Oil is not the only booming business in Texas. Texas has one of the highest growth rates in the nation for nurses. A nursing shortage is projected across the country, but the number of nurses needed in Texas is among the highest.
Many RNs have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). But as Nurse Journal points out, the more education RNs have, the stronger their job prospects, salaries and growth.
RN to BSN programs can be an affordable and convenient option for working nurses with an ADN. At Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), for example, RNs can complete the RN to BSN program in as few as 12 months.
What Is the Supply and Demand for RNs in Texas?
As of 2018, there were 243,288 RNs in Texas. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for RNs will grow 15% from 2016 to 2026. In Texas, that number jumps to 54%. Even a growing supply of RNs is not enough to keep up with the demand.
Texas will have a deficit of 59,970 RNs by 2030, according to a Texas Department of State Health Services report on nurse supply and demand. That means 20% of the projected demand for RNs will not be met. Only California will have a larger deficit.
Job postings reflect the need for nurses. A Texas Workforce Commission report found that one in four postings in the healthcare industry are for RNs. For the most part, RNs across the state will find abundant opportunities. The Panhandle is the only region in Texas where projected supply of RNs is growing faster than the demand.
Who Are Top Employers of RNs in Texas?
Most RNs work in hospitals. In Texas, 65.4% of RNs are employed by hospitals. But supply and demand projections show no shortage of opportunities across various settings.
- Demand for RNs in inpatient hospital settings is likely to grow by 57%.
- The need for RNs in nursing homes, residential care facilities and home healthcare makes up 25% of demand for all settings. This growth will be faster than all other settings, including hospitals.
- Demand for RNs in office settings will grow by 46%, or about 8,119 RN FTEs.
- Emergency departments will see an increase of 15%, still much faster than other occupations overall.
RNs seeking a change of pace from the hospital may want to give home healthcare a look. Demand in home health is projected to increase by 74% by 2030.
How Important Is a BSN?
A Texas Health and Human Services survey regarding hospital nurse staffing found that nearly 75% of nurses in Texas hospitals are RNs. When hospitals add nursing staff, chances are those jobs are for RNs. As good as the job prospects are, a BSN may give RNs an edge in landing their ideal job.
RNs in Texas are moving toward a national goal to increase the proportion of BSN-prepared nursing staff to 80% by 2020. Nursing Workforce reports that 55.5% of RNs in the Lone Star State have a BSN or higher. Nationally, that number is 51%.
RNs in Texas can expect to be in high demand for years to come. And while job security is almost a given for nurses with any level of preparation, earning a BSN can be a smart career move. Lifelong learning is an expectation for RNs. Plus, earning a BSN can prepare RNs to advance their career in a state where opportunities are only going to grow.
Learn more about the TAMIU online RN to BSN program.
Sources:
Nurse Journal: Become Nurse in Texas + Requirements & Licensing
Texas Health and Human Services: Registered Nurses, 2018
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Registered Nurses – Job Outlook
Texas Department of State Health Services: Nursing Workforce Reports
Texas Workforce Commission: Texas Workforce Report – 2017-2018
HRSA: Supply and Demand Projections of the Nursing Workforce: 2014-2030
Texas Health and Human Services: Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies (TCNWS)
NCBI: Assessing Progress on the Institute of Medicine Report, The Future of Nursing
