The Growing Impact of Nursing in Healthcare

Given the constant state of change within the healthcare field, evolving health issues and challenges, and an aging population with needs beginning to outstrip the available supply of qualified healthcare professionals, the primary care gap in the United States is continuing to grow. To help bridge the gap, many healthcare providers are taking a more team-based approach to patient care—where nurses are involved every step of the way.

In the past, the nursing role was one that did not participate in discussions on care management. Today, however, as our healthcare system continues to evolve and become more complex, an increased number of medical providers are realizing the value nurses bring to workflow design. Nurses make up a vital element of the primary care that the vast majority of patients encounter, serving as patient advocates and coordinating care across multiple healthcare disciplines, but there are simply not enough registered nurses to adequately meet patient needs.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the U.S. shortage of registered nurses is expected to increase as the populous baby-boom generation ages and their need for healthcare grows. The challenge is now on nursing programs, like the Utica ABSN program and the Advanced Standing BS in Nursing program, to educate more nurses to advance and shape our healthcare culture.

When nurses have more responsibility over care management and a louder voice in workflow design, not only does public health improve, the entire health system also becomes leaner and more effective.

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