Nursing is the nation's largest healthcare profession, with nearly 5 million RNs throughout the U.S. The field is continuously growing, with projections showing that many more nurses will be needed in the coming years to keep up with demand.
“Nursing is a dynamic profession that offers a variety of opportunities to combine clinical expertise with compassion when caring for individuals, families, and communities,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). “As the most trusted healthcare provider, nurses serve as great leaders, collaborators, innovators, and patient advocates.”
With so many opportunities available, there is no better time to start your education and join the nursing profession.
The State of the Nursing Profession
The nursing profession is rapidly changing. Over 166,100 new registered nurse positions will be created each year in the U.S. through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Reports also project a shortage of 63,720 full-time RNs by 2030.
Nurses make up the largest sector of the healthcare workforce. They are also the primary providers of hospital patient care and deliver most of the country’s long-term care. Federal workforce analysts expect the nursing field to grow by 5% by 2034, representing faster growth than most other professions. This critical need for healthcare professionals presents countless opportunities for new nurses to step into the profession and offer their expertise in a multitude of areas.
RNs are in high demand in most acute care and community settings. Job growth is expected in most areas but, according to the BLS, the need is most significant in hospitals and outpatient care centers that provide same-day services, such as chemotherapy, rehabilitation, and surgery, as well as home care or residential care facilities.
Why is the profession projected to have so many openings in the future? There are a few reasons:
Current nurses are retiring - Many current nurses are retiring or otherwise transitioning out of the field. The median age of RNs is currently 46, and, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, at least a quarter of those plan to leave nursing in the next five years.
Demographic changes - There are more older adults in the U.S. than ever before. Nurses are needed to help this population maintain their health and quality of life. In addition, more nurses are needed to educate and care for patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, across multiple demographics.
Nursing school enrollment - Enrollment rates, especially for master’s and PhD programs, are not growing fast enough to meet the projected demand for RNs and APRNs. The decline in students enrolling and graduating from nursing school reduces the healthcare system’s ability to meet patient needs.
Nurses Are Critical to Sustaining the Nation’s Health
It goes without saying that nurses are a vital part of the healthcare system. Nurses deliver many invaluable services to patients, including assessing their conditions, recording their medical history, administering medications and treatments, setting up care plans, and so much more.
There are four times as many RNs in the U.S. as physicians, and the scope of their work is extensive. Primary and preventative care by nurse practitioners covers a variety of specialized areas, such as pediatrics, family health, and gerontological care. Nurses can also become certified to perform services as nurse-midwives, nurse anesthetists, and other advanced specialties.
A shortage of nurses raises concerns about adequate staffing levels and quality of care across communities. Various studies show that a lack of nurses leads to issues such as high patient turnover, longer wait times in healthcare facilities, and increased patient mortality.
Now Is the Time to Pursue Nursing
The nursing workforce is expected to see continued growth, and nurses are increasingly needed in communities. There is no better time to take the leap into nursing school or to continue your nursing education.
There are many paths to nursing and multiple avenues for continuing your nursing education if you are already in the workforce. While there are multiple factors impacting the nursing profession right now, there are also many opportunities for new nurses to enter the profession and make a lasting career.
Your nursing career begins with nursing school. Through NursingCAS, prospective students can explore over 2,500 nursing programs to find their best fit and submit a single application to multiple programs. Start your NursingCAS application today!
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2024). Nursing Shortage Fact Sheet.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2024). Nursing Workforce Fact Sheet.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2025). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses.