Over the years, nursing specialty needs can change and registered nurses are more in-demand within certain areas and settings. The field of nursing is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and healthcare challenges. As a nurse, it’s important to stay informed about the latest trends for career growth, pay, and job opportunities.
Whether you’re a nursing student considering your career options or an experienced nurse looking to expand your skill set, it’s important to stay informed. This article will explore the top specialties for nurses this year, highlighting the growing need for specialized healthcare professionals and the rewarding opportunities that these specialties provide.
Nursing Trends for 2025
There are plenty of jobs emerging in healthcare, and nursing job opportunities continue to be high, as well. From an increased need for telehealth to advanced degree nursing in communities with limited access to healthcare, here are some of the trends you’ll notice this year.
Preventative Care
Preventative care is key to reducing illness and disease to maintain a healthy population overall. Primary care nurses specialize in seeing patients in office, checking vitals, listening to their concerns, and working with a primary care physician. Primary care nursing also includes advanced practice like nurse practitioners (NPs) as well.
With a growing population (the U.S. population will continue to grow to an estimated 370 million between now and 2080) and a shortage of registered nurses, primary care is a field with plenty of stable job opportunities, great nursing pay, and work/life balance.
Mental Health
There’s no question that the pandemic affected many individuals’ mental health. Among the nursing population, many nurses have experienced mental health challenges and compassion fatigue themselves. Isolation, grief, loss, economic impacts, and other issues have led to an uptick in depression and anxiety among people, particularly women and younger adults.
Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
Many healthcare professionals struggle with burnout, especially since COVID-19, with some leaving the profession altogether. The pandemic reminded healthcare communities of how important nurses are and the need for a good work-life balance. Today, there are more opportunities for nurses to explore that balance through travel, non-bedside, and alternative settings.
In addition to that, telehealth has made it easier for some nurses to work from home, opening up the opportunity to continue in the field. Additionally, telehealth allows nurses to reach patients with accessibility issues, creating non-traditional practice environments that help both nurses and patients alike.
Increased Demand and Opportunities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of RNs is expected to grow by 6%, which is faster than average, between 2022 and 2032. As of 2023, this field paid a median salary of $86,070 annually, which works out to around $41.38 per hour with a bachelor’s degree alone.
In-Demand Nursing Specialties and Settings
Behavioral Health Nursing
Behavioral health nurses belong to one of the fastest-growing fields in healthcare. With the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders and the recognition of the importance of treating the mind and body as a whole, there is a growing need for skilled professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients with behavioral health issues. As the demand for comprehensive mental healthcare continues to grow, the importance of behavioral nursing will only increase, making it a promising and rewarding field for healthcare professionals.
Long-Term Care Nursing
Long-term care nursing is a vital and high-demand profession in today’s healthcare industry. With an aging population and an increasing need for specialized care, the demand for long term care nurses is higher than ever before. Long-term care nurses play a crucial role in providing quality care and support to individuals who are unable to care for themselves due to chronic illnesses, disabilities, or old age. As Baby Boomers age, it’s expected that there will be an increased demand for long-term care nurses.
Correctional Nursing
Correctional nurses work with inmate populations and are typically the first to see them about their health. Working in correctional nursing presents unique challenges and opportunities for RNs and LPNs/LVNs. Although sometimes a challenging setting to work in, many nurses like the diverse patient populations, work/life balance, and great pay. As the demand for qualified correctional nurses continues to rise, this specialty provides ample opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
Med-Surg RN Nursing
Medical-surgical nurses are consistently recognized as one of the top specialties within the nursing profession. One of the main reasons why med-surg RNS are highly regarded is the diverse range of skills and knowledge required since they are responsible for managing a wide array of medical conditions and performing various complex procedures. A solid foundation in med-surg nursing can serve as a springboard to other specialized areas of nursing and many nurses who start their careers in med-surg go on to pursue advanced practice roles or specialized areas.
Advanced Practice Nursing
Nurse practitioners are highly sought after due to an increased demand for primary care providers. By 2032, there are expected to be an additional 118,600 roles added to the workforce (not including openings for nurse retirement or other reasons).
NPs are uniquely positioned to fill this gap and provide essential primary care services to patients who may not have easy access to a physician. Their advanced education and training enable them to diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions, promote health and wellness, and provide ongoing care and support to patients of all ages.
Travel Nursing
Becoming a travel nurse is an excellent way to explore different areas of the country and the nursing field in general. You’ll gain experience and get to see what it’s like to work with patient populations and medical teams in different scenarios. Travel nurses typically make more than the average staff nurse position, which makes it an appealing option for RNs interested in something new.
Choose Your Perfect Nursing Assignment with SHC
Whether you’re interested in working locally or want to travel, there are plenty of nurse job opportunities available in 2025. Work with SHC to find your next nursing assignment with our tech-enabled mobile app and country-wide network of recruiters and nursing jobs.
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