The nursing profession never stands still. It evolves in response to technological breakthroughs, societal shifts, and the growing complexity of patient care. As healthcare systems adapt to meet new challenges and opportunities, nurses find themselves at the center of these changes – whether it’s through adopting cutting-edge tools, addressing emerging patient needs, or rethinking their own wellbeing and work environments.
In 2025, these forces of change are set to shape nursing in meaningful ways. From advancements in technology to a deeper focus on sustainability and mental health, the landscape of nursing continues to transform. Here’s a look at how these changes are taking shape and why they matter.
Artificial Intelligence Streamlines Administrative Tasks
Nurses perform many time-consuming administrative tasks like reviewing patient data, monitoring supply levels, and creating and maintaining staff schedules. While all these are important, they take time away from directly caring for patients.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can take some administrative work off nurses’ plates. There are tons of options that can automate scheduling and even vacation requests, aid in inventory tracking, and even analyze patient data to find patterns or potential diagnoses.
For instance, Freenome uses predictive AI models to identify cancer markers in blood samples. When the program was instructed to identify colorectal cancer markers, it had a 79.2% sensitivity rate – with a 100% sensitivity rate at Stages II and IV.
Of course, there is no replacement for nurses’ expertise. AI is a tool, not a replacement.
Nurse’s Focus: Current and student nurses should pursue opportunities to learn about artificial intelligence. If your workplace offers hands-on training, take it. If you’re a nursing student with access to healthcare AI classes, consider enrolling. And if you’re considering enrolling in a nursing program, find one that uses and teaches about AI tools so you can be ready for a career in 2025 and beyond.
More Nurses Pursue Specialized Roles
Nurses are increasingly finding their niches within their field. Not only does specializing allow nurses to follow their passions, but it may also result in higher employability and pay bumps.
For example, as of 2023, the median pay for registered nurses was $86,070 per year, and the number of job openings was expected to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033. However, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners earned a median pay of $129,480, and those jobs are expected to grow by 40% over the next ten years.
Some higher-paying specialties don’t require advanced degrees. For example, pain management nurses earn a median salary of over $100,000 per year.
Nurse’s Focus: Think about whether you might be interested in learning more about a particular area of nursing and pursue continuing education in that field. Consider earning a certification if one is available.
Increased Demand for Bilingual Nurses
As the number of people who speak other languages grows, so does the need for nurses who speak more than one language. Between 1980 and 2019, the number of people who speak languages other than English tripled.
Offering care to patients in their first language can lower the risks of misdiagnosis, adverse medical events, and even death – plus, it can just make the patient feel more comfortable in your care. Though translation services are required, they’re often unavailable or quick to access in emergencies.
So, it is no surprise that when you search for nursing jobs, you may see a lot of listings with speaking multiple languages as a preferred qualification.
Nurse’s Focus: If you already speak another language, be sure that information is on your resume and that your employer is aware of your skills. It’s also never too late to learn a new language, so whether you’re considering nursing school or have been in the field for decades, consider diving into a foreign language program. Keep an eye out for classes, apps, or even meetup groups, particularly in Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog (Filipino), Vietnamese, Arabic, or another language that is common in your specific location.
Increased Sustainability Efforts at Workplaces
Nurses may be expected to engage in sustainability efforts at their workplaces. Nationwide, healthcare is looking towards sustainability because the environment affects everyone’s health and well-being. Small changes can make a big difference in carbon emissions released by hospitals.
But what does this have to do with nurses specifically?
If your workplace decides to join the healthcare sustainability trend, your habits may have to change. For instance, you might end up ordering or using more environmentally friendly supplies. Or you could be asked to be more diligent about recycling. Chances are that your healthcare administrators will also create task forces or committees surrounding this topic.
Nurse’s Focus: If you’re interested in getting involved in initiatives, check out whether your employer has a sustainability committee and contribute your expertise as a practicing nurse. Chances are you’re the best resource for what can reasonably be done to meet new standards while meeting patients’ needs.
Greater Focus on Nurses’ Mental Health
While focusing on nursing and other healthcare providers’ mental health is not new, we are continuing to see better outcomes when individuals have access to appropriate resources. Some hospitals and other workplaces are looking for ways to be more employee-focused, such as offering flexible hours or access to mental health services.
Even with that, it’s no secret that nurses experience high rates of burnout and are always looking for ways to combat it. There is no shortage of compassion fatigue in the field. And while many healthcare workplaces offer mental health support, nurses may not want to take advantage of it for a variety of reasons.
If that sounds like you, remember there are ways to keep an eye out for mental health struggles and pursue appropriate help. As people become more outspoken about the mental health challenges medical professionals face, you may find your peers are a bit more understanding of your self-care needs.
Nurse’s Focus: Familiarize yourself with your employer’s mental health offerings or what your insurance supports. If you are experiencing burnout, take proactive steps to combat it and communicate your needs to those around you. If you have the bandwidth, act as a confidante when your colleagues need support. Consider advocating when appropriate for better staffing and labor conditions to foster improved mental health for all in your workplace.
