Nursing shortages are often noted in the news and media, and the healthcare system in Texas is no exception. The population of Texas is growing, but that is not the only factor contributing to the current nursing shortage. As with much of the country, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed Texas hospitals and healthcare facilities to the breaking point. But shortages in the state existed long before the pandemic.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes, “Demand for healthcare services will increase because of the large number of older people, who typically have more medical problems than younger people.” More registered nurses (RNs) are needed to help care for these aging patients in a multitude of settings.
In addition, many openings for nurses result from existing nurses moving into different job fields or leaving the workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, increasing burnout levels and leading to more professionals leaving nursing altogether. The combination of the large influx of aging patients with complex medical needs and nurses leaving the profession can lead to challenging nursing shortages.
The High Need for Nurses in Texas
In terms of the nursing shortage, Texas is a key growth area. According to the Texas Hospital Association’s COVID-19 Impact Report, roughly 500,000 nurses were expected to leave the workforce in 2022, increasing the shortage to 1.1 million nurses.
With over 231,000 working RNs, BLS reports that — out of all states in the U.S. — Texas has the second highest employment level for nurses in the country. According to Forbes, Texas also has the second highest projected job growth level for nurses. Considering the high need for qualified RNs in the state, some nurses may consider earning an online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree and relocating to Texas to advance their careers and have their pick of available nursing jobs.
An RN to BSN Bridge Program Can Advance Your Career
If you are already a nurse, you can position yourself to take advantage of the booming job market in healthcare by improving your skill set and qualifications. Earning a BSN degree through a program like Lamar University’s online RN to BSN will give you leadership and management skills, qualifying you for advanced positions that pay more and offer great career satisfaction.
Healthcare facilities experiencing high demand for BSNs due to the nursing shortage in Texas include:
- Doctors’ offices
- Private home healthcare providers
- Hospitals who need staff nurses
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Insurance companies
Benefits of Completing Coursework Online
Even beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, the nursing shortage Texas is experiencing can increase overtime and extra shifts for RNs. This can make it hard to find time for continuing education in a traditional RN to BSN bridge program. Accredited online universities provide flexible alternatives for nurses who are already working full-time.
First, you can complete Lamar University’s RN to BSN coursework online in as little as 13 months — or at your own pace. Learning through online platforms can also provide a better work and life balance as you juggle the needs of busy shifts at work with the needs of family.
Second, your networking opportunities will expand far beyond your immediate surroundings. You can interact, network and learn from other students all over the country without ever leaving your home.
Finally, you can receive individual attention from professors that you might not otherwise get. Online education levels the playing field, offering timely, individualized communication, grading and in-depth comments on coursework and participation.
The Need for Nurses in Texas Will Likely Increase
Texas has the second largest population in the U.S., and that population is aging fast. So is the population of nurses, due to various factors. According to Health Affairs, the “total supply of RNs decreased by more than 100,000 in one year [2021] — a far greater drop than ever observed over the past four decades.” Plus, a “significant number” of these nurses were less than 35 years old. Data from the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Study also shows that the median age of the nurses dropped substantially over the course of the pandemic, reflecting dramatic changes in nursing workforce demographics with “many older nurses opting to leave the profession.”
Moreover, the nursing shortage in Texas is only expected to get worse, so new workers will need to emerge to meet the needs of a booming healthcare industry. Clearly, this is a time of great opportunity for motivated nurses to advance their careers through earning an RN to BSN degree.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online RN to BSN program.
