Registered nurses make up the largest segment of the healthcare workforce, which is why shortage predictions from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)* point to a potential crisis. The BLS is projecting a huge deficit in qualified R.N.s to fill nursing jobs between now and 2025. The reasons for this are attributed, not just to the surge in Baby Boomers seeking medical care, but in the imminent retirement of the nurses treating them.

Over the next 20 years, the average age of the R.N. will increase and the size of the nursing workforce plateau, as many nurses retire. The hope for filling these vacant positions is that nurses coming into them have strong clinical backgrounds, in graduate and baccalaureate programs in accredited nursing schools. As it stands now, many American colleges are struggling to expand enrollment in nursing programs, and are getting help in collaborative efforts made by company partnerships, grants, and legislative initiatives focused on hiring more qualified nursing staff—enough to meet the needs of the current population. 30 million plus Americans have been added to insurance roles as healthcare reform takes effect. BLS’ Employment Projections (2010-2020) released in February [+]

From Coast to Coast - Top Nursing Job Locations For many years now, states with the greatest job shortages have been offering the highest nursing salaries in the country. Because of dense Baby Boomer populations, and these states’ appeal to retirees, nurses will always be welcomed with open arms in certain places. So get ready to bookmark where these states are and what they have to offer! If you’re a travel nurse, poised to take your career anywhere, the following U.S. states offer the highest paying R.N. jobs in the country! Here’s what hourly mean wages were in 2012 and what you can expect in 2013. Below that, is a quarterly breakdown of where in the U.S. to find the best nursing jobs. California nursing jobs offer $42.06/ an hour and higher, plus benefits that let you make the most of the Golden State. Florida nursing jobs not only average $30.29 per hour, but some hospitals there are offering huge sign-on bonuses for R.N.’s with specializations. New York nursing jobs put R.N.s in the high earning Tri-State are, averaging $35.58 per hour or more. Texas nursing jobs have a lower cost of living than [+]

This weekend while we honor the soldiers who serve our country so bravely, we also honor the military nurses who have made such an amazing contribution to our nation. This year marks the 111th Anniversary of the Army Nurse Corps, the organization charged with training and deploying nurses to warzones. It was established in 1901 in response to the need for an organized military nurse structure. The Army Nurse Corps was created to effectively treat wounded soldiers during wartime. Just prior to the Corps' inception, a deficit of nurses during the Spanish American War (1898-1902) proved that without a reserve force of caregivