It’s no secret that North Carolina is facing a nursing shortage. UNC is calling it the looming crisis facing hospitals across the state. It’s predicted that by 2033, 31% of open nursing roles will not be filled. During a nursing shortage, there are more opportunities for advancement and increased salary potential. When the demand is bigger than the supply, you may be in a position for a higher salary and more negotiating power in nursing job interviews.
With that being said, there’s not a shortage of all types of nurses in the state. Here are the nursing skills and types of nurses which are the most in-demand in 2023.
Hospital experience
The sector with the largest need for nurses in North Carolina is hospital systems, particularly in ICUs and emergency departments. In fact, it’s predicted by 2033, there will be 10,000 unfilled roles in hospital settings in the Tar Heel state.
If you have any experience or specific training in hospital settings, this will make you a more attractive candidate to recruiters and employers. When looking for a new job, showcase any experience in these settings on your resume. Be sure to emphasize the specific name of your employer, especially when they’re a hospital system.
If a resume isn’t your style, consider creating a HireMe Health profile. HireMe Healthcare is a free app that lets you forgo the resume and the stress which comes with it). You can add your work experience to your profile and streamline the job application process.
If you don’t have hospital experience but are interested in finding a job in this setting, you can discuss your ability to respond to a crisis or perform in a fast-paced workplace on your HireMe Healthcare profile, cover letters, or in interviews with potential employers.
Leadership skills
One of the biggest reasons for the North Carolina nursing shortage is older nurses retiring faster than they can be replaced. Given the number of nurses within 5 years of retirement age, the state could have a deficit of 21,000 nurses within the next five years.
Since those with the most experience are retiring, many of these open roles will be leadership ones. By taking on leadership responsibilities now or continuing your education, you can set yourself up as an ideal candidate for those senior roles.
Many nurses in senior roles have a master’s degree, either in a nursing specialty or in leadership or education. An MSN in nursing leadership or education, such as the online program from UNC, can set you up for success.
If you want to learn more about nurse leadership skills but don’t have the time or money to invest in a full master’s degree, you could also get a certificate in nursing education.
An even more affordable option is to take LeadForCare classes on the HireMe Healthcare app. These free classes help nurses develop resiliency, leadership skills, and the ability to fend off nurse burnout. They can prepare you to take on leadership roles and give you another talking point in interviews with the employers you connect with.
Health informatics
Electronic health record (EHR) technology is becoming a more integral part of the healthcare process, yet many nurses have no training on how to use this technology. Because of this, health informatics (the study of processing electronic health records and patient data) is an in-demand skill.
Nurses who work with health informatics also face lower rates of burnout since their job isn't as patient-facing and care-oriented as other nursing roles. Basically, it’s a calmer job with higher earning potential.
Since the field is highly specialized, you’ll most likely need to invest in health informatics education before adding this skill to your resume or HireMe Healthcare profile. While you can get a master’s degree in health informatics, a certificate in the field, such as the Health Informatics Graduate Certificate from Duke University, is quicker and will most likely fulfill many employers’ requirements.
While the nursing shortage in North Carolina will most likely guarantee you a job for years to come, up-leveling your skills can have an impact on your work-life balance and earning potential. Learning about health informatics, cultivating leadership skills, or working in a hospital setting can make you a more attractive candidate to recruiters and employers.