Healthcare Demand for Nurses is High
The number of individuals entering nursing schools, graduating, and passing their nursing boards is not enough to meet the healthcare services demand. The high vacancy of unfulfilled positions has existed consistently for more than 30 years. There simply are not enough graduating nurses available to fill the vacancies of hospitals and other healthcare services. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Fact sheet, “Nursing is the nation’s largest healthcare profession, with more than 3.8 million Registered Nurses nationwide.” Of all licensed RN’s, 84.5% are employed in nursing according to the National Nursing Workforce Survey of Journal of Nursing regulations, 9(3) supplement (S1-S54). The vacancies at various healthcare facilities and healthcare services continue to place a strain on the healthcare system because of the shortage of the nurses, and the commendable, but often failed attempts to fill the gap daily.
Nursing Rewards are High
Nursing is a rewarding career filled with great opportunities for personal growth, financial growth, emotional growth, intellectual growth and spiritual growth. Dedicating oneself to the caring of another is a personal choice and the nurse should do all that they can to help their patient achieve an optimal level of health. Whatever level of nursing you completed and whatever area of healthcare you select to work in, know that you are part of a long line of nursing services that has been carved out of the many great nurses who came before you. Your educational journey may not have been the easiest route, but it surely will benefit you.
Continuing Education for Nurses Doesn’t Stop
The nurse’s education doesn’t stop once they graduate and pass the nursing boards. Maintaining licensure is an ongoing commitment by each nurse, and every nurse is responsible for taking continuing education courses to meet their individual state’s board of nursing requirements. Taking continuing education courses will ensure that licensure is maintained, and having an active license is paramount.
Nurses Are Needed in the Expanding Healthcare Field
We want to express our heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates in nursing; Licensed Vocational Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Thank you for taking the journey to study hard and achieve your personal educational goals. As you prepare to take your nursing boards, know that you are prepared and knowledgeable to exceed all challenges before you. You are much needed in the rapidly expanding healthcare field and we know that you will make a difference in the hundreds of lives that you care for throughout your career.
