Registered nurses have been in high demand in the United States for over a decade, and projections on the job outlook from 2019-2029 indicate this profession will grow 7% faster than other jobs. In 2019, nurses ranked third as the most in-demand job of any profession in the U.S.
This demand for nursing care reflects employers are not keeping pace in supplying enough nurses to care for our communities. There are several reasons for the shortage of nurses, one being a growing population. As our population flourishes, we need more practicing nurses on the frontlines to care for everyone.
Second, people live longer because there are better medical treatments and medication therapies to help people stay healthier longer. Further, the number of nursing programs positioned to accommodate non-traditional learners may also be adding to the shortage.
Benefits of Becoming an RN
Nurses are highly respected and work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, nursing facilities, schools, and more.1 The nurse works collaboratively with physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive health care.
It should not come as a surprise that nurses have been deemed the most trusted profession year over year. Registered nurses (RNs) are fortunate to be at the center of the care model to care for the sick and promote health and wellness across the continuum.
With the ever-changing technology and advances in research, there are many opportunities for nurses to advance within the profession. From neonatal care, pediatrics into adulthood, and geriatrics, RNs receive the education to care for all ages throughout the lifespan. With experience, RNs can become specialized in an area of nursing such as cardiac care, emergency care, pediatric, or oncology care.
Opportunities exist to close the gap and reduce the growing shortage of RNs, especially in rural areas and the midwestern states. For those who have been thinking of a career in healthcare or a second career change, nursing may be the right fit for you.
RNs typically have enhanced benefits in the workforce that make it more attractive. These include flexible hours to meet family work-life balance, full-time and part-time work schedules, excellent health plans, 401k or other retirement investments, an annual median wage of $75,330, and job security from these high-demand jobs.
Find the Right Program for You
If you are interested in a highly respected nursing career, Elmhurst University, located west of Chicago, has a program designed for you. Elmhurst is academically strong and ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a leading Midwest University.
Accredited by the Commission Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Elmhurst University is proud to provide a distance accelerated BSN (ABSN) nursing program. This elite degree is the first of its kind in Illinois. The robust course curriculum is structured to be completed in 16 months, a fast-track for full-time students, with all coursework happening entirely online. Students complete clinicals in their local community and have two campus visits built into the program.
Elmhurst University is dedicated to providing ABSN students with integrated support to foster success. From the moment you begin your application process through receiving your well-deserved diploma at graduation, advisors are assigned to help you navigate and stay on target in meeting degree goals and requirements.
Get started now at Elmhurst University to build a new and fulfilling career.
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