How will health reform affect demand for RNs?

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Workforce Analysis
• Nursing Economics

Background:

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects significant growth in registered nursing (RN) positions.
• Employment for RNs is anticipated to rise by 26% over a decade, reaching 3.5 million jobs by 2020.
• Outpatient settings, physician offices, and home health care are identified as rapidly expanding sectors for RN employment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze projected demand for registered nurses (RNs) in the U.S. labor market.
• To identify key healthcare settings experiencing growth in nursing jobs.
• To explore the evolving skill requirements for RNs, influenced by healthcare policy.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of labor market data and employment forecasts from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Review of trends in healthcare delivery settings and their impact on nursing roles.
• Examination of policy influences, such as the Affordable Care Act, on nursing practice.

Main Results:

• Registered nurse (RN) employment is forecasted to grow substantially, with 3.5 million jobs expected by 2020.
• The fastest employment growth for RNs is predicted in outpatient care and home health services.
• The Affordable Care Act is expected to shape the future work environments and necessary competencies for RNs.

Conclusions:

• A high demand for skilled registered nurses (RNs) is anticipated in the evolving healthcare landscape.
• RNs will increasingly take on roles such as care coordinators, case managers, patient educators, and chronic care specialists.
• Adaptability and specialized skills will be crucial for RNs to succeed in projected job growth areas.