2021 is a particularly difficult year for predictions. Nobody at this point last year thought we’d be where we are now. But looking at the past several years, there are a few nursing future trends we can pick out that we feel confident will be huge in the next 12 months.

Increased Use Of Telehealth Services

Amid the concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has fully arrived and it won’t be leaving anytime soon. That’s why it’s going to be a huge medium for nursing in 2021. From the patient side, it’s hard to beat the convenience of seeing a medical professional at home, especially compared to going into a clinic and sitting for ages in a waiting room.

That’s why this will be one of the biggest nursing trends going forward: it’s just a better way of doing things when the problem is relatively small. So make sure you know the different software options, how to use them, and what is required for HIPAA compliance. If you know what you’re doing with telehealth, that’ll make you a better prospect for a lot of employers going forward.

Nurses Who Specialize

The days when all you had to do was get your certification as an RN are long behind us. Nursing future trends make it clear that specialization is the way to go. Some broad specializations are ideal for new grads, like med-surg nursing. But hospitals prefer candidates who are a master of one area of nursing over a jack of all trades.

Of course, in 2021-specific nursing trends, the biggest specialization is still ICU nursing due to the pandemic. We can’t say if this will stay long-term, but if you have experience as an ICU nurse or want to learn more and specialize in it, many hospitals could use your help.

Specialization In Geriatric Care

There are two big reasons nurses are needed now more than ever. One of them, COVID-19, is particular to nursing in 2021. But an area that will stay in high demand even after the public health crisis is over is geriatric care. The average age of the population is rising with the aging Boomer generation, and they’re going to need care for a long time.

If you’re looking for ways to help people who need it while still getting the best work-life balance, then this is one of the best nursing trends because it involves having a single long-term job. It’s less conducive to seeing the country through travel nurse opportunities, but don’t worry if that’s what you prefer. There will still be plenty of nursing jobs elsewhere.

Online Education Opportunities

If increased specialization is a future nursing trend, then it makes sense that higher education will be as well. While there are some things you can only learn by doing, and some classes that will be personal and require in-person instruction when it’s safe, taking lecture-style classes online with some of the best professionals in the field is one of the most exciting nursing trends.

Whether you’re looking to get a new certification or just keep up with the latest advancements in the field, you’ll be able to take courses with some of the best professionals in the field from the comfort of your home or lodging, which can only make you a better nurse.

Ultimately, you’re planning a lifelong career, and it shouldn’t be based on a single year’s nursing trends. But by taking advantage of 2021 nursing advances, you can set yourself up for success in every year to follow!