Young Nurses Seek Advanced Degrees, Leaving Gaps in Direct Care

A 2017 survey by AMN Healthcare found nearly 50 percent of millennial nurses, 35 percent of those in Generation X, and 12 percent of baby boomers plan on becoming advanced-practice nurses, reports Modern Healthcare . Their main goal is to become nurse practitioners, who generally are more autonomous and well-suited to look after less acute cases and fill care gaps left by the shortage of primary-care doctors. However, registered nurses (RNs) are in short supply, and AMN's Marcia Faller says this education trend could worsen the shortfall. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says seven states will have RN shortages continue through 2030 as the aging population and need for chronic disease management fuels demand. The poll also found 17 percent of millennial RNs plan to look for a new nursing job while the economy is rebounding, versus 15 percent of Gen Xers and 10 percent of boomers. Ten percent of millennials said they would pursue travel nursing, while only 6 percent of Gen Xers and 5 percent of boomers agreed. Faller stresses that nursing leaders must foster a workplace with a positive culture, and 68 percent of millennials said culture benefits quality of care compared to 62 percent of Gen Xers and 57 percent of boomers. Millennials are more supportive overall of their leadership and value one who supports career development. "More organizations need to ensure that RNs are working at the top of their license," Faller notes.