According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics* employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031. An aging population, and an increase in chronic conditions, such as arthritis, dementia, diabetes, and obesity will lead to steady growth in this occupation.

Job opportunities in hospital settings will continue to increase, however the financial pressure on hospitals to discharge patients as soon as possible may result in more people being admitted to long-term care facilities and outpatient care centers, and greater need for healthcare at home. Job growth is expected in facilities that provide long-term rehabilitation for stroke and head injury patients, and in facilities that treat people with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, because many older people prefer to be treated at home or in residential care facilities, registered nurses will be in demand in those settings.

Growth is also expected to be faster than average in outpatient care centers, where patients do not stay overnight, such as those which provide same-day chemotherapy, rehabilitation, and surgery. In addition, an increased number of procedures, as well as more sophisticated procedures previously done only in hospitals, are being performed in ambulatory care settings and physicians’ office.