Start Your Nursing Career in 2025!

A Second Career in Nursing

It’s never too late to begin! Regardless of your stage in life, nursing is an excellent option. There is always a demand for dedicated nurses, the work is both fulfilling and stimulating, and you’ll be able to leverage your skills and creativity to positively impact lives each day. While Sumner does not have any pre-requisites, we accept up to 25% of transferable college credits, and if you already have a degree a great second career is nursing, and with our accelerated LPN program (13 months) and BSN program (32 months), you can quickly pursue your dreams of helping those around you.

Average Nursing Salary in Oregon

Did you know? Nurses in Oregon make an average salary of about $114,694, or $55 an hour. In the Portland area this is about 264% of the livable wage! Find out how you can become a nurse today at Sumner College!

 

Data from OPB

5 Nursing Trends Heading into 2025

In an ever changing career its important to know what may be coming your way. Here’s 5 things to look for in theNew Year!

1. The Growth of AI

We’ve already been seeing a huge boom in the use of AI for many careers, but this upcoming year is expected to continue the exponential growth. Nurses should plan on continuing their education to know how they can best use AI and how it can help their patients more.

2. Shortages

While not a new concept, nurse and nurse practitioner shortages is expected to continue even more severely this year as many nurses reach retirement age, or are simply burnt out. Severe shortages of nursing professionals could greatly affect patient care and outcomes. In response, many healthcare systems are adopting strategies to attract and retain nurses to address staffing gaps. These strategies go beyond financial incentives, such as competitive salaries and sign-on bonuses, by focusing on improving working conditions, supporting mental health, and offering incentives that meet both the financial and personal needs of nurses. By investing in the nursing workforce, healthcare systems can help ease shortages, foster a sustainable work environment, and improve patient care in the face of a changing healthcare landscape.

3. Telehealth Bridging Shortage Gaps

Telehealth became increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the demand for remote care surged. Although its usage has decreased since the peak of the pandemic, telehealth continues to be valued for its convenience for both patients and providers. A McKinsey & Company survey found that 60% of consumers were more satisfied with their recent telehealth visits than with in-person appointments. Given the central role nurses play in virtual healthcare, telehealth is expected to remain a significant factor in shaping both healthcare delivery and the nursing job market in 2025.

4. More Focus on Nurses’ Mental Health

A survey conducted by McKinsey & Company and the American Nurses Foundation in April-May 2023, along with a similar survey by Vivian Health, revealed that burnout and mental health challenges remain significant issues for nurses. Despite efforts by some organizations to address these concerns, more action will be needed in 2025 and beyond.

As nurses’ mental health gains more attention, expect healthcare facilities to explore new strategies to reduce stress and burnout. These may include flexible scheduling, technology to ease workloads, and expanded wellness programs. Other areas of focus could include:

– Work-life balance: More flexible hours and on-site childcare to ease work/life stress.
– Support programs: Stress management workshops, access to mental health professionals, and relaxation spaces.
– Self-care: Improved work environments and benefits to combat burnout and compassion fatigue.

Improving nurses’ mental health not only supports their well-being but also leads to better patient care and outcomes. With better support systems, nurses can perform more effectively, benefiting both their own careers and the quality of care they provide.

5. Sustainability in Nursing

Health systems are major contributors to environmental impacts, consuming large amounts of water, energy, plastics, and food. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted that healthcare might have one of the largest environmental footprints due to material and energy consumption. However, health systems, with the active involvement of nurses, can also play a key role in sustainability. Significant progress in adopting eco-friendly practices was made in 2024, and more advancements are expected in 2025.

Ways nurses can drive change in 2025 include:

– Waste reduction: Nurses can advocate for reusable supplies and lead recycling initiatives to reduce the 5 million tons of waste hospitals generate annually.

– Energy-saving: Nurses can implement energy-saving protocols, like turning off unused equipment and lights, and push for energy-efficient upgrades such as LED lighting.

– Sustainable practices: Nurses can promote eco-friendly products and educate patients on proper medication disposal and recycling.

Sustainability efforts in healthcare not only reduce environmental impact but also promote healthier communities and lower operational costs. Sustainable hospitals save millions by cutting waste and energy use, and nurses’ leadership in these areas contributes to a healthier planet and better patient outcomes.

 

Content from KTVZ

SUMNER COLLEGE STUDENT OF THE MONTH | DECEMBER 2024

Congratulations Kymra for being the December 2024 Student of the Month at Sumner!

Congratulations on your accomplishment!

Continuing Your Education with a BSN

Many individuals enter the nursing profession driven by a desire to help others. As they gain experience, many seek to advance their careers to provide a higher level of care and to access new opportunities. But how can nurses move up the professional ladder, and what benefits come with pursuing advanced education in the field?

Exploring the Hierarchy of Nursing Careers

The nursing profession is structured across several levels, each with its own responsibilities, requirements, and opportunities.

– Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are responsible for basic patient care tasks, often under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or doctors. While their role is crucial, it is limited in scope, and they typically work in supportive roles.

– Registered Nurses (RNs) hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and must pass a licensing exam to practice. RNs are responsible for direct patient care, coordinating treatments, and providing emotional support. Due to the increasing complexity of healthcare, many medical facilities now require nurses to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to stay competitive in the job market.

