Read time 6 minutes

Published On Jul 30, 2024

The nursing profession has transformed dramatically since the time of Florence Nightingale.¹ But more recently, nothing has accelerated change in healthcare and the nursing profession quite like the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Nursing plays a pivotal role in healthcare and continues to evolve in response to technological advancements, societal changes and emerging health challenges. As we continue into the second half of 2024, most professions — including nursing — continue to undergo significant transformation. Keeping up to date on nursing trends can keep you in the know on best practices and ahead of the competition when looking to potentially advance your nursing career.

Exploring the key 2024 nursing trends provide you with the resources you can use to be an informed participant and advocate in the nursing profession from day one.

In This Article:

Embracing Technology and Innovation
Focus on Mental Health
Advancing Nursing Education
Challenges in the Nursing Workforce
Emphasis on Preventive Care and Health Promotion
A Bright Future for Nursing Trends 2024

Embracing Technology and Innovation

One of the most dynamic trends in nursing is the integration of advanced technologies. The use of technology was also heightened during the immediate aftermath of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic: From electronic health records (EHRs) to telehealth and artificial intelligence (AI), technology is revolutionizing nursing practice. Nurses increasingly use remote platforms to monitor chronic conditions, conduct follow-up appointments and provide mental health support.²

Telehealth Care Expansion

Telehealth has seen exponential growth, jumping by 766% immediately after the start of the pandemic.² The use of telehealth services appears to be here to stay. The trend toward telehealth will continue throughout 2024 and may soon become a standard component of patient care, due to its capacity for enhancing access to care and allowing more flexible and personalized patient interactions.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) are making significant inroads into nursing practice. These technologies are used to predict patient outcomes, optimize staffing and streamline administrative tasks. For instance, AI algorithms can analyze patient data to identify those at risk of complications, thereby enabling proactive interventions. This shift can improve patient outcomes as well as can enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery.³

The American Nurses Association’s most recent statement on the use of AI and ML in 2022 highlights the many benefits they offer to the nursing profession and patient care, but at the same time it warns that both must be used appropriately and in adherence with the core values and ethics of the nursing profession.³

Focus on Mental Health

An emphasis on mental health is one of the crucial current trends in nursing. The growing recognition of mental health's importance has led to increased need for mental health services. Nurses are playing a pivotal role in addressing this need both for their patients and themselves.

Integration of Mental Health Services

Nursing trends in 2024 show a stronger integration of mental health services within primary care settings. Nurses are being trained to identify and manage mental health conditions, ensuring that patients receive holistic care. This approach helps in the early detection and treatment of mental health issues, while also reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.

Nurse-led Mental Health Initiatives

Nurses are also leading community-based mental health initiatives for patients and nurses. These programs focus on education, prevention and support — particularly in underserved areas. By providing resources and support at the community level, nurses are helping to bridge the gap in mental health services.

Advancing Nursing Education

Nursing education is also evolving to keep pace with the changing demands of healthcare. Nursing trends in 2024 highlight a shift toward more specialized, advanced training and more flexible schooling models.

Emphasis on Specialization

With the increasing complexity of healthcare, there is a growing need for nurses with specialized skills. In 2024, nursing programs are placing greater emphasis on specialties such as geriatrics, oncology and critical care. This specialized training equips nurses with the expertise to manage complex patient needs effectively. The top three specialties for nursing, according to News Medical, are:⁴

Advanced practice nurse (NP): These nurses have a master's degree and can further specialize. For example, adult-gerontological NPs care for older patients, pediatric NPs provide care for children, and nurse midwives care for pregnant women.
Ambulatory care nurse: With the shift to remote patient monitoring and telehealth services, patients can stay in their homes. However, there are some services that nurses may still need to give in person, such as wound care, which an ambulatory care nurse can provide.
Cardiac care nurse: Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. for more than 100 years, according to the American Heart Association, so it makes sense that nurses must be knowledgeable about heart disease.⁵ Cardiac care nurses can work in the intensive care unit (ICU) or cardiac monitoring units, called telemetry units.

Online and Hybrid Learning Models

Another significant trend in nursing education is the adoption of online and hybrid learning models. These flexible learning options can make it easier for nurses to pursue advanced degrees and continuing education while balancing work and personal responsibilities. Using improved digital platforms, nursing education is becoming more accessible and adaptable to individual needs.

