Nursing Career Outlook and Trends

Nursing Shortage Leading to High Demand for Nurses

Several factors in the United States have combined to create notable nursing shortages across the country. This has resulted in a need for younger nurses to continue their education (particularly BSNs and NPs) and fill open positions.

1. An Aging Population

The 2020 census recorded the highest ever percentage of adults over the age of 65 compared to the total population. This means that a larger proportion of the population is elderly and needs care, putting stress on the existing nursing workforce.⁵

2. A Retiring Workforce

TAs the population ages, many long-time nurses are beginning to retire. This has created a growing need for younger, qualified nurses to step in. In 2020, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) found that 19% of the RN workforce was 65 years or older, up from 14.6% in 2017 and 4.4% in 2013.⁶

3. The COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 put historic stress on the nursing workforce. In 2022, the NCSBN found that the pandemic directly accounted for about 100,000 RNs and 34,000 licensed practical and vocational nurses leaving the workforce in a two-year period. As a result, 41% of total RNs have a mean age of 36 with fewer than 10 years of work experience.⁷

4. High Stress & Burnout

Because of the increased pressure on the nursing workforce, nurses themselves are experiencing greater workloads, higher levels of stress, and burnout. According to the NCSBN, approximately 800,000 RNs and 184,000 LPNs/LVNs indicate they are likely to leave nursing by 2027 (roughly 20% of the workforce).⁷

5. Declining Nursing School Enrollment & Faculty Shortages

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that the number of students in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs declined in 2022, as did the number of students in master’s and PhD programs. Part of the reason was that, due to faculty shortages and limited educational resources, thousands of qualified applicants were turned away.⁸

Is Nursing a Good Career in 2023 & Beyond?

Like any field, there are pros and cons to entering the nursing workforce. Before deciding on your career path, it’s worth the time and effort to think through possible scenarios. Generally speaking, if you can navigate what has become a more demanding workplace environment, there are great opportunities to advance your career as a nurse and positively impact others.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse

As a result of nursing shortages, demand for nurses is likely to remain high for the foreseeable future. This provides additional job security to what has traditionally been considered a “recession-proof” or “recession-resistant” career.⁹ Additionally, younger nurses have a tremendous opportunity to fill more senior positions due to staffing shortages.

Cons of Becoming a Nurse

It’s no secret that being a nurse has become more difficult and stressful in recent years because of staffing shortages. In the short term, nurses should anticipate heavy workloads and stress on top of what are already long working hours. However, many workplaces are aware of this issue, and nursing leaders such as the NCSBN and others around the country are actively developing solutions.