Introduction
Registered nursing faces severe challenges, particularly regarding a lack of nurses. One-third of the nursing workforce may be eligible to retire within the next 10–15 years since there are now about one million registered nurses older than 50 (Haddad, 2023). This figure includes nursing professors who face the additional challenge of educating more nurses with fewer resources.
Challenges Facing the Nursing Profession
As a result of a critical scarcity of qualified nursing instructors, enrolment in nursing programs has been severely constrained in recent years. Considering this, I worry that I would feel burnt out and discontent in my future job if I worked at a hospital with many patients compared to the number of nurses. Conversely, my knowledge would be in more demand due to the shortage, resulting in more compensation.
In a related vein, numerous hospitals have documented problems with registered nurse burnout. In other studies, up to 70% of RNs showed signs of burnout (Bakhamis et al., 2019). The hallmarks of nurse burnout are a condition of emotional tiredness characterized by a lack of motivation, enthusiasm, and an inability to cope with the stresses. I worry that I, too, may eventually experience burnout when feelings of weariness, apathy, and lack of interest in one’s work combine to render one useless and unable to make a significant contribution.
Nevertheless, bolstering nurses’ resilience can help them cope better with stress, leading to less burnout and better performance (Yu et al., 2019). Consequently, cultivating resilience is essential for me, as it may help me construct techniques to lessen the impact of job demands and combat burnout.
Anticipated Changes in the Nursing Career Landscape
Telehealth, which uses today’s advanced technological infrastructure, aspires to revolutionize healthcare delivery. The nursing profession will be affected directly by the increased usage of telehealth. Nurses are already pressured to learn new technologies as they emerge, and healthcare facilities must maintain steady refresher courses to guarantee their personnel stays current (Global Health, 2020). Higher standards and an increased need for familiarity with new technologies would result from such shifts. It may seem overwhelming, but as an aspiring nurse, I want to use this challenge to further my skills and the quality of care I provide.
Alternative Pathways to Entering the Nursing Field
A bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing is required by law for RNs to renew their licenses as registered professionals within ten years of receiving their original license. To become a registered nurse in the United States, you must first graduate from a recognized nursing program. To practice as an RN in the state of New York, one has to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (All Nursing Schools, 2023). Therefore, as a future nurse, having a degree is essential for me. However, I would also consider volunteering to increase my experience and expertise and, by extension, my chances of securing stable employment.
Internships and Apprenticeships in Nursing
Aspiring nurses can participate in either an internship or an apprenticeship program. Many nursing students choose to apply for internships even though they are not compulsory, and hours worked do not count toward a degree (Malone, 2022). Under the watchful eye of an RN, they can learn and apply nursing techniques.
Interns do a wide variety of jobs but never ones that generally need a nurse’s license. However, the requirements of the nursing apprenticeship program are far higher. Still, when one works through schooling, one gains practical experience and training while being paid. Therefore, one is ready to enter the workforce after completing an apprenticeship.
Conclusion
Burnout and scarcity of nurses are the significant challenges identified. In addition, the advent of telehealth has raised the bar for me regarding future technical competence in the nursing profession. To work as a registered nurse, it is mandated by law that I complete formal education in the field. Nonetheless, participating in voluntary work, an internship, or even an apprenticeship would significantly enhance my professional standing.
References
All Nursing Schools. (2023). 7 steps to become a New York nurse | All Nursing Schools. Web.
Bakhamis, L., Paul, D. L., Smith, H. I., & Coustasse, A. (2019). Still an epidemic: The burnout syndrome in hospital registered nurses. The Health Care Manager, 38(1), 3–10. Web.
Global Health. (2020). The future of nursing | Global Health Education. Web.
Haddad, L. M. (2023). Nursing shortage. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. Web.
Malone, M. (2022). Do you have to do an internship to be an RN? Chron. Web.
Yu, F. W. P., Raphael, D., Mackay, L., Sadelain, M., & King, A. M. P. (2019). Personal and work-related factors associated with nurse resilience: A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 93, 129–140. Web.