Why Are Nurses in Such High Demand?

by Linda Bright

Why are nurses in such high demand? It is an undeniable fact that health care is one of the fastest growing professions in the world. The demand for nurses continues to rise as the cost of health care increases and the population ages. Nurses who have an advanced education will be in demand for some time due to the shifting of the health care delivery system. Nursing is considered to be the second fastest growing occupation due to various factors.

1. Effects of the Shortage
Nurses, just like other human beings, are facing retirement and aging. This fact is the reason why there is a shortage of nursing worldwide. In the next 15 to 20 years, the shortage will increase up to 800,000, causing a dramatic increase in the demand of nurses. It also increased the salaries of nurses for hospitals and other health care facilities will be competing for nurses.

2. Advancement of Technology
Medical technology advances on a regular basis. Thus, the demand for competent nurses who can operate advanced equipment also increases. This ensures that the demand for nurses with certain experience will constantly increase. An advancement in the technology means that more patients can be taken care of within the home. This also increases the demand for nurses who are willing to provide private care.

3. Expansion of Nursing Role
Due to the increasing costs of health care, many physicians spend less time with their patients. Thus, the roles of nurses are expanding. They are now becoming health educators. They are also obligated to provide more direct care to the patients.

4. Nursing Homes and Private Care
Due to the declining economy of many nations, the elderly are placed into nursing homes. Thus, more nurses are hired in nursing homes to take care of them. In addition, a number of private nurses are hired to take care of patients at their homes. Another factor that increases the demand for nurses is the growing popularity of hospice care. Nurses are hired to take care of terminally ill patients. Usually they are paid with a better salary and they have short hours of duty.

Labels: healthcare costs, Nursing Shortage, private care, why become a nurse