Healthcare is ever-evolving—so it makes sense that nursing trends are always changing. Whether you are already a nurse, working on completing your nursing degree, or considering applying to nursing school, brushing up on hot-button issues and trends in the nursing field is critical.

Why? Because nurses have a responsibility to respond to new developments and challenges in the healthcare system and grow with them. Nursing is, after all, a science—and science is always changing in the face of new information.

This guide is here to help you do just that. Below, we will break down eight current nursing trends taking the healthcare field by storm in 2025. Whether you are preparing for the NCLEX or heading into your tenth year as a nurse, you are likely to encounter these concepts in the field.

1. Rise of Telehealth and Virtual Nursing

If you are currently enrolled in (or recently completed) a bachelor of science in nursing program, you have likely already discussed the rise of telehealth and virtual care during your training.

Telehealth has vastly benefited the nursing field by:¹

• Expanding patients’ access to quality, affordable care
• Enhancing nurses’ capacities to follow up during treatment or after discharge
• Increasing collaboration potential across patients’ teams of providers

Given these benefits, the demand for telehealth-trained nurses is only growing. This is especially true in disciplines like:

• Home health
• Family medicine
• Urgent care
• Mental health

2. Artificial Intelligence and Technology Integration in Nursing

While telehealth is no longer a “novel” technology—it has been widely implemented since 2020—nursing is still contending with first-of-its-kind tech. More specifically, artificial intelligence (AI) is taking the nursing field by storm.

AI has changed common nursing tasks, especially those related to:

• Patient diagnostics and assessments
• Processing electronic health records (EHRs)
• Clinical decision-making and care recommendations

With the rise of AI, the role of the nurse has evolved. Today’s nurses must be able to interpret data, balance AI with human interventions, and generally navigate the technological landscape in medicine.

If you are currently in nursing school, you will likely develop these skills during hands-on clinical experiences; in these settings, you will have a chance to see, use, and troubleshoot today’s nursing technologies.

If you are an existing nurse looking to keep your clinical skills sharp, consider investing in professional development related to technology-supported patient care.

3. Focus on Mental Health and Well-being in Nursing

Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, awareness of nurses’ mental health and well-being has only increased. Many healthcare systems and private practice employers have taken steps to prevent:

• Burnout – Burnout can look like extreme exhaustion (mental or physical), emotional detachment from work, cynicism, or reduced clinical efficacy—all of these can have major impacts on patient outcomes.²
• Chronic stress – Nursing shortages, rising healthcare costs, and new public health challenges have created a more stressful work environment—one that can significantly impact nurses’ mental health without proper management.

The nursing field knows more about burnout and chronic stress than ever before, so many healthcare systems have increased access to the following:

• Scheduling flexibility
• On-site mental health resources for nurses and other clinical staff
• Enhanced professional development and education related to mental wellness

To best advocate for themselves and protect their mental health, today’s nurses must also understand burnout and stress and learn how to use the resources at their disposal to their advantage.

4. Expansion of Nursing Specialties and Advanced Practice Roles

In recent years, the nursing field has seen increasing demand for Advance Practice Nurses like:

• Nurse practitioners (NPs)
• Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)
• Nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)

Nurses with these kinds of specialized training can play larger roles in patient care and shoulder more responsibilities. However, as the demand has grown for specialists, so have opportunities in specialized fields like:

• Geriatrics
• Palliative care
• Forensic nursing

In response to these industry changes, today’s nurses must:

• Embrace opportunities for continuing education and professional development
• Explore their potential to achieve advanced training and certification
• Consider their potential roles in new specialties with staffing needs

One way to do all of the above is to enroll in a master of science in nursing, nurse executive (MSN-NE) program.

MSN-NEs can pursue advanced roles in nursing, specialized accreditations, and clinical specialty skills. But before making a decision, many nurses ask: how long does it take to get an MSN degree? The answer depends on the program type, with full-time students typically completing their MSN in two years and part-time students taking longer.

Additionally, aspiring nurses may want to explore the types of masters in nursing available, such as nurse leadership, education, or informatics. Choosing the right specialization can open doors to various career paths in advanced nursing practice.

5. Greater Role of Nurses in Public Health and Policy

Nursing school graduates have numerous career track options—not just bedside roles in hospital settings.

Today, you can find nursing job opportunities in:

• Policymaking – Governmental organizations hire nurses to consult on lawmaking and regulations.
• Community health – Non-profit groups and other organizations in charge of public health programs lean on nursing support for direct patient care, consulting, and more.
• Disaster response – From disease outbreaks to national disasters, nurses can play a role in responding to large-scale emergencies.

