Job Outlook for Nurses 2025
Future Prospects for Nurses 2025
It's a vast understatement to say nurses are needed. Their significance is underscored by the employment forecast for nursing professionals in 2025 and beyond. Commitment to their career has long been a hallmark of nurses. The desire to assist others is a primary reason many choose this path. Yet, since 1998, nursing has faced persistent shortages. Predictions suggest up to a million new nursing hires are necessary to satisfy rising demands. This is promising for those considering nursing, as job placement is nearly assured.
Explore specific topics: - Anticipated job growth for registered nurses (RNs) - Factors influencing nursing job demand - Predicted job expansion for nurse practitioners (NPs) - Earnings for RNs and NPs - Who will employ RNs and NPs in 2025? - Staying competitive in the field - Nursing Job Outlook FAQs
Anticipated job growth for registered nurses (RNs)
Between now and 2029, RNs are well-positioned for job growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The RN workforce is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with over 222,000 new RNs joining the field. An aging population is a primary factor driving the demand for more nurses. The increase in chronic conditions like arthritis, dementia, diabetes, and obesity also necessitates more RNs. Their role will include caring for and educating patients with these ongoing health issues.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are even more sought after because they offer services similar to doctors. With prescribing authority, APRNs can perform health screenings and prescribe medications. In areas lacking adequate physician access, APRNs can bridge the gap.
Predicted job expansion for nurse practitioners (NPs)
Nurse Practitioners manage patient care and provide primary and specialized healthcare in certain scenarios. Like RNs, NPs have been in demand for over two decades. The BLS anticipates a 40% increase in NP demand from 2021 to 2031, outpacing the average growth for all professions. Several factors contribute to the need for NPs: - Greater focus on preventative healthcare - Rising demand for healthcare for aging populations - Growing need for efficient healthcare delivery
In 2019, the U.S. had about 211,300 NPs employed, expected to rise to 322,000 by 2029.
Earnings for RNs and NPs
According to the BLS, RNs earn an average salary of $82,750 annually. The lowest salaries are in local, state, and private educational services. NPs earn an average of $118,040 per year, with nurse anesthetists earning the most at $205,770. Similar to RNs, the lowest NP wages are in local, state, and private educational services.
Who will employ RNs and NPs in 2025?
Hospitals and outpatient care centers will be the primary employers for RNs and NPs in the future. Telemedicine is another expanding field for RNs and NPs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitals and healthcare providers heavily relied on remote medical services and continue to offer them. Another growth area for NPs is psychiatric mental health. Even before attention to mental health surged due to the pandemic, psychiatric mental health NPs were needed. As people tackle COVID-19 and other life stressors, demand for this NP specialization is expected to rise.
Staying competitive in the field
RNs and NPs aiming to stay competitive can pursue continuing education classes (CEU) to enhance and acquire new skills. CEUs are mandatory for maintaining nursing licensure in all but 13 states, and they also offer ongoing learning opportunities. RNs and NPs can access free, ANCC-accredited online CEUs.
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RN workforce growth is projected at 6% from 2021 to 2031. Like RNs, NPs have been in high demand for over two decades. The BLS expects NP demand to rise by 40% from 2021 to 2031. Over the next decade, more than 222,000 new RNs are expected to join the workforce.
