If you have ever been to a medical facility, you know this fundamental truth: Nurses are healthcare’s central, often unsung heroes. The responsibility of a nurse is massive. They provide care and serve as key links between patients and other medical staff. They assess and monitor patients, perform examinations, and give critical emotional support. It’s no wonder that nurses are routinely considered the most trusted professionals in America.

However, the nursing industry faces massive challenges. Nursing shortages, declines in educational opportunities, and reduced career appeal all threaten the industry. 

In this article, we’ll examine the nursing industry as a whole. We will also discuss the current state of nursing education and the wide range of opportunities available to those who enter the profession. 

The Global Nursing Shortage: A Growing Concern

As we previously discussed, the nursing shortage in 2025 is significant. According to an estimate from the World Health Organization, there is a worldwide shortage of nearly six million nurses. This shortage is particularly acute in the United States, where the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that America needs more than 200,000 annually. This number is calculated based on ongoing retirements and the need to meet expanding care demands. 

This nursing shortage has a direct and negative impact on the quality of medical care. Without adequate nurses, there are increased burdens on existing nurses and other medical staff to provide additional care. As a result, procedures and treatment are delayed. This increased demand for staff also leads to medical errors and further burnout.

Several factors contribute to this nursing shortage. These include:

• Aging population: America is getting older, and the proportion of seniors is rising. This aging demographic puts more strain on our healthcare system.
• Retirements: More nurses are retiring, and this increasing number of retirements means that the United States needs more nurses.
• Burnout accelerated by COVID-19: COVID-19 dramatically impacted the global healthcare workforce. The exceptional stress of COVID-19 — including long hours, hazardous conditions, and some societal criticism — led many nurses to leave the profession. Studies from 38 countries have found that COVID-19 has impacted burnout and nurse turnover. 
• Limited nursing school capacity: Various challenges at the nursing school level have disrupted the nursing student pipeline. These included limited school options and slots, insufficient clinical rotation slots, and a faculty shortage. 

What the Pipeline Looks Like Today

The latest nursing school enrollment statistics do point to some good news. According to this data, there was a slight increase of 0.3% in enrollment in entry-level nursing positions. However, this increase follows a decrease in 2023. 

Bottlenecks in this pipeline include limited training opportunities, challenges in creating enough admission slots, and significant faculty shortages. 

All of these challenges limit nursing career opportunities and will have significant implications for the sustainability of the future workforce. Private and public partners will need to come together to invest in the nursing profession. By doing so, these organizations can ensure that anyone who wants to attend nursing school has the opportunity to do so. 

Salaries and Career Opportunities: A Bright Spot

The nursing shortage of 2025 persists despite the high salaries for nurses. Indeed, this salary continues to rise, and hospitals and healthcare networks work to alleviate this shortage.

The median registered nurse salary in 2025 is $81,220. This salary is well above the median wage for all U.S. workers, which is $48,060. Furthermore, nurses with specialized roles, such as nurse practitioners, can make even more. A six-figure salary for a nurse is widespread. 

Nurses are typically able to obtain the enhanced job security often found in the healthcare sector. Nursing is a field where job openings are expected to grow. Furthermore, the typical winds of a bad economy usually have a minimal impact on healthcare. As such, nurses are more likely to avoid layoffs and the damage caused by recessions.

Finally, nursing gives individuals the flexibility to enter numerous sectors. There are more than 21 types of nurses, each with its unique benefits. As such, potential nurses can enter many kinds of nursing.

Why Consider Nursing as a Career Today

The importance of nurses in healthcare is reflected in the benefits of entering the global healthcare workforce. Nurses are in high demand and play a crucial role in the healthcare field. This reality allows any nurse to have a meaningful impact on a patient’s life. The high demand for the field also promises stability within the workforce. 

Nurses also have the opportunity to innovate, lead, and advance their professional careers. Qualified nurses have a gamut of career advancement possibilities. These range from licensed practical nurse (LPN) to Doctor of Nursing. These options ensure that there is a slot in nursing for anyone at almost any educational level.

Finally, nurses play critical roles in expanding modern healthcare systems. Depending on your interests, you can be directly involved in patient care, managing healthcare offices, or structuring entire healthcare systems. This reality gives potential nurses tremendous flexibility and opportunity. 

Celebrating Our Nurses

Simply put, nurses deserve to be celebrated. They play a major role in patient care and educating future medical professionals. The soft skills they develop — including compassion, leadership, and advocacy — can benefit society as a whole. 

Nursing is a noble field that can give applicants the chance to save lives and improve society as a whole. Are you looking to support and honor current nurses? The best way to do so is to enter the field yourself. 

Nursing is Essential

Nurses are more important than ever in healthcare. Fortunately, nursing career opportunities continue to rise. These opportunities can give individuals a chance to work in a fulfilling, compassionate, and lucrative career. An individual who enters nursing isn’t just starting a job: They are entering a calling that powers global health. Looking to revamp your hiring practices to get more nurses? Contact MRINetwork today.