedness

Students must be equipped with the knowledge and skills that are in high demand. However, without staying abreast of nursing trends, knowing what’s desired by potential employers can be tricky. Factors like AI, telehealth, and home healthcare shape the competencies that medical companies seek in new graduates. By incorporating these topics into their education, students can become more familiar with current practices and adapt to future changes. Ultimately, aligning education and industry needs enhances students’ employability and career prospects. 

Licensure and Certification

As new standards and competencies emerge, licensure exams and certification processes are updated to reflect the profession’s current state. Trends like increasing demand for training and higher education and the rise in nursing specialization pursuits show that licenses and certifications are important for students to consider. 

Additionally, some job requirements fluctuate over time, requiring further education or certifications to enter. Nursing programs must stay aligned with these evolving standards to ensure graduates are well-prepared for licensure exams and meet the necessary criteria. This alignment is essential for maintaining the credibility and relevance of nursing credentials in the healthcare industry.

Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence-based practice in nursing involves delivering holistic, quality care based on the most up-to-date research and insights rather than traditional methods or personal beliefs. For nursing students, this means an increased focus on developing skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and research methods. Programs incorporate coursework and practical experiences that teach students to appraise and apply research findings to clinical practice. 

Trends such as the push for high-quality, cost-effective care necessitate that nurses be proficient in looking to the latest knowledge. By instilling these principles in students, nursing education fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement that is essential for advancing the profession.

Health and Wellness Focus

People-focused care is increasingly taking over medical practices. This includes looking at both mental and physical health and prioritizing health promotion and disease prevention rather than reactive care. Students should be taught an approach to patient care that includes addressing all determinants of health to inspire patients to focus on all areas of their body, not just the present-day issues. 

This comprehensive approach prepares students to support patients in achieving optimal health and well-being, reflecting the broader movement toward proactive and preventative healthcare. 

Global Health and Diversity

Global health and diversity trends in nursing prepare students to provide culturally competent care. As healthcare becomes more globalized and travel nursing jobs and administrative positions focus on global health challenges, students are exposed to the healthcare needs of different populations. This helps them deliver care that’s respectful of cultural differences and responsive to the varying health beliefs and practices around the world. 

MCPHS Can Help You Prepare for the Future

With a rich history and experienced staff, MCPHS can help guide you through critical nursing training, giving you up-to-date information to help you enter the field once you graduate. Our team keeps our finger on the pulse of the nursing industry so we can provide students with the most beneficial education possible. 

Apply today to start your nursing journey.