Why Nursing is Becoming the Most In-Demand Profession in 2024
Publié le 12 April 2024
See why nursing is becoming the most in-demand profession in 2024 and if it is the right career for you.
In Canada and around the world, nursing jobs are in high demand. The World Health Organization warns of a global nursing shortage that has increased the need for more nurses in nearly every country.
Luckily, a nursing career is an attractive choice for anyone wishing to explore a role in the medical field. The average nurse salary is competitive no matter where you live, and most nurses find that their jobs are quite rewarding.
It’s true that most nursing roles come with a certain level of stress, and some nurse specialties are harder than others. But for anyone who is looking for a career shift to a more gratifying occupation, a nursing career just might be the right choice.
If you’re interested in learning more about the typical nursing salary, what kinds of nursing fields are out there, or what nursing career options are available for you, you’ve come to the right place.
Factors Driving the Surge in Nursing Careers
More nursing roles come open every day, and several factors influence why nursing is becoming the most in-demand profession in 2024.
Nursing Shortages
Around the globe, especially since the pandemic shook the world, nursing shortages have had severe consequences. Thousands of nursing jobs were impacted by the deadly virus.
But nursing jobs were already widely unfilled before the pandemic, with many countries reporting shortages in nursing and healthcare fields well before 2020.
Increased Demand for Specific Nurse Specialties
While most nurses obtain general degrees in nursing school that allow them to work in any area, specialized nurses trained in pediatrics, cardiology, emergency care, oncology, and critical care, are in high demand, particularly in countries like Australia where specialized nurses are in short supply.
Aging Populations
As people age, more skilled nurses are needed to care for them worldwide. The baby boomer generation is larger than the generations that came before them, and as they age, they are at risk of having chronic conditions that also require ongoing care.
The Average Nurse Salary
The average nurse salary in Canada is $71,894 per year. The average salary for entry level nurses is $57,387 annually. Note that the average nurse’s salary depends on many factors, one of which is the specialty chosen by the nurse. Figuring out the nursing salary you could expect starts with considering what specialty you’d most like to work in.
Technology’s Impact on Nursing: Opportunities and Challenges
Nursing in 2024 is far different than it was fifty years ago. Even in the last decade, technological advancements in nursing have changed many aspects of the field.
From digitizing medical charts to using updated medical equipment that saves time, nurses can leverage technology to make their jobs easier. On the other hand, changes to the fundamental way your job is done can be difficult to keep up with. Continuing education is essential so you don’t get left behind as technology becomes more available.
Opportunities Beyond the Bedside: Diverse Career Paths in Nursing
Bedside nursing jobs can be incredibly demanding, but there are other options that offer a better work/life balance and may even come with better pay. A nursing career does not have to be a one-size-fits-all endeavor.
Some options for nursing that don’t involve clinical or bedside care include:
- Mental health nurse
- Informatics nurse
- Nurse educator
- Public health nurse
- Nurse case manager
- Phone triage nurse
A few of these non-bedside nursing opportunities can even be done remotely. Any of these are great options for nurses (or those hoping to become nurses) who don’t feel like a clinic setting is right for them. These jobs may also come with a higher-than-average nursing salary.
Global Perspective: Nursing Demand on a Worldwide Scale
While Canada’s nursing shortage is a problem, it’s not a unique one. There is a massive demand for nurses across the world. The International Council of Nurses has gone so far as to refer to the global nursing shortage as a “global health emergency.”
While the average nursing salary varies based on which country you live in, the profession remains competitive in pay globally. Despite the financial opportunities, nurses are still in demand in most of the world.
The Future of Nursing: Trends and Projections for 2024 and Beyond
With the broad future of nursing uncertain, there are a few critical factors that will influence what comes next for the profession.
First, technological advancements are expected to continue to impact nursing. Everything from medical scrubs worn by nurses to the equipment they use daily is affected by technology. As more innovations emerge, nurses will have access to more tools to help them do their jobs efficiently.
The hope throughout the medical field is that the gaps will close to reduce the nursing shortage. Filling these positions globally is of the utmost importance to provide proper care to an aging population.
Conclusion
There will always be a need for qualified nurses prepared to provide compassionate care in many settings. When you consider the growing health care needs of aging populations around the world, it’s plain to see why nursing is becoming the most in-demand profession in 2024. If you’ve considered going into nursing, now is a great time to explore the opportunities available to you.
