Nursing Job Outlook, Cover Letter Example

The nursing profession offers some of the best short term and long term career prospects because of the aging populations in almost every developed economy. Developing economies such as India and China have been experiencing phenomenal economic growth rates and it is reasonable to assume that economic prosperity will also increase average age span due to access to better health services. Thus, nursing professionals do not only have a very positive job outlook in the U.S. and other developed countries but may also be in demand in developing nations in the short and long terms.

The average expected growth rate of all occupations over the period 2010-2020 is 14 percent but the expected growth rate for nursing jobs over the same period is an astonishing 26 percent or only a little less than twice the average growth rate of other professions. The higher growth rate of nursing jobs is due to several reasons such as an increased emphasis on preventative care, aging population, and technological advancements (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The demand for registered nurses will also grow in home settings as more and more people prefer the comfort of home over the hospitals’ environment. The opportunities for nurses are also higher because of high turnover rates in hospital settings (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

I also learnt by browsing through the website that one can enter the nursing profession by merely getting an Associate degree. I used to think that at least an Undergraduate degree is required. This information makes sense because there is quite an imbalance between demand for and supply of nursing professionals. This information also means my job prospects will be even better after getting an Undergraduate degree and an advanced degree will only further increase my competitiveness in the marketplace.

The nursing profession will enjoy growth rate over the period 2010-2020 that is significantly higher than the average growth rate of all other occupations due to several favorable factors such as aging population and increased awareness of the importance of preventative care. One can enter the nursing profession by getting an Associate degree or even a diploma which means an Undergraduate degree results in even better career prospects.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Job Outlook. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://stats.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered-nurses.htm#tab-6

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Registered Nurses. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://stats.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered-nurses.htm