The Future of Nursing: Leading Change in the 21st Century

Millennials, defined by Pew Research Center as adults born between 1981 and 1996, will be leading much of the near-future growth in the nursing industry. According to an article in HealthExec, which cites a study by Health Affairs, millennials are twice as likely as baby boomers to become nurses.

With the  Pew Research Center reporting more than 10,000 boomers retiring each day, this influx of millennials will support the continued stability of the medical field. In 2017, the New York Post drew on data from the BLS to report that both emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and physician assistants were among the top 10 industries dominated by millennials; each had more than 38% of its workforce belonging to that generation.

Further, those nurses are increasingly educated — a Pew Research study in 2018 found that while only 15% of men born between 1925 and 1942 attended some college, 29% of millennial men opt for post-secondary education, and 46% of millennial women have earned a bachelor’s degree. This implies those who pursue a career in nursing will likely secure higher education than in the past.

As more millennials enter the workforce as nurses, they will find themselves in an exciting position. With new technology and advanced medical procedures to leverage, such as biomedical devices, robot-assisted surgeries, stem cell research, and more, the future of nursing offers an opportunity for nurses to become leaders in this evolving field. In addition, a solid education will provide the foundational skills they need to succeed, and the experience of their mentors will help ease the transition the nursing field will face in the coming decades.

An advanced nursing degree could support you on the journey to a leadership role that impacts the greater community. The modern world of nursing strives to serve more traditionally under-reached populations. These initiatives can provide an opportunity to work in a variety of nursing roles, including nurse practitioner, nurse specialist, nursing supervisor, and more.

As community health leaders, nurses must understand the impact of their care, not just on an individual basis, but for the public as a whole. They should know what medical resources are available in the area where they live and practice, and its specific medical challenges. With this knowledge, they can take proactive steps to prepare for community health issues, allowing them to better serve their patients instead of reacting to problems as they arise. In addition, their expertise influences other local medical professionals as well as the population at large.

Opportunities to take on the role as a community health leader continue to grow. Nurse practitioners, for example, may anticipate 31% more jobs between 2016 and 2026 according to the BLS — double the rate of nursing overall. This increase in highly educated, specialized nursing positions indicates an opportunity for the future of nursing to provide a far higher level of care with patients.

As the generational and technological landscape of the nursing profession continues to change, so too will the profession itself. This means expanded opportunities for nurses to see patients, provide more personalized care, and perform advanced duties based on their specific area of expertise. For example, a nurse who specializes in pediatrics will be better equipped to provide care to young children.

Those nurses new to the field will increasingly rely on medical technology. For example, nurses now utilize devices that scan a patient’s body functions, such as glucose levels and cardiovascular health, which improves the effectiveness and efficiency of patient care. In addition, these advancements allow healthcare professionals to monitor patients in settings outside of hospitals. Pop-up clinics, mobile units that travel within areas lacking services offer quality preventive medical care.

While the future of nursing features increasingly advanced technology, the intuitive care of nurses remains vital. Future healthcare professionals, who can take advantage of robust patient data and apply their own knowledge and wisdom, will remain invaluable members of their community and help drive medical improvements.

If you’re interested in rising to a leadership role as a nurse, look into Maryville University’s BSN,  MSN, and Post-Master’s Certificate programs. At Maryville, you can earn your degree online and learn the skills that can prepare you to enter a growing, ever-changing profession. The future of nursing depends on technologically savvy medical professionals to deliver high-quality care from hospitals to homes. Explore Maryville University’s nursing programs today to claim your place as a leader in the field.

AAMC, New research shows increasing physician shortages in both primary and specialty care

American Nurse Today, “Emerging trends in nursing”

Forbes, “It’s Time To Expand Scope of Practice Laws”

HealthExec, “Millennials will dominate the nursing profession by 2020”

Maryville University, Career Opportunities for MSN Graduates

New York Post, “This is the Most Millennial-Dominated Job in the US”

Pew Research, “Baby Boomers Retire”

Pew Research, “Defining generations: Where Millennials end and Generation Z begins”

Pew Research, “How Millennials Compare With Their Grandparents 50 Years Ago”

Pew Research, “Today’s young workers are more likely than ever to have a bachelor’s degree”

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, “How Nurses Are Caring for Their Communities”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Nursing”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Physicians & Surgeons”