It’s no secret there’s a current nursing shortage. From an aging population and workforce to population growth and burnout, nursing professionals have left desirable positions available for nurses looking to make a career shift.
These five nursing specialties, in no particular order, are currently in high demand:
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Nurse Midwives
- Nurse Practitioners
- Geriatric Nurses
- Nurse Educators
Read on to learn more about these in-demand nursing specialties, including why they’re growing and what you can earn in these roles.
The Nursing Shortage’s Impact on High-Demand Specialties
According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average growth rate for any occupation or career field is 0.3 percent. Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners are needed so badly that the expected growth rate for these roles is projected far above the average—38 percent from 2022 to 2032!
Plus, the United States Census Bureau estimates that by the mid-2030s, approximately 77 million US residents will be over the age of sixty-five, much more than the number of residents under eighteen. Nurses specializing in geriatric medicine are in short supply already, and as the older population increases, the shortage will grow due to increased demand unless openings are filled.
Nurse educators are also in short supply. This particular specialty affects all aspects of nursing. Without trained and competent nurse educators, there is no hope of improving the nursing shortage. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing describes how nursing schools could not enroll 91,938 eligible candidates in the 2021–2022 college year due to a shortage of qualified educators. Filling the gap in nurse educator positions is essential for the well-being of the field as a whole.
Why Are These Nursing Specialties in Demand?
The world’s population is changing. We need more healthcare workers to keep up with the ever-growing population. Additionally, the desire for work-life balance is evolving. People recognize the need for life outside of work and more downtime to maintain their mental health and avoid burnout. This shift in mindset is changing what the workforce wants in their careers.
In the United States, people are moving to suburban and rural areas to leave city life. For some individuals, remote work allows them to live anywhere while continuing to work for higher-paying companies. Many nurses who work outside direct patient care, such as nurse educators, can work remotely. However, towns that once had a small population covered by a few physicians are growing beyond the ability of the area’s medical practices. This population shift is changing the needs of nursing staff.
In addition, there’s a shortage of primary care physicians. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, by 2034, there will be a shortage of up to 48,000 primary care physicians in the United States. Nurse practitioners ease this shortage, especially in rural communities. Depending on the state, a nurse practitioner can practice with full, reduced, or restricted practice autonomy.
The aging population has also increased the need for procedures and surgeries. Certified registered nurse anesthetists practice with a large amount of autonomy. They evaluate and prepare patients for anesthesia, anesthetize and support them during their procedure, and ensure the appropriate care and support after the patient’s event to their normal state.
Nurses with a specialty in geriatric medicine are also in demand due to the aging population. Geriatric patients react differently to medications and procedures than younger adults, and someone specializing in this age group requires specific knowledge to navigate their needs. A significant function of the geriatric nurse is to ensure the patient’s understanding and compliance with medical regimens.
Nurse educators are in short supply due to the aging workforce versus the growth in the prospective student population. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, between 2021 and 2022, the average age of a doctorate-level professor was sixty-two years old. During the same period, the average age of a master’s level professor was fifty-five years old. It’s essential to healthcare that colleges not only have great nursing programs, but also do all they can to recruit and retain faculty.
How Does the Demand for These Nursing Specialties Impact Job Opportunities and Salaries?
Nurses looking to work in a high-demand specialty will have an easier time finding a position than other job seekers, and if you have skill sets that fit these specialties, you’ll have better bargaining power for salary negotiation.
- The salary range for nurse anesthetists, depending on the type of facility you practice in, is $143,790 to $246,980.
- A nurse midwife’s salary range is wide, from $71,580 in a physician’s office to $153,310 in an outpatient facility.
- Depending on the facility, a nurse practitioner’s salary can range from $121,880 to $148,960 annually.
- A geriatric nurse’s salary can vary from $71,190 to $112,480, depending on the type of facility. Geriatric nurses work in physician offices, clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and the insurance industry.
- Nurse educators’ salaries range from $77,210 to $132,200, covering a wide range based on location, degree, and level of nursing program taught.
With all the above salary ranges, the more certifications achieved, the more opportunities for salary increases. Many organizations offer incentives for specialty certifications and extra training as well. For example, a nurse educator may be compensated for grant writing abilities. Additionally, due to staffing shortages, many facilities have incentive sign-on bonuses and assistance with relocation and student loan repayment.
It’s Never Too Late to Transition to a New Specialty
It’s true! It’s never too late to take a few courses, return to school to further your degree, or get the certification to transition to a new specialty. Learning is a lifelong endeavor. If you’re interested in taking a new direction with your career, take some time to research the position. Ask for personal insight from someone who already performs the specialty, and consider shadowing in the position for a shift or two.
If you want a change of pace for your career, one of the top in-demand nursing specialties might be a fit for you. These specialties offer diverse patient populations and skill sets with varying salary ranges. Plus, they’re often easier positions to transition into, as there are frequently more openings than applicants. Before long, you’ll experience an enjoyable career change into an area where your services are essential.
Author Bio
Kate Houck, RN, BSN, is a L&D nurse with over nine years of experience in OB, lactation, school nursing, and pediatrics. She has a passion for taking care of families and helping new nurses be the best they can be.
