You may have seen news reports about a nursing shortage in the U.S. However, there’s a silver lining to this trend for people who are interested in starting a career in nursing. Shortages in this essential labor force may create more and better opportunities for graduates of practical nursing programs, such as the one offered at Prism Career Institute, with campuses in Cherry Hill, NJ, West Atlantic City, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA.
Increased Need for RNs, PNs, and VNs
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a steady need for more practical nurses (PNs) and vocational nurses (VNs) between 2020 and 2030, with a growth of 9 percent. This is similar to projections for registered nurses (RNs). In addition, while jobs in the nursing profession will continue to expand, many nurses currently working in the field are getting ready to retire. However, as nurses at all levels of license start to retire, this is likely to impact VN and PN responsibilities and create more job openings.
There are several factors leading to these potential changes. First, government legislation has increased the number of people with access to health insurance in the U.S. This tasks the healthcare sector of the economy with both caring for greater numbers of patients and attempting to reduce healthcare costs. A second factor is an aging population, which is spurring retirement among healthcare practitioners, as well as the general population. So, as trends for reducing the overall costs of healthcare services and a nursing shortage dovetail, there may well be an increase in PN career opportunities.
Yet another factor involves the large generation of baby boomers, who continue to age and live longer. These people will require more preventive care services and increased facilities for eldercare, assisted living, and rehabilitation. Finally, a nursing shortage may especially impact this demanding, active older population, because they more fully utilize advances in medical science and technology to manage their chronic diseases and physical disabilities.
All Genders Welcome to Fill Nationwide Nursing Shortage
Historically in the U.S., most nurses identified as female, but male nurses are slowly gaining a larger percentage of the workforce. For example, 13.3 percent of registered nurses identified as male in 2021. As the nursing shortage looms over the healthcare system, employers are welcoming all genders to the nursing profession.
The need for nurses is nationwide, and that includes rural areas. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2019 one in five older Americans already lives in rural areas. And more retirees are moving from urban to less populated areas, attracted to both recreational opportunities and lower cost of living. According to the BLS, nonmetropolitan areas with high concentrations of jobs for PNs and VNs include North Texas, Northeast Mississippi, Southern West Virginia, and Central Louisiana. And some of the highest-paying rural areas include parts of Alaska, Massachusetts, and California’s North Coast.
Join the Proud Healthcare Profession of Nursing
It’s hard to imagine our healthcare system without nurses. These professionals are deployed throughout every physician’s office, hospital, nursing home, outpatient clinic, and treatment center. Essential members of the healthcare team, nurses know how to help patients in fundamental ways, such as maintaining hygiene and treatment protocols, as well as being pivotal players in surgical centers, research programs, and administration.
Is Our Practical Nursing Program Right for You?
If you are ready to join this highly skilled and in-demand profession, the practical nursing program at Prism Career Institute is actively recruiting applicants who meet the program requirements. Step up to the challenge inherent in our current nursing shortage and take advantage of the new opportunities that are arising. At Prism Career Institute, students have the option to study with an outstanding faculty, with either daytime or evening schedules, and a choice of three campus locations in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City in New Jersey and Philadelphia, PA.
You can take our online Prism Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz, and then contact an Admissions Representative or apply online today.