As public programs expand, so does the demand for nurses in these organizations. Public health requires clinical guidance and support from practitioners with expertise.

6. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices in Healthcare

While you might not think of nursing and sustainability as being closely related, the two fields are beginning to overlap. Today’s healthcare facilities are making efforts to become more eco-friendly by implementing:

• Sustainable waste management practices
• Eco-friendly product sourcing
• Energy-efficient facilities and technologies

Of course, these changes have the potential to impact patient care—from the tools nurses use to their procedures for safe waste disposal. For this reason, today’s nurses must:

• Be aware of efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare
• Understand how to use new, energy-efficient technologies and tools
• Develop the critical thinking skills to assess the risks and rewards of eco-friendly policies

Ultimately, “green nursing” is here to stay, so today’s clinical staff must keep their fingers on the pulse of sustainable developments in patient care.

7. Increased Use of Simulation-Based and VR Training for Nursing Education

New technologies have not just impacted patient care—they have also impacted nursing education and job training.

Today’s nursing students have access to:

• Virtual reality (VR) tech and simulation labs for hands-on training
• AI-powered mannequins and digital cases to enhance the educational environment
• Online learning platforms that make nursing education more accessible

Whether you pursue a nursing degree from a hybrid (i.e., partially online) education program or enroll in a degree track using new technologies for hands-on learning, leaning into these educational tools could improve your overall training outcomes.

8. Increase in Nurse Leadership and Advocacy

As nursing roles expand, leadership and advocacy are becoming essential skills. Nurses are taking on greater responsibilities beyond patient care, including:

• Healthcare policy influence – More nurses are running for leadership positions in hospital boards, professional associations, and even government roles to advocate for patient-centered care.
• Mentorship and education – Experienced nurses are stepping into mentorship roles to support new nurses, improve workplace culture, and strengthen clinical teams.
• Ethical decision-making – As AI and technology reshape nursing, clinical professionals are being called upon to navigate ethical challenges and ensure patient safety.

9. Spotlight Nurse-Patient Communication and Empathy in Healthcare

While technology and AI enhance patient care, the human connection remains essential. Nurses are adapting to new communication challenges, such as:

• Digital bedside manner – With the rise of telehealth, nurses must develop skills to build trust and empathy through virtual consultations.
• Cultural competence – As patient populations grow more diverse, nurses need to navigate language barriers and cultural sensitivities effectively.
• Trauma-informed care – Understanding the impact of past trauma on patients helps nurses provide compassionate, individualized care.

Strong communication skills not only improve patient satisfaction but also lead to better health outcomes and stronger nurse-patient relationships.

Preparing for the Future: How to Stay Ahead in Nursing

No matter your current place in the nursing profession, you have more opportunities to invest in education than ever before. Today’s current and prospective nurses can choose from:

• BSN programs – A BSN degree program is one of the most popular routes for prospective nurses to prepare for a career. Whether you have never been to college, you have already completed some college credits, or you have one or more bachelor’s degrees already, a BSN could be your ticket to the nursing profession.
• MSN programs – An MSN degree program is often the right fit for current nurses with BSN degrees or people working in other fields looking to pivot to nursing. Plus, many MSN specialties are available today—especially for those looking to pursue leadership roles.

For nurses, it is never a bad time to invest in advanced career training. Completing a degree program could expand your career options, increase your earning potential, and grow your network of healthcare professionals—all of which can help you achieve a more fulfilling career.

If you are considering enrolling in nursing school, explore nursing programs in Phoenix at Alliant International University. We offer high-quality, tech-forward nursing education to current and prospective clinicians in Arizona. With hybrid coursework options and robust clinical experience opportunities, our nursing programs can help you start your career on the right foot.

Stay Ahead of Nursing Trends with Alliant

Current trends in nursing—like increased sustainability efforts, multicultural awareness, and tech integration—have transformed the way we approach patient care. The best way to stay on the cutting edge of nursing knowledge is to continually invest in professional development and education.

Alliant International University is here to help. Our nursing programs are designed to support the clinical professionals of tomorrow; our students engage with expert faculty, receive mentorship from experienced nurses, and get hands-on experience with top-of-the-line nursing tech.

Request information about our nursing programs to learn more.

Sources: 

1. Bulto, Lemma. “The Role of Nurse-Led Telehealth Interventions in Bridging Healthcare Gaps and Expanding Access.” Nursing Open Journal. January 1, 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10784421/. Accessed February 28, 2025. 
2. “What Is Nurse Burnout? How to Prevent It.” American Nurses Association. April 25, 2024. https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/workplace/what-is-nurse-burnout-how-to-prevent-it/. Accessed February 28, 2025. 

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