Nursing trends come and go every year, but 2018 had many new trends that seem to be here for the long run. Let’s take a look at the biggest nursing trends of 2018.
One of the most dramatic nursing trends of 2018 is the focus on issues impacting older adults. Eighty-five years and older represents the fastest growing population in the United States, and with a longer-lived population comes more age related health problems. There has been an increasing focus in all healthcare professions, but it is particularly prominent within the nursing field.
Technology Trends
Another trend in nursing has been the increased use of technology. While this has been true for some time, technology has only become more used in all medical fields. Nurses are required to be trained in more areas and types of technology, as well as having a comprehensive knowledge of computers and mobile technology. This is one trend that is only going to continue as advances become more dependent on computer programs and robotics.
Nursing education has also changed this year. A million new nurses are predicted to be needed in 2022, and nursing programs are moving to fill this need. Schools are offering online nursing programs with more flexibility, and the high number of accredited online programs means that training is possible while working. This trend makes advanced training more convenient than ever to get,and has led to ever higher standards in the nursing field.
Trends in Nursing Care
Preventative care, like technology, has become huge in recent years, and 2018 has only enforced this trend. Insurance companies and health care providers have both been pushing more preventative care programs, and nurses are expected to be versed in them. The prevalence of preventable disease has made this an important priority in all medical fields.
The recent H1N1 and ebola scares have called to attention the need for strict workplace safety standards in medical facilities, and 2018 has seen a huge increase in workplace safety programs. Nurses are required to be trained in how to keep themselves and others as safe as possible, especially during potential health crises.
One of the last nursing trends of 2018 is an emphasis on collaborative nursing. Entire teams of doctors, nurses, and specialists are being assigned to patients to provide the most comprehensive care possible
