COVID-19 has had a significant impact worldwide, affecting many industries, including healthcare. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about 2.6 million new jobs in healthcare by 2030, highlighting the growing need for healthcare professionals.
The pandemic has led to a surge in demand for nurses, as more people are hospitalized with COVID-19 complications. To address this, hospitals are hiring thousands of nurses and other healthcare workers to care for patients nationwide.
This increased demand has prompted many to pursue nursing degrees online, offering flexible options for those not wanting to commit to full-time schooling. Post-master’s NP programs are one such option, providing specialized skills and advanced practice certification, allowing graduates to work as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists.
Nurses are essential in healthcare, often seen as the backbone of the industry. The pandemic has raised public awareness of their critical role, leading to increased demand. Nurses are now viewed as heroes, having risked their lives during the pandemic, often working despite being infected due to staff shortages. Their dedication has inspired many.
Media coverage has highlighted nurses’ extraordinary efforts, making the public more aware of their importance in saving lives. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports about 194,500 job openings for registered nurses annually, with salaries ranging from $77,600 to $100,000.
Technology, particularly telemedicine, has become integral to healthcare. Nurses play a crucial role in telemedicine, interacting with patients and providing treatment information. They assist doctors by offering feedback on patient conditions and helping patients understand their health better.
A McKinsey survey found that 58% of doctors now view telehealth more favorably, with 84% offering virtual visits as of April 2021. Nurses are vital in health education, emphasizing preventative care and helping patients understand how to stay healthy.
Nurses educate on wellness, disease prevention, and health promotion, guiding patients on accessing necessary services. They also teach children and families about nutrition, exercise, safety, and hygiene, helping parents plan for emergencies.
The World Health Organization notes that nurses are trusted by patients and play a key role in educating them on preventing virus spread. Despite a pre-pandemic shortage of over 50,000 nurses in the UK, the gap remains significant, with 80% of nurses in a 2021 survey expressing concern over patient safety due to workforce shortages.
The global pandemic has heightened the demand for nurses, with shortages likely to continue driving demand. This shortage stems from various factors, underscoring the critical need for nurses to care for the sick and educate patients on disease prevention and management.
