Six nursing trends to look out for in 2022

The continuous epidemic and quickening technological development have sparked some intriguing nursing trends for 2022.  Our list of the top nursing trends 2022 is based on the most recent data from the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.  The medical industry, and nursing in particular, had already undergone tremendous change before the pandemic. In the years to come, nurses in the current industry will have the opportunity to fill a significant need by taking on larger jobs as they continue their studies. Read on to find out trends influencing nursing practice in 2022.  Here are the top six current trends in nursing we anticipate in 2022. 
  1. Online education programmes will continue to gain popularity.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) formed the Committee on the Future of Nursing in 2010 to create recommendations for an action-oriented response to some of the challenges faced by nurses.  One of their primary recommendations was to increase the percentage of staff members with a BSN degree from 50% to 80% by the year 2020.   Nurses are more encouraged than ever to pursue higher education as a result of these changes and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to complete nursing degrees online while maintaining full-time employment gives nurses the opportunity to further their education without having to leave their families or their jobs. 
  1. Nurses will need to be more tech-savvy.
The epidemic has increased reliance on technology in the healthcare sector. While there is no denying that advancements in technology have benefited nurses in their work and enhanced patient care, including almost every operation and practise, we must acknowledge that nurses need to be varied. The demand for technologically competent nurses is enormous and will remain so.  Nurses today employ a number of technologically advanced instruments to operate more productively. This includes electronic health records that are used to keep track of a patient’s medical history. In addition to being used for a variety of tasks while on shift, computers and mobile devices are also used for timekeeping, employee scheduling, research, buying medication, and sending emails. Nurses need to be flexible and keep up with technological advancements. 
  1. Registered nurses’ salaries will remain stable or increase.
According to nurses surveyed by the American Nurse Journal, wage increases have not stopped even though COVID-19 has had a catastrophic impact on hospital budgets. It is not surprising that nurse practitioner ranked # 2 (up from # 5) and registered nurse (RN) ranked # 12 (up from # 13 in 2020) on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of the 100 Best Jobs of 2022.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), for FNPs, whose median annual compensation was $111,680 in 2020, the increase in income is particularly noticeable. This was $36,350 more than RNs with a bachelor’s degree. The average annual salary for FNPs in the top 10% of earners was $190,900.  Medical facilities also employ other incentives to attract nurses. A variety of incentives and advantages are offered to nurses by some hospitals, including “five-figure signing bonuses, free housing, and college tuition for both staff and their dependents,” according to CNN. They are looking to recruit and retain nurses. 
  1. The norm will be higher education degrees.
Another nursing trend we predict for 2022 is an increase in nurses pursuing higher education.  As was already mentioned, the Institute of Medicine set the target of having 80% of nurses with a BSN by 2020. By 2020, the report also recommended doubling the proportion of nurses who hold doctoral degrees.  The probability of patient death is proven to be reduced when there are more registered nurses (RNs) with at least a BSN degree. Given the overwhelming body of research showing that higher education improves patient outcomes and the growing trend in nursing degrees, higher education should become the standard for registered nurses by 2022. 
  1. There will be a surge in community awareness of nurses’ mental health.
Without a doubt, society has become more conscious of nurse burnout, and perhaps you, as a medical practitioner, have come to terms with the fact that you need rest as well.  Many nurses have turned to agency work to take control of their lives and allow themselves more time with their families because burnout and weariness in the nursing profession is an increasing concern.  
  1. More value than ever will be placed on bilingual nurses.
After COVID, the world has begun to open up again, and companies are starting to value bilingual nurses more and more as a recent trend in nursing. Hospitals and other health care facilities are hiring more bilingual nurses to improve care for patients and their health.  As we try to close the gap in Australia, nurses who speak Aboriginal languages are highly valued.  Nurses who speak more than one language are important for improving patient care and being able to talk to patients, especially about consent, education, and information about getting out of the hospital.  As the healthcare sector evolves, with the ongoing battle with COVID and the emergence of new diseases, we will continue to witness newer trends in nursing practice.

FAQs

These are the current trends in nursing profession:
  • Higher education degrees
  • The rise of online programs
  • The need for Bilingual nurses
  • More support for Nurses mental health issues

Here are some trends influencing the nursing practice:
  • Changes in society
  • Changes in others’ profession
  • Leadership within the profession
  • Working and studying abroad
  • Greater specialization in nursing education and work

Registered Nurses are the most in demand nurses currently. This is because of the increasing demand for healthcare professionals across the globe, to better deal with new diseases, treat mental health patients and an ageing population.

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Acknowledgement

MWT Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.