COVID-19 has had a significant negative impact worldwide, affecting many industries, including healthcare. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2030, there will be about 2.6 million new jobs in the healthcare sector. This surge is largely due to the increased demand for nurses, as more people are hospitalized with COVID-19 complications. To address this, hospitals are hiring thousands of nurses and other healthcare professionals.
With this rising demand, many people are now looking into online nursing degrees. There are flexible options available for those who want to become nurses without committing to full-time schooling. One such option is post-master’s NP programs, which are more specialized than bachelor’s degrees and offer advanced practice certification, allowing graduates to work as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists.
Nurses are essential in healthcare, serving as the backbone of the medical industry by providing patient care and maintaining health. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted their critical role, increasing public awareness and demand for nurses. Nurses are now seen as heroes for their dedication during the pandemic, often working despite personal risk due to staffing shortages. Media coverage has further emphasized their importance by sharing stories of nurses going above and beyond to save lives.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are about 194,500 job openings for registered nurses each year, with salaries ranging from $77,600 to $100,000 annually. Technology, particularly telemedicine, has become integral to healthcare, allowing doctors to treat patients remotely. Nurses play a crucial role in telemedicine by interacting with patients, providing information, and assisting doctors with patient feedback and medication reminders.
The pandemic has also underscored the importance of preventative health education, with nurses playing a key role in educating patients on staying healthy. They offer services in wellness, disease prevention, and health promotion, and educate patients on accessing necessary healthcare services. Nurses also educate children and families on topics like nutrition and hygiene, helping parents plan for emergencies.
Despite a pre-existing shortage of over 50,000 nurses in the UK, the pandemic has further strained the healthcare system. A Nursing Times survey in January 2021 found that 80% of nurses believe the workforce shortage endangers patient safety. The global pandemic has significantly increased the demand for nurses, a trend likely to continue due to various factors.
In summary, the demand for nurses is growing due to COVID-19’s impact on healthcare and patient care. Nurses are crucial not only for treating the sick and injured but also for educating patients about the disease, its symptoms, and prevention methods.
