Labor projections show substantial openings for registered nurses in the coming years, resulting in career shifts for working parents in the United States. Parents returning to education is a consequence of the increased demand for nurses, and this article focuses on the demographic changes in parent students, the growing need for nursing programs and services, and the impact of parenthood on the pursuit of a nursing degree.
Staffing shortages in the healthcare sector continue to be a trending topic in the news. Many parents, and in particular those who have dedicated years to child rearing, are shifting their focus to nursing. The profession is becoming more and more sought after, and for good reason: it is stable and offers diverse career pathways.Â
There are multiple workforce planning strategies to address the increasing demand for nurses, and parent participation in nursing programs is on the rise. The health care sector is calling for more nurses, and more and more parents are responding by joining nursing programs.
A national nursing shortage is reshaping career paths for families
Economic analysts of the labor market and health policy researchers have been observing the shortage of nurses in the United States for some time now. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses will continue to have job openings and employment opportunities that are higher than the average of all other occupations until the early 2030’s, with 189,100 job openings expected each year for new positions and replacements. This is due to the continued ageing of the US population, higher prevalence of chronic diseases, and increased access to healthcare services.
Many parents who adjusted their careers to raise children now encounter economic dilemmas that require them to reevaluate their previous decisions. For a small number of these adults, nursing offers a solution that satisfies both needs and wants. Accelerated nursing programs, at ABSN schools, apply to those who possess a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to become nurses within a shortened time span.Â
These programs train students in core nursing skills and prepare them for licensure and basic ethical nursing care, evidence-based practice, and holistic care. Students have even more flexibility as some programs combine online classes with clinical practice. This flexibility allows students to manage their studies with their family responsibilities.
Nursing as a second career for parents is now a realistic possibility due to the varied pathways to enter nursing and the positive job opportunities available. This does not mean that getting into nursing is a simple task, and it does reflect shifting expectations about training and work among adult learners with dependents.
Why nursing is appealing to parents at this stage of life
For parents of young children, the top considerations when deciding on a career are likely to be stability, sense of purpose, and how the career will fit into family routines. Nursing is appealing for several reasons. In addition to the number of job openings projected, registered nurses can work in a variety of nursing fields, including hospitals, outpatient facilities, schools, and home health care. Nursing also provides the opportunity to specialize and to move into advanced practice roles such as nurse educator and nurse practitioner.
In a study by the American Nurses Association, parents cited job security and the opportunity to help people as the top reasons for entering and re-entering nursing. These reasons resonate with the skills parents develop at home, such as communication, empathy, multitasking, and crisis management. These skills do not eliminate the need for formal training, but will contribute to success in nursing.
Financial aspects are also important. The annual median salary for a registered nurse is above $80,000, although this is subject to change depending on the area of practice, as noted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. For parents seeking long-term financial stability, this salary makes the long process and hard work to attain a nursing degree worthwhile.
Flexible education options are making career changes more realistic
The higher education system has adapted to include and assist nontraditional students. More and more adults are attending undergraduate programs. The National Center for Educational Statistics reported that adult students make up more than 30% of the enrollees in degree-granting institutions. This trend is the result of the institutions trying to respond to the needs of those balancing employment, family, and school.
Several nursing schools have implemented flexible options, including hybrid programs, and are integrating nursing coursework with online offerings so students can complete their studies in the mornings, evenings, or during other times that best accommodate family commitments. Nursing schools still require students to complete mandatory nursing clinicals in person. However, nursing schools try to minimize clinician placements that are further away in order to alleviate travel and scheduling challenges for nursing students who have caregiving responsibilities.
Flexibility in schedules means nothing if standards are lowered. Nursing programs have the same level of rigor and administrative expectations, clinical skills labs, and clinical supervision hours. Graduating students meet all the requirements to be practice-ready. What has changed is the understanding of adult learners and all of the responsibilities they have outside of the classroom, so there are more flexible options for students.
How accelerated nursing programs fit into busy family schedules
Nursing programs are intensive and provide a fast-tracked nursing education in 12 to 18 months. Nursing students receive adequate preceptorship hours to meet the competency for nursing practice, and have a fast-paced adult nursing education. Nursing students appreciate the flexibility in family and work responsibilities that comes with the ability to complete their nursing education in a shorter timeframe.
Students in accelerated programs have shown to have quite a bit of stress due to the fast-paced nature of their curricula; however, students show motivation due to personal and professional aspirations, as stated in a study in the June 2024 Journal of Nursing Education. Successful completion was determined to be dependent on effective and clear goals, systematic time management, and support systems.
Clinical placements are an integral aspect of the dynamic of nursing education as they provide students with the realities of nursing. These real-world experiences help students while also helping them refine their interests to particular areas of nursing, such as pediatrics, emergency care, or community health. For parents, this experiential learning often reinforces the practical application of classroom theory and builds confidence ahead of licensure exams.
Photo Credits: Unsplash
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