6 Trends in Nursing Education 2022: What to Expect and Adopt

Nancy Mitchell

Nursing has been the top-rated profession for the last 20 consecutive years. Due to the pandemic, it has become in demand now, more than ever. There is a need for nurses to take care of patients amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressed the International Council on Nurses. It was held in November 2021 at the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress in Geneva.

Ghebreyesus said, “the pandemic has reminded all of us how much we all depend on nurses, from our first days to our last, and why all countries must invest in nurses now and for the future.”

Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over three million registered nurses in the United States. Yet, the demand for nurses is continuously increasing. The nursing profession appears to be growing in every way.

But before joining the workforce, aspiring nurses must get the required education. The initial step to take is to get a nursing degree. However, it's best to learn the latest trends in nursing.

That said, here’s what to expect and adopt in nursing education:

1. The Need for Distance Learning

The pandemic has paved the way for distance learning. If anything, it has revealed the value and benefits of online education. And this applies to nursing as well:

Online Education: Digital tools and communications technology have made online learning plausible. Nursing educators provide online instructions in a remote location. What's good is that nursing students are adaptive to this setup.
Hybrid Learning: Nursing schools have adopted hybrid learning as the pandemic has subsided. While online courses remain, nursing students are in the field for practicum.
More Learning Opportunities: Digital technologies have opened doorways to more learning opportunities. Aspiring nurses can enroll in various online nursing programs offered by various educational institutions.

2. Tech Adoption in Nursing Education

The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation and technological advancements in various industries. The field of nursing is no exception.

We’ve seen tech adoption in nursing education. Let’s explore what these technological resources are:

Automation: Automation eliminates manual work and boosts efficiency. Learning institutions can use this technology in nursing education. For instance, automation is best for medical recording.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is the simulation of human intelligence in technology. For instance, AI-powered Chatbot is ideal for frequently asked questions (FAQs) in the medical field.
Cloud computing: Cloud gives access to data storage, servers, databases, and networks via the internet. This technology helps in online education, virtual healthcare, and remote patient monitoring (RPM).
Extended Reality (XR): The XR technology can be virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed realities. Learning institutions can leverage this technology for an enhanced online learning experience.
3D Printing: This additive manufacturing process allows the creation of a physical object from a digital design. For instance, nursing students can study 3D-printed heart models for congenital heart surgery.

3. The Rise of Telehealth

Telehealth has become a buzzword during this pandemic. It refers to the healthcare delivery in a remote location, not in a medical facility.

However, telehealth doesn't only mean doctor-patient interactions for medical care. Nurses, pharmacists, and social workers providing remote health services also fall under this.

Student nurses can also capitalize on telehealth for their nursing practice. Here’s what they can deliver:

Telemedicine involves using communications technology to provide medical, diagnostic, and treatment services. Student nurses can virtually attend to patients in the comfort of their homes.
Telecare entails using technology for patients to stay healthy and safe in their homes. Student nurses can monitor their health through apps or wearables worn by patients.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) allows tracking patients outside conventional medical facilities. Student nurses can provide effective, preventative health care in remote locations.

4. The Demand for Home Health Care and Personalized Care

Home health care is providing health and supportive care to patients at home. It has long been in the industry, but it has become in demand during this pandemic.

Home health care is among the fastest-growing industries in U.S. healthcare. Student nurses can practice their profession through this setup.

Furthermore, health care delivery doesn’t only apply to patients at home. Patients also seek personalized care in a nursing home and skilled nursing facility.

Stephan Baldwin, Founder of Assisted Living, said, “We employ the best nurses and caregivers to take care of our patients. That’s the best thing we can do in the wake of the pandemic.”

5. The Focus on Holistic Care

In recent years, there has been a focus on holistic care. It has become all the more evident during this pandemic.

The ultimate goal of holistic care is to promote health and well-being. To that end, student nurses should learn to be multifaceted in delivering health care.

Anthony Martin, the Founder and CEO of Choice Mutual, believes that health care is more than fostering physical and mental health.

“It’s about making and giving choices to ensure the overall quality of life. That’s why we provide our clients with options for life insurance plans," Martin said.

6. Filling Shortages in the Pandemic and Post-COVID World

WHO published the first State of the World’s Nursing (SOWN) report in 2020. The report cites a shortfall of almost six million nurses worldwide.

Unfortunately, 17% of nurses will retire in the next ten years. About 10.60 million nurses will be needed by 2030. Hence, almost five million nurses must be educated and employed. This is to compensate the retirees and cover the shortages.

What do the facts and figures above imply? The nursing profession will remain in demand during this pandemic and the post-COVID period. Hence, aspiring nurses should join the nursing bandwagon.

Take Your Nursing Degree to the Next Level

It’s time to kick your nursing degree up a notch. As early as now, learn the top trends in nursing education and the profession in general. Consider those discussed above, and align your nursing goals with them.

Learn as much as you can. Enter the workforce, having acquired extensive knowledge and developed skills in nursing. Understand that your role as a nurse is crucial. Not only do you treat patients, but you are also responsible for saving lives!

References

Military Brass, Judges Among Professions at New Image Lows

WHO Director-General's remarks at the ICN Congress: Nurses around the world - November 2021

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook / Registered Nurses

Trends in Nursing Education: What to Expect for the Future

Cloud Computing

Application of 3D printing technology combined with PBL teaching model in teaching clinical nursing in congenital heart surgery

What is Telemedicine in a non-US Setting

Telehealth, Telemedicine, and Telecare: What's What?

The Future of Healthcare is Coming Home: Three Major Trends to Leverage for Startups

WHO: State of the World's Nursing 2020: Investing in Education, Jobs and Leadership