With substantial growth predicted for the healthcare industry, there’s never been a better time to be a nurse. But why are nurses in demand today, and what are some of the factors that are contributing to this labour trend?
In this article, we’ll report on industry figures and delve into detail about why nursing is such a smart career choice right now.
What is the demand for nurses in Australia?
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, jobs for registered nurses are predicted to increase by 12.2% in the five years to May 2028 and 24.5% in the five years to May 2033. These figures equate to 40,000 and 80,500 new jobs respectively.
Similarly, the employment website Seek predicts significant job growth for nurses over the next five years, with rates of employment trending upwards.
So why are nurses in demand, specifically? Ultimately, this trend is reflective of an increase in demand across the entire health sector, with all health professional occupations in Australia expected to seek more workers over the next five years.
Why are nurses in high demand?
Nurses play an essential role in our society – without them, our entire way of life would grind to a halt. This career is suited to people who are organised, empathetic and good at adapting to change. For those who have forged successful careers in this field, it’s an extremely meaningful profession that offers a number of benefits.
Let’s take a look at some of the key reasons why nursing is in demand right now in Australia:
Ageing population
Australia’s ageing population can be attributed to a combination of increasing life expectancy and low birth rates. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, older Australians (aged 65 and over) made up 16% of the total Australian population in 2020, compared to just 8.3% in 1970 and 12% in 1995. This is likely to increase to 21–23% of the population by 2066.
Given that older people experience more complex illnesses and health conditions, Australia’s ageing population is one of the main reasons why there is a high demand for nurses at this point in time.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses underwent a significant amount of pressure. A research report from the University of Melbourne found that many healthcare workers experienced symptoms of burnout, and consequently many nurses decided to leave the profession during this time.
Taking care of COVID-19-positive patients caused nurses to experience increased levels of physical exhaustion, psychological distress, and anxiety about contracting the virus themselves. Additionally, nurses who had contracted or been in contact with the virus were required to isolate, leaving their colleagues with longer working hours. Nurses were also required to keep up with frequently changing government restrictions that added to their workloads.
As the world continues to adapt and evolve in the wake of the pandemic, new healthcare professionals are needed. This article about the future of healthcare in Australia highlights Australia’s admirable response to the pandemic, while providing an optimistic outlook for the industry. Registered nurses are in high demand to maintain our country’s high standard of health care, and to lead the way for future generations.
Prevalence of mental health issues
The prevalence of mental health issues in Australia is another key contributor to the high demand for nurses. A study conducted between 2020–2022 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that 42.9% of people aged 16–85 had experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their life. Among this group, 21.5% had experienced symptoms of a disorder in the 12 months before completing the ABS survey.
This is a high-demand area for nursing that’s only expected to grow. Our hospitals need nurses with specialist training to provide a high standard of care for people affected by mental health challenges.
If you’re currently working as a nurse and you’d like to broaden your knowledge, postgraduate programs such as a Graduate Diploma of Health (Advanced Nursing) or a Master of Health (Advanced Nursing) will equip you with an expert health leadership skill set so you can make a difference within your industry and to the members of our community who most need help.
Lead the next generation of nurses
Federation University Online’s suite of nursing courses is designed to give registered nurses the tools they need to progress and specialise within their nursing careers. By investing in your knowledge, you’ll not only be able to provide the optimal level of care to your patients, but you’ll also develop the critical thinking skills required to take on leadership roles in your field.
Whether you’re looking to take on a nursing specialisation or take on a management role, these programs will equip you with the latest knowledge and ensure you’re a highly employable graduate.
Talk to our Course Consultants about our nursing courses, and learn more about why nursing is in high demand. You can also apply online today to start the next exciting chapter in your healthcare career.
