Hot Trends in Nursing

[ManagementHealthSolutions]

There are many hot trends in nursing right now in regards to the profession’s education, training and expectations. The education trends are particularly interesting and relevant to many potential nurses thinking of entering the field as well as those currently enrolled. The nursing field is changing and evolving. Older nurses are retiring, and a new generation is training to replace them.

What will these trends in education mean for the next generation?

[ZuziRN]

Nothing, will mean...NOTHING...as the new generation will enter in nursing field for cushion secured high paid jobs...and is the worst that could be happen to a nation, but is like ususal just my ALIEN opinion.

[markpajak2]

I think for the next generation of nurses the educational requirements will be much stricter, with more people than ever getting a BSN as their entry degree, followed by graduate education for many.

I think nursing has signs of being another career bubble such us high-tech in the late 1990s or real estate. Career bubbles begin as very inviting fields that have lots of openings, but once the ranks of new candidates swell, the employers will become increasingly picky in terms of candidate requirements.

Also, acute care jobs will become more scarce because our acute care model is failing and will require reductions to stay viable.

[NURSEDETROIT]

Some of the disturbing trends I have seen is that many younger nurses lack the passion and commitment that nurses of earlier generations have had and follow leadership without question. . .some see it only as a means to earn what they may perceive as guaranteed paycheck. . . That too, is no longer the case even now. Many see it as a viable second career. . .however, to learn what it actually takes to be a nurse, takes a long, long time to achieve. It's not just a "job" as some of the younger nurses view it as. . .we are dealing with humans as the "commodity" not some type of widget, gadget or product line. . .You are dealing with someone's loved one. . .

[markpajak2]

Some of the disturbing trends I have seen is that many younger nurses lack the passion and commitment that nurses of earlier generations have had and follow leadership without question. . .some see it only as a means to earn what they may perceive as guaranteed paycheck. . . That too, is no longer the case even now. Many see it as a viable second career. . .however, to learn what it actually takes to be a nurse, takes a long, long time to achieve. It's not just a "job" as some of the younger nurses view it as. . .we are dealing with humans as the "commodity" not some type of widget, gadget or product line. . .You are dealing with someone's loved one. . .

Those accusations have been around since forever...Even back in the 1950s people believed nurses pursue hospital positions just so they could hook up with a handsome doctor and get married. Future generations of nurses will require a stronger commitment to academics and career growth. Throughout history nurses tended to have somewhat limited education. A bachelor's degree as the minimum requirement for a nurse is a new idea. However, this will force to nursing corps to become more professional. Increased professionalism means greater expectations and increased prestige. It also means more pressure on people who shouldn't be in nursing to get out of the industry.

[jayne1975]

I agree with Mark, professionalism is the trend of future nursing with the minimum entry level becoming the BSN degree. There are already many hospitals in the nation that require it for all nurses and I don't see any reason for that trend to backslide. You will still have the nurses who are nurses just because its a job, but with the increase in liability at every step of the healthcare industry, a nurse is going to have to stay up-to-date on education and evidence-based practice improvements. If they don't, or they don't do well with the new 'patient satisfaction' models they are pushing for reimbursement, nursing won't be a long-term option for them as a profession.

[amygarside]

These days, holding a BSN degree is becoming a must for those who want to be nurses and land a job after graduation. Most of my friends who have an ASN degree seem to find very little job opportunities compared to people I know who are BSN degree holders.