Younger nurses are interested in getting higher degrees, according to a recent survey from AMN Healthcare. Among the top findings, millennials—those between the ages of 19 and 36—are more likely to strive for advanced degrees, use technology and seek leadership roles, the study found.
Almost half of millennials (49 percent) said they will become an advanced practice RN, compared to 35 percent of Gen Xers and just 12 percent of baby boomers. Millennials were also more likely to pursue a higher degree—71 percent, compared to 56 percent of Gen Xers and 20 percent of baby boomers.
Millennials also aren’t afraid to consider a job hunt and are more likely than their older counterparts to seek new employment. Other statistics back this up among the broader job market; older workers tend to stay at their jobs longer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Millennials’ penchant for advanced degrees in nursing may stem from the higher levels of autonomy associated with nurse practitioners. Compared to other nursing positions, the nurse practitioner role may satisfy millennials’ work preferences better. More than a quarter of millennials–28 percent– said they would pursue a nurse practitioner’s degree in the next three years, more than the 19 percent of Gen Xers and 4 percent of baby boomers who said the same.
However, the drive toward higher education and more advanced roles could have an impact on the demand for bedside nurses, as the need for this role continues to grow, according to the survey.
When it comes to providing quality patient care, millennials and Gen Xers both see professional development opportunities as a significant factor, more so than baby boomers. Millennials also felt more strongly that the skill mix of nurses on the unit can positively influence the quality of care that they provide.
Overall, millennials showed stronger positive reactions to questions about the use of electronic medical records compared to other nurses, including higher job satisfaction and positive influence on patient care.
AMN Healthcare surveyed 3,347 registered nurses in March and April 2017.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."