If you’re a nurse in Australia, you know better than most how much the healthcare industry has changed over the past few years. Between an aging population, advancements in technology, and a global pandemic highlighting the importance of healthcare workers, the nursing profession is evolving rapidly. The roles and responsibilities of nurses today look very different than they did just a decade ago.

In 2023, several key trends are poised to shape the future of nursing in Australia and transform what it means to be a nurse. From a growing focus on preventive and community care to increasing specialisation and advancements in nursing education, the nursing industry is in flux. But one thing remains the same – nurses are and will continue to be at the heart of healthcare.

Huge demand for nurses in Australia

Australia’s population is expected to continue growing at a similar rate annually, having more than doubled in the previous 50 years. Because more people are living longer than ever before, healthcare institutions are under more pressure.

The changes in public expectations and advancements in healthcare shows that the nursing profession has seen substantial transformation. Complex health presentations are a hallmark of nurses’ patient loads. Being able to effectively handle them is essential to the healthcare system’s ability to satisfy the growing demands on it.

To ease the burden, the government is expanding healthcare options and building many new facilities. It could call for qualified personnel, requiring quick recruiting procedures to guarantee that all services are provided. On the other hand, since the government began focusing on Australian nurses, there has been a rise in demand and an expansion of the hunt for qualified foreign employees.

As the population rises the need for nurses eventually rise too. Therefore, if you are a nurse looking to settle in Australia with an exciting job opportunity, reach out to Medfuture to fulfil your dream of getting a job in Australia. Medfuture is a trusted healthcare recruitment agency that connects all qualified and experienced professionals globally.

Importance of keeping up with the Nursing trends

It’s critical for nursing practitioners to be up to date on developments pertaining to patient care guidelines, professional development obligations, and state nurse licensure compacts, among other things.

Nurses who closely follow developments in healthcare, for instance, will be able to explain how new methods of treatment might enhance patient outcomes and create better experiences.

Furthermore, registered nurses will have a better understanding of the effects these changes have on the nursing profession if they stay up to date on changes in the healthcare environment, such as technological advancements in care procedures and shifts in RN demographics brought about by the baby boomer nurse retirement wave.

The most important developments for 2023 centre on efforts to lessen burnout among nurses, increase RN staffing ratios, and enhance telehealth service delivery.

Nurses learning Online – Working nurses now have easier access to graduate degrees because of the growing popularity of online education in the nursing field. The following are just a few of the numerous advantages of online learning that nurses are utilising: Reduced cost in comparison to on-campus courses, no further relocations or commutes are required, more balanced workload and adaptable learning opportunities the advantages of online learning are becoming more and more alluring as the need for advanced education among today’s nurses’ increase.

For many nurses, thankfully, the flexibility of online learning has offered them new opportunities. Working professionals might also look at other innovative approaches of juggling employment and education.

Nurse retirement pushes systemic changes – One nursing drift that has persisted over the past few decades is the scarcity of nursing personnel. A strong nursing workforce would have been more crucial in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as many of the patients needed long-term care, and as healthcare providers need to get ready for potential disease outbreaks in the future.

Number of nurse practitioners is rising – A nursing trend that has been growing over time is the rise of nurse practitioners (NPs), despite the continuous scarcity of registered nurses (RNs). According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), there are 325,000 nurse practitioners, which is an all-time high. According to BLS projections, there will be a 46% increase in the number of NPs between 2021 and 2031, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation.

In contrast, there were 120,000 NPs in the country in 2007. Although the field of advanced practice nursing is relatively new, having been established in the 1960s, NPs are already playing a crucial role in the modern healthcare system.

Over three patients are seen in an hour by more than half of full-time NPs (59.4%).

Compared to 20,000 in 2014–2015, over 36,000 NPs completed their programmes in 2019–2020.

Graduates of family nurse practitioner (FNP) schools make up over 70% of NPs.

NPs are employed in a wide range of healthcare settings, such as doctor’s offices, general medical and surgical hospitals, outpatient clinics, professional schools, and colleges and universities.

Compared to RNs, NPs have far more autonomy in many states. Numerous own their own businesses, possess prescriptive rights, and have enough seniority to choose their own hours.

Salary dividends for Nurses for high demand – Positive developments in nursing include the rising pay of nurses due to growing competition between healthcare institutions for skilled personnel. For instance, according to BLS data, the median yearly salary for registered nurses was AU$77,600 in May 2021.

Experienced registered nurses have the potential to earn even more money, and efforts have been made to keep senior nurses on staff so they may serve as mentors to their junior colleagues. NPs are benefiting the most, according to recent wage statistics. Their typical yearly salary was AU$120,680 in 2021, while the top 10% of earners in the field made up to AU$200,540.

Nationally, nursing trends indicate a demand for skilled NPs. RNs might begin their journey to become NPs if they are interested in more independence and increased income possibilities.

Here are some of the top nursing trends in Australia for 2023

Telehealth and Virtual Nursing – In 2023, telehealth and virtual nursing are significant trends as an increasing number of healthcare providers adopt technology to enhance patient access to treatment. Through virtual consultations, nurses examine, diagnose, and discuss treatment options with patients by using telehealth technology. For people who live in isolated or rural locations with limited access to healthcare, this trend is especially helpful. Regardless of the patient’s location, nurses can deliver timely and effective treatment by utilising telehealth.

Emphasis on Mental Health and Wellbeing – In 2023, nurses would give mental health and wellness more attention. This entails helping patients who are experiencing mental health problems, as well as implementing measures to keep nurses from burning out and to encourage self-care.

Community Health – In 2023, community health is a primary area of interest for nurses. As a result of this trend, nurses collaborate closely with stakeholders such as health agencies, community groups, and others to identify health issues and create community-specific solutions.

Continuing education and professional development – In 2023, nurses would give ongoing education and professional development more importance. Focus is placed on continuing education and professional development through pursuit of higher education, course enrolment, and conference attendance, among other activities.

Increased demand for nurses – The need for nurses in 2023 soared as a result of an aging population and an increase in chronic health issues. The higher demand for nurses might be advantageous if they future-proof their training and pursue other fields.

Online education programmes – In 2023, the popularity of online education programmes grew. This trend makes it possible for nurses to work from home and seek more education and professional development.

Increased Diversity in Gender – Gender diversity in the nursing profession is steadily increasing. Beyond 2023, this tendency is anticipated to continue.

Support for nurses’ mental health – In 2023, there is a greater focus on the mental health of nurses. Supporting nurses who are experiencing burnout and other mental health problems is a current and future trend.

Opportunities for advanced nursing roles – Programmes that prepare nurses for advanced nursing professions in 2023 is more popular due to the nursing shortage.

Australia’s nursing profession is developing to suit the nation’s changing healthcare demands as well as those of the populace. Nurses are at the vanguard of healthcare innovation, whether it is tackling the mental health crisis, adopting telemedicine and technology, or caring for an aging population. The developments in nursing for 2023 present promising chances for professional development, specialisation, and a big national influence.

It is crucial to keep up with current developments and adjust to the changing healthcare environment, regardless of experience level or status as a nursing student. Accepting these changes will benefit your nursing profession and help improve healthcare outcomes for all Australians.Contact Medfuture if you’re a well-qualified nurse looking to settle in Australia, here’s the best place to explore thousands of job opportunities that are available in AU. Let Medfuture be your trusted partner in seeing your potential and finding the best perfect job match for you.