As the number of U.S. residents who speak English as their second language grows, the need for bilingual nurses is growing in tandem, meaning that being bilingual is a current nursing trend. For example, a study by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) found that approximately 67 million people in the U.S. spoke a foreign language at home as of 2018. To put this further into perspective, the CIS further noted that the number of English as a second language (ESL) homes in the country more than doubled since 1990.

At the time of the study, languages spoken by over 1 million people in their households included the following:

● Spanish
● Chinese
● Vietnamese
● Tagalog
● Arabic
● French
● Korean

Although nurses who speak both Spanish and English are in the highest demand, especially in states such as Texas, California, and Arizona, nurses who speak other languages are needed as well. Perhaps not surprisingly, bilingual and multilingual nurses are becoming increasingly valued because they can communicate with patients in a language they understand.

Trends in nursing are also impacting RN school enrollment. Whereas women have been making inroads into male-dominated professions for years, men have been less likely to pursue roles in female-dominated professions. However, this is starting to change, and demographic shifts in the nursing profession have begun to emerge. For example, the nursing workforce consisted of roughly 9.5% male nurses in 2018. This reflects a big jump from 1970 when approximately 2.7% of RNs were men.

Numerous factors are driving this shift, including changing norms in gender roles, industries’ increased demand for candidates with college degrees, and the nationwide nursing shortage.

For example, in an interview with The New York Times in 2018, a former handyman turned nurse told the reporters that he changed careers because nursing is a good profession that will always have demand for qualified professionals, adding that nurses’ job duties can’t be outsourced or automated. Another male RN interviewed for the article said he entered the profession because it’s “not just a job” and his career gives him a sense of purpose.
 

The shortage of primary care physicians has also impacted trends in nursing, as a growing number of state legislatures are passing bills that allow NPs to practice without doctor oversight. NPs with full practice authority are permitted to diagnose conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and initiate and manage treatment plans. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the following states and territories provide NPs with full practice authority:

● Alaska
● Arizona
● Colorado
● Connecticut
● District of Columbia
● Guam
● Hawaii
● Idaho
● Iowa
● Maine
● Maryland
● Massachusetts
● Minnesota
● Montana
● Nebraska
● Nevada
● New Hampshire
● New Mexico
● North Dakota
● Northern Mariana Islands
● Oregon
● Rhode Island
● South Dakota
● Vermont
● Washington
● Wyoming

Other states, including California and Florida, have begun to advance legislation allowing NPs to work on their own. The caveat, according to various news reports, is that before gaining full practice autonomy, NPs must practice under the supervision of a physician for a minimum number of years. Supervised practice requirements vary widely by state.
 

The aging population, persistent nursing shortage, and number of retiring baby boomers who are nurses are among the many factors driving job growth in this field. In fact, the BLS projects the employment of RNs to grow by 7% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than what’s projected for the average occupation. The BLS expects that RNs will be needed to care for and educate patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, dementia, and heart disease. BLS data also suggests that nurses with certification in a specialty, such as ambulatory care or gerontological nursing, are likely to have the best job prospects.

Job growth for APRNs, including nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and NPs, is also projected to be favorable. The BLS further notes that the employment of APRNs is projected to grow by a staggering 45%, significantly faster than what’s projected for the average occupation. As more states push to give APRNs greater autonomy in their scope of practice, opportunities for APRNs are likely to be excellent, especially in medically underserved areas, such as rural areas and inner cities.
 

Master’s in nurse education online programs have become increasingly popular, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to allowing RNs to continue their education in a flexible, remote environment, online education opportunities have also benefited nurses who live in rural areas.

In an article published by the Dayton Business Journal in May 2020, Megan Brunson, president of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, said that online learning environments offered a “quick path and the flexibility nurses demand.” This is especially true for RNs who want to advance their education while still working full time.

Although the time it takes to complete an online master’s in nurse education program can vary, most full-time students find they can complete their MSN within 24 months.
 

Trends in nursing are constantly changing, but the demand for qualified, experienced professionals remains strong. Regardless of whether you’re interested in starting your nursing career by completing a BSN or earning an MSN, DNP, or BSN to DNP to gain increased autonomy, you could have various career paths and specializations to choose from. Understanding where your interests lie can help you take your next step.

Explore our recommendation engine to find out more about nurse specializations and whether the career path is right for you.