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