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Nursing Now

Here’s a fact: there’s a shortage of nurses—and it’s going to grow in the years ahead. Why? What can be done? Read on to learn more about the state of today’s nursing profession, then share a fact, or two, or five, to help spread the word about the need for nurses.

  • Fact 1:

    Registered Nurses account for 2.6 million jobs in the US

    By 2018, that number’s expected to swell to 3.2 million. Here’s where they work:

    Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • Fact 2:

    Nursing is the fastest-growing occupation in the US.

    22% more nursing jobs expected

    Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • Doctors’ offices will need the most nurses.

    Projected job growth by industry from 2008-2018

    Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • Fact 3:

    By 2020, the US will face a shortage of 800,000 nurses.

    Nursing shortage, by year

    Source: www.rwjf.org

  • Fact 4:

    An older US population + More nurses retiring = Not enough nurses

    Employed nurses under 40

    Source: Thefutureofnursing.org

  • Fact 5:

    More new nurses are getting higher degrees.

    Education level of RNs entering the workforce

    Source: TheFutureofNursing.org / InitialFindings2008.PDF

  • Want to be a Nurse?

    • Starting
      Out

      Whether you’re just out of high school, or looking for a new career, here are some ways to get started in nursing.

      See the steps

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    • Explore Specialties

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        • Certified Nurse Midwife
        • A holistic approach to pregnancy. You’ll work with women with low-risk pregnancies, and help them after the baby arrives.
        • Ambulatory Care Nurse
        • Get outside the hospital. Work in clinics, schools, pain management centers and more, focusing on pain management and treatment of chronic disease.
        • Camp Nurse
        • Nursing and nature. You’ll care for people attending camps and retreats. Treat mosquito bites and broken bones to flu breakouts, or care for the chronically ill.
        • Cardiac Care Nurse
        • Nurses of the heart. You’ll treat patients with heart conditions, and can work in a range of specialties, from pediatrics to geriatrics, or surgical to ambulatory.
        • Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse
        • Heart care plus technology. You’ll help patients with heart disease by assisting with catheterization procedures like angioplasties, valvuloplasties and stent placements.
        • Case Management Nurse
        • Keep your patients healthy and out of the hospital. You’ll coordinate long-term care for patients of all ages with conditions like HIV/AIDS, or cancer.
        • Clinical Nurse Leader
        • Oversee the medical team. You’ll work with doctors, pharmacists, social workers, and more, to incorporate new technologies and give patients the best care possible.
        • Clinical Nurse Specialist
        • Part nurse, part manager. You’ll treat patients in your area of specialty and give guidance to fellow nurses.
        • Nurse Anesthetist
        • Give anesthesia and anesthesia-related care to patients. You’ll be one of the more in-demand and well-paid nurses.
        • Nurse Practitioner
        • The primary healthcare provider under a doctor. You can choose from several different specialty areas, work in a hospital or run your own practice.
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