Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 10 Nursing Trends for 2023 and Beyond
- 1. Job Growth Will Continue to Rise
- 2. The Nursing Shortage Will Be a Top Priority
- 3. Increased Funding Will Impact Staff
- 4. Reliance on Travel Nursing and Per Diem Staff Will Continue
- 5. Renewed Focus on Nursing Mental Health
- 6. Increase in Patient Wearable Medical Devices
- 7. Integration of Primary Care and Behavioral Health
- 8. Continued Rise in Virtual Care
- 9. Increasing Number of NP-Led Practices
- 10. Data and Privacy
- Conclusion
Introduction
The healthcare industry has undergone dramatic changes since 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in healthcare and highlighted the need for diverse decision-making. In 2023, the nursing healthcare sector will face the aftermath of a momentous nursing shortage and witness the impact of growing technological advancements. This article will explore the predicted nursing trends for 2023, including a renewed focus on nurses’ mental health, the rise of wearable medical devices, and the increasing prominence of virtual medicine.
10 Nursing Trends for 2023 and Beyond
As the baby boomer generation ages, healthcare becomes increasingly complex. With all baby boomers reaching retirement age by 2030, including a large contingent of nurses, nursing and healthcare leaders anticipate several trends that will impact management and care delivery in 2023.
1. Job Growth Will Continue to Rise
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth rate for registered nurses is projected to be 6% through 2031, which is as fast as the overall average for all occupations. However, the growth rate for nurse practitioners (NPs) is estimated to be 40%, much faster than average.
The supply of new nurses is impacted by a shortage of nursing faculty, resulting in qualified applicants being turned away from nursing programs. Additionally, a survey revealed that 34% of nurses plan to quit their jobs by the end of 2022 due to burnout and a high-stress environment.
2. The Nursing Shortage Will Be a Top Priority
The nursing shortage, exacerbated by the pandemic and the impending retirement of many nurses, is expected to intensify in 2023. Nursing programs and states are implementing various strategies to address this shortage, such as offering rolling admissions, opening new programs, and increasing funding to healthcare institutions.
3. Increased Funding Will Impact Staff
Recognizing the urgency of the nursing shortage, the U.S. Department of Labor has announced $80 million in grants to support nursing faculty and increase the number of nurses entering nursing programs. These grants will be awarded to organizations proposing strategies that attract new nurses and build community partnerships.
4. Reliance on Travel Nursing and Per Diem Staff Will Continue
To fill staffing gaps and ensure safe patient care, healthcare institutions have increasingly relied on travel and per diem nurses. However, the rising demand for travel nurses during the pandemic led to significant increases in hourly rates, causing financial strain for healthcare organizations. While efforts are being made to increase the number of new nurses, the reliance on travel nurses may continue in the short term.
5. Renewed Focus on Nursing Mental Health
The nursing shortage has highlighted the need to prioritize nurses’ mental health. Stress, fatigue, and burnout have contributed to the mass exodus of nurses. Healthcare institutions must do a better job of ensuring nurses are aware of available resources and encouraging them to prioritize self-care. Virtual therapy and mobile apps designed for nurses can play a significant role in protecting mental health and reducing burnout rates.
6. Increase in Patient Wearable Medical Devices
Wearable medical devices, including watches and Fitbits, are becoming increasingly prevalent in healthcare. Patients can also opt for implantable devices that monitor critical trends and transmit data to their mobile devices and healthcare providers. The global market for wearable medical devices is expected to grow significantly, with the U.S. market projected to experience substantial growth.
7. Integration of Primary Care and Behavioral Health
Medicare has prioritized behavioral health, leading to a significant increase in telehealth visits for mental health services. This trend is likely to continue as telehealth services offer a personalized approach to behavioral health. The integration of mental and physical health in primary care is crucial for a more holistic approach to patient care. Nurse practitioners, especially those with full-practice authority, are well-positioned to provide this integrated care.
8. Continued Rise in Virtual Care
Telehealth visits have become more common, and regulations have increased Medicare reimbursement flexibility for telehealth services. This flexibility is expected to drive the rapid evolution of virtual care in 2023. If virtual visits demonstrate better patient outcomes and lower costs, they may become a permanent part of Medicare reimbursement. Skilled nurses and nurse practitioners may play a more significant role in providing in-home healthcare alongside virtual visits.
9. Increasing Number of NP-Led Practices
In states where nurse practitioners have full-practice authority, they may open their own practices. The growing shortage of primary care physicians has created an opportunity for nurse practitioners to provide accessible healthcare. NPs are known for their patient education focus, experience, and holistic care approach. The growing number of NP-led practices has been associated with higher patient satisfaction and better patient outcomes.
10. Data and Privacy
The collection of patient data has many benefits, including improved access to information and reduced unnecessary treatments. However, concerns about privacy and data security remain. The healthcare industry must address these concerns before widespread adoption of centralized healthcare data. Ensuring the privacy and security of patient information is crucial to building trust and encouraging individuals to share sensitive health data.
Conclusion
The nursing healthcare sector will experience significant changes in 2023 and beyond. The nursing shortage, increased reliance on travel nurses, and the need to prioritize nurses’ mental health are among the key trends to expect. Additionally, the integration of wearable medical devices, the rise of virtual care, and the growing number of NP-led practices will shape the future of healthcare. However, it is essential to address challenges such as the shortage of nursing faculty, privacy concerns, and the need for increased funding to support nursing education and recruitment. By staying ahead of these trends and implementing appropriate strategies, the healthcare industry can navigate the evolving landscape and provide quality care to patients in 2023 and beyond.