As the healthcare industry adapts to a post-COVID world, one trend remains constant: the urgent and growing need for nurses. According to the 2025 U.S. Healthcare Staffing Market Growth Assessment, labor shortages persist, with an estimated 200,000 nurse job openings projected annually for the foreseeable future. For both bedside nurses and advanced practice providers, this evolving landscape offers both opportunities and challenges worth understanding. 

Why the Demand for Nurses Continues to Climb 

Multiple factors are contributing to the sustained and increasing demand for nursing professionals: 

• Ongoing Labor Shortages: Workforce gaps that intensified during the pandemic haven’t eased. High turnover, early retirements, and persistent burnout continue to strain the system. 

• Growth in Outpatient Care: Ambulatory care employment is growing at a 2.6% annual rate - outpacing hospitals. As healthcare shifts toward outpatient and community-based delivery, nurses are increasingly vital in these settings. 

• Rising Interest in Flexibility: Many nurses are opting for positions that offer better control over their schedules. This is fueling growth in per diem, contract, and gig-style roles. 

Per Diem and Short-Term Contracts Are Reshaping Work 

As long-term travel nurse contracts prove too costly for many facilities, per diem and short-term assignments are emerging as viable alternatives. Nurses now have access to a growing number of flexible roles through app-based platforms that simplify shift scheduling and credentialing. 

Shorter contracts, typically four to eight weeks—offer a middle ground between staff positions and extended travel assignments. These roles appeal to professionals who value variety, autonomy, and work-life balance without the burden of frequent relocation. 

Advanced Practice Nurses in High Demand 

The future is bright for advanced practice providers. Nurse practitioners are expected to grow by 46.3% over the next decade as health systems turn to APPs to help close the physician gap. With increasing demand in primary care and rural communities, nurse practitioners are positioned to take on broader responsibilities and leadership roles. 

Supply Constraints Are Holding the Line 

While demand surges, supply is lagging. In 2024 alone, over 65,000 qualified nursing school applicants were turned away due to limited faculty, infrastructure, and clinical placements. High turnover in entry-level positions like CNAs and home health aides compounds the challenge. 

These limitations make experienced nurses more essential than ever—but also more susceptible to burnout. Nurses should prioritize working with employers who offer meaningful support, professional development, and flexible career pathways. 

Legislation and Economic Pressures 

Recent policy developments are shaping the workforce outlook. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) preserves tax-free stipends for travel nurses and extends key tax deductions for staffing firms, a win for mobile healthcare workers. Still, looming Medicaid work requirements may reduce funding for rural hospitals, potentially affecting staffing and patient access in underserved areas. 

Technology Is Driving a More Efficient Experience 

AI and automation are transforming how healthcare organizations recruit and retain talent. From credentialing and onboarding to compliance tracking and shift optimization, mobile-first platforms are speeding up formerly slow processes. For nurses, these innovations reduce administrative burden and create faster pathways to job placement. 

Where PracticeMatch Comes In 

Whether you're looking for a new permanent position, exploring contract work, or considering a shift to outpatient care, PracticeMatch is here to support your journey. Our tools help nurses and advanced practice providers connect with opportunities tailored to their preferences, career goals, and lifestyle. 

From curated job listings to enhanced visibility with top recruiters, PracticeMatch empowers nursing professionals to thrive in a fast-changing workforce. 

Start your next career move at PracticeMatch.com.