Challenges in the Nursing Workforce

The nursing profession continues to face workforce challenges, especially shortages due to an aging nursing population and burnout. The most recent estimate from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the need for registered nurses to increase by 6% — faster than average — over the next 10 years.⁶ Current trends in nursing focus on addressing these issues to ensure a sustainable and resilient workforce.

Strategies To Combat Burnout

Burnout remains a critical issue in nursing, exacerbated by the demands of the pandemic. In response, healthcare organizations are implementing strategies to support nurses’ well-being. These include providing mental health resources, promoting work–life balance and fostering supportive work environments.⁷

By prioritizing nurses’ well-being, healthcare organizations can reduce turnover and improve patient care quality.

State and Federal Legislation To Support Nurses

The topic of mandatory staffing ratios is often decided at the state and federal levels. Many nursing leaders are advocating that the patient-to-nurse ratio be standardized and codified into law to protect nurses and patients alike. Research shows that nurses who work with standardized care ratios report less burnout and that their patients have better outcomes.^8,9

Emphasis on Preventive Care and Health Promotion

Preventive care and health promotion have always been central tenets of nursing practice, and they continue to be emphasized in recent years. The shift toward value-based care models underscores the importance of prevention in improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.¹⁰

Community Health Initiatives

As the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted, nurses continue to be at the forefront of community health initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent disease. These programs include health screenings, vaccination drives and education on nutrition and exercise. By engaging with communities, nurses are helping to create healthier environments and reduce the burden of chronic diseases.

Patient Education and Empowerment

Educating patients about their health is a critical aspect of preventive care. Regardless of the setting, one key role of a nurse is that of an educator, helping patients (as well as newer nurses) understand medical conditions, treatment options and lifestyle changes, thus empowering patients to take an active role in their health.

A Bright Future for Nursing Trends 2024

These 2024 nursing trends reflect that nurses are forward-thinking. By embracing technology and promoting evidence-based practice changes, nurses are well-positioned to address the evolving needs of healthcare. These trends in nursing will continue to shape the future of nursing and our healthcare system, ensuring that quality patient care and improved health outcomes remain a top priority.¹¹

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¹ Florence Nightingale Foundation. (2024, April 4). Retrieved May 26, 2024.

² Shaver, J. (2022, April 25). The State of Telehealth Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved May 26, 2024.

³ American Nurses Association. (2022). The Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Practice. Retrieved May 26, 2024.

⁴ Smith, Y. (2023, Aug. 21). Nursing Specializations. News Medical. Retrieved May 26, 2024.

⁵ American Heart Association. (2024, Jan. 24). More Than Half of U.S. Adults Don’t Know Heart Disease is Leading Cause of Death, Despite 100-Year Reign. Retrieved May 26, 2024.

⁶ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). Registered Nurses : Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved May 20, 2024.

⁷ American Nurses Foundation (ANA). (2023, Nov. 7). The American Nurses Foundation Says Action is Still Needed to Address Serious Nursing Workforce Challenges. Retrieved July 15, 2024.

⁸ Chen, Y.-C., Guo, Y.-L. L., Chin, W.-S., Cheng, N.-Y., Ho, J.-J., & Shiao, J. S.-C. (2019, Nov. 29). Patient-Nurse Ratio is Related to Nurses’ Intention to Leave Their Job Through Mediating Factors of Burnout and Job Dissatisfaction. International journal of environmental research and public health. Retrieved May 26, 2024.

⁹ Lasater, K. B., Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D., French, R., Martin, B., Alexander, M., & McHugh, M. D. (2021, Dec. 8). Patient Outcomes and Cost Savings Associated with Hospital Safe Nurse Staffing Legislation: An Observational study. BMJ open. Retrieved May 26, 2024.

¹⁰ National Library of Medicine (NIH). (2020, May). Defining and Implementing Value-Based Health Care: A Strategic Framework. Retrieved July 15, 2024.

¹¹ National Library of Medicine (NIH). (2021, June 14). How the Nursing Profession Should Adapt for a Digital Future. Retrieved July 15, 2024.

Approved by the associate dean of the College of Nursing and Healthcare Professions on July 22, 2024.