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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?

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    • Explore Specialties

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        • Part nurse, part manager. You’ll treat patients in your area of specialty and give guidance to fellow nurses.
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        • Give anesthesia and anesthesia-related care to patients. You’ll be one of the more in-demand and well-paid nurses.
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