In 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act opened access to healthcare to millions of Americans. The passing of this landmark legislation increased opportunities for nurses, especially those seeking nursing administration jobs. The nursing professional is being called on to meet the increasing needs of the changing healthcare environment, particularly as it pertains to providing high quality patient care.
Nursing Job Outlook
The future is bright in nursing. Estimates suggest there will be 1.05 million nursing positions open by 2022. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services manager jobs, including roles in nursing administration, will grow at a rate of 17 percent through 2024. The average growth rate for all occupations during the same time frame is 7 percent. This unprecedented growth is attributed to several factors. The increase in nursing positions will lead to the need for more administrators to manage and facilitate those work environments. This need for more nurses is fed by the increase of insured citizens and an aging baby-boomer population beginning to flood the healthcare market.
Another factor for an increase in jobs in nurse administration is the focus on nursing solutions for the healthcare issues facing underserved Americans. Models such as nurse-managed health centers will create opportunities for nurse leaders to step in and develop efficient care centers focused on quality care.
Educational Opportunities
There has never been a better time for nurses to return to school, especially if they are interested in future nursing administration jobs. There are more options than ever for pursuing educational advancement, especially for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Options include on-campus and increasingly popular online MSN programs. The online programs at Lamar University provide the same instruction as that of the on-campus programs but with the flexibility to fit the schedule of a practicing nurse. An online MSN program can be tailored to the student’s life with fewer interruptions to work or family obligations.
There is more educational financial assistance available than ever before, making now the best time to pursue a higher education. Millions of dollars are available for nurses seeking higher education, especially those focused on underserved communities.
It is an exciting time in healthcare. The move toward preventive, holistic care is perfectly suited for nurses who are ready to serve. Nurses seeking out nursing administrator jobs will find a future full of rewarding challenges as the quality of America’s healthcare increases.
Learn more about the Lamar University online MSN in Nursing Administration program.
Sources:
http://journals.lww.com/ajnonline/Fulltext/2010/09000/Nurses_and_the_Affordable_Care_Act.2.aspx
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/737413
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-1