– Nurse Practitioners (NPs) hold advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). NPs are licensed to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and in many states, they can operate independently, without physician supervision. Becoming an NP requires passing a national certification exam and meeting specific state regulations.

The Value of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Nurses may wonder if investing in a BSN is worth it, especially when there is a shortage of healthcare workers. While it’s true that many nurses can find work with an ADN, obtaining a BSN opens the door to a wider range of career opportunities. Nurses with a BSN are often considered for leadership roles, such as charge nurses, nurse managers, or clinical educators, which are not typically available to those with only an ADN.

Moreover, nurses with a BSN tend to earn higher salaries, as they are qualified for more specialized positions. Many hospitals and healthcare systems now require nurses to obtain a BSN within a certain time frame as part of their employment policies.

Key Strategies for Advancing Your Nursing Career

Beyond formal education, nurses can advance their careers through several other strategies.

1. Lifelong Learning: The Importance of Continuing Education
As healthcare evolves, staying current with new techniques, technologies, and treatment protocols is crucial. Nurses can pursue ongoing education through professional development seminars, online courses, and graduate school programs. These opportunities allow nurses to deepen their expertise and remain competitive in their field.

2. The Power of Mentorship in Nursing
Mentoring can be an invaluable tool for professional growth. Experienced nurses can provide guidance to less-experienced colleagues, offering advice on career development, work-life balance, and navigating challenges like burnout. A mentor can help a nurse explore different specialties, evaluate career options, and offer insights based on their own journey in the field.

3. Networking and Growth: The Benefits of Professional Conferences
Nurses should take advantage of professional conferences, which provide opportunities for networking, learning, and growth. These events often offer continuing education sessions and workshops while fostering connections with other healthcare professionals. Conferences also serve as great venues for finding mentors or collaborators who can support a nurse’s career advancement.

4. Strengthening Your Career Through Nursing Associations
Becoming a member of professional nursing associations can provide access to valuable resources, including job listings, professional development programs, and advocacy efforts. Many associations offer members discounts on educational materials, certification programs, and conferences. One prominent organization to consider is the American Nurses Association (ANA), which advocates for the nursing profession and offers various career advancement resources.

Why Pursuing Higher Education is Key to Nursing Success

Pursuing further education is one of the most effective ways for nurses to expand their career potential. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often the first step toward advancing in the field, providing nurses with greater career flexibility, leadership roles, and higher salaries. Once a BSN is earned, many nurses choose to pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree to deepen their expertise and specialize in areas such as nurse anesthesia, nursing administration, or clinical nursing practice.

Every nurse’s career path is unique, so it’s important to choose educational and professional opportunities that align with personal goals, lifestyle, and interests. The nursing profession offers a wealth of opportunities for those who are committed to advancing their skills and knowledge. With dedication and the right support, nurses can find a wide range of avenues for career growth and personal fulfillment.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Sumner College! We are grateful to all of our students for entrusting us with taking their nursing dreams to reality.

Upcoming Info Sessions

Looking for some more information on our programs? Join us for an info session! Our upcoming info sessions are all at 11am, November 26, December 3, and December 5. Reserve a spot online, hope to see you there!

Why Become a Nurse?

A career in nursing offers one of the most exciting, rewarding, and dynamic paths in the healthcare field. With over 4 million registered nurses in the U.S., nursing stands as the largest sector of the healthcare workforce, encompassing more than 100 specialties to explore.

While nurses are essential in delivering hands-on patient care, their roles go far beyond that. They serve as leaders, advocates, educators, innovators, problem-solvers, policy makers, and agents of change.

Like any profession, nursing comes with its share of challenges, including long hours, physical and mental exhaustion, and the potential for stress. Despite these demands, nursing stands out as a field where individuals can truly make a lasting impact on patients, communities, and the healthcare system at large.

Nurses form the foundation of healthcare, bringing valuable experience, fresh ideas, and unique insights that allow them to transform healthcare delivery and promote equitable access for all.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments on beginning (or completing!) your nursing journey here at Sumner College.

Welcome New Class Start November 18!

Happy first day, and welcome, to our newest class starting today, November 18! Thank you for choosing Sumner College to continue your educational career! Dream it. Do it.

What Are Clinicals?

If you have been researching nursing schools, you may have seen the word “Clinicals” before but not known what they are. Clinicals are a safe space for nursing students to practice what they have been learning in class. This can be done in situations like a Simulation Lab, or it can be in a real clinic or hospital setting. This is a great opportunity to figure out what kind of nursing you may be most interested in. While this may seem intimidating, your clinical instructor and other nurses will be around to assist you if needed and to answer questions you may have. Here is a link to some of Sumner College’s Clinical Partners!

Sumner College Student of the Month | November 2024

Congratulations Olga for being the November 2024 Student of the Month at Sumner! Olga was inspired to join Sumner College’s nursing school after hearing about it from her Director of Nursing and working with Sumner students during their practicums. Combining hospitality and care — two passions that bring her fulfillment–drew her to a career in nursing.

Congratulations on your accomplishment!