Research suggests that employment trends for nurses are very positive. The reality is that travel nurses will contribute significantly to help meet this anticipated demand. In fact, according to 2012-2022 employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in terms of growth RNs are one of the top jobs in the country. The data shows that the RN workforce is expected to grow 19% with net new jobs—from 2.71 million jobs in 2012 to 3.24 million in 2022.
What’s more, the Bureau projects the need for 525,000 replacement nurses in the workforce. These opportunities for registered nurses will be needed due to attrition and retirement so the total projected number of job openings for nurses will reach 1.05 million by 2022.
The job market outlook suggests it is a great time to be a travel nurse. Your willingness to relocate and work in areas with more need adds up to an even greater advantage. If an area’s job market happens to be saturated, you can easily move to another location where qualified nursing care applicants are lacking. This growing demand could also mean more options. It may be even easier for you to pick your favorite city and find a financially as well as emotionally rewarding position.
Some of this increased demand for nursing professionals will come from outpatient centers. Most hospitals pay close attention to turnover rates. Profitability is important and there is often pressure from the Board or shareholders to discharge patients as quickly as is safe to do so. Just as in a restaurant, when a table is free there is opportunity for additional income. The sooner a bed is vacant, the sooner the next paying customer can come in.
It is important to note, however, that many patients leave the hospital and still require a certain level of professional care. As a result, outpatient care is in demand. Healthcare has transcended the traditional walls of hospitals, with home care and rehab centers taking on a growing population of patients—especially the elderly. This care has a greater sense of community and often appeals to travel nurses who welcome diversity in their job.
The aging population in the United States is also projected to rise. As this segment of our country increases there will be a significant impact on the healthcare industry. The elderly will make more visits to the doctor’s office and often require ongoing monitoring to ensure health and proper dosing of medication. Thanks to newer healthcare laws, some of this care can be conducted at home. As a result, nurses will be needed to care for patients in their residence rather than facilities.
The need for nurses is expected to grow in the coming years. The types of assignments and varying demand by region mean a bright future and promising employment environment for travel nurses.
