The future of nursing in 2023
Ushering the new year in 2023 also means entering a new era for nursing. We can expect some trends to occur and new issues to be tackled. Below, we’ve compiled a summary of what the future nursing of 2023 will look like. This will give you an idea of what to expect this new year.
Recognizing mental and physical health issues
2020 heralded the rise of COVID-19. This turned into a full-blown global pandemic that changed the structure of our lives.
This 2023 sees the world beginning to recover from its ravages. Life has just started going back to normal. However, this doesn’t erase the toll COVID-19 took on healthcare workers, especially nurses.
Expect in 2023 that everyone will give more attention to nurses’ mental and physical health. These will be discussed more, and solutions will be provided. So take that vacation you’ve always wanted to have and keep your body and mind healthy!
A nursing shortage
There have been a considerable number of nurses that have chosen to retire or change their career paths. The pandemic exacerbated this, leading to a loss of nurses in the workforce with a simultaneous increase in the need for nurses.
The nursing shortage is projected to continue until 2023. This could lead to a lesser quality of patient care and added stress upon the heavy workload of nurses. Combating this shortage would mean better staffing strategies, increased benefits for nurses, and more informed workforce planning.
Higher demand for nursing specialties
Recent nursing shortages and advances in the healthcare system mean increased demand for nursing specialties. Nurses who have a specialty often enjoy better career opportunities. They also tend to have higher salaries and more benefits.
These specialties often require further education or certificates and training for particular situations. If you’re a nurse planning to advance in your career, now would be a good time to invest in higher education.
This provides you with the skills desperately needed in today’s landscape. It will also make you much more desirable for future employers. Out of all the nursing specialties, there are just some of the most highly sought-after:
Travel nurses
Travel nurses are one of the most prized specialties in nursing. As the name implies, these nurses must travel to different locations. They go on duty for their assignments for an average of 13 weeks.
All their basic housing needs and travel expenses are provided during this time. They also often receive a daily stipend, a typical nurse's salary, and employment benefits.
Based on predictions, travel nursing will remain popular and will become a trend in 2023. This could be for you if you’re a fan of traveling and new experiences.
ICU nurses
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has become one of the most well-known parts of the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, ICU nurses have become an inextricable part of the hospital. Their department is responsible for giving the best patient care possible to critically ill patients.
As we continue suffering from the last vestiges of COVID-19 and other diseases that cause serious illness, ICU nursing has been on the rise and will continue to do so.
ER nurses
The Emergency Room (ER) can be a stressful and fast-paced environment. Quick decisions are almost always made on the fly. ER nursing has always been one of the most lucrative nursing specialties.
Although it requires rigorous physical and mental training, it is well worth it. The ER is always in need of another pair of helping hands.
ER departments are always unpredictable, and you can be sure that in 2023, it will remain that way. This nursing specialty enjoys a good salary as well as excellent employment benefits.
OR nurses
In light of technological advancements, operations have become as natural to us as breathing. As we welcome the future of nursing, we also welcome the need for skilled operation room (OR) nurses who are capable of helping surgeons complete operations on patients.
Like ER nursing, OR nursing is highly lucrative and will be so even in 2023.
A rise in home-centered treatments
The abrupt pandemic shift led us to embrace the Internet and the virtual lifestyle. This has extended even into healthcare, where we welcome virtual check-ups and at-home treatments such as home dialysis.
Even though we are on the mend from COVID-19, these new lifestyle shifts remain. These patients will need nurses to assist and care for them at home.
The future of nursing in 2023
The future of nursing in 2023 is equal parts hopeful and challenging. As technology advances and the world of healthcare heals from the effects of the past few years, new problems have surfaced which will need solutions. Overall, it’s a great time to be a nurse this 2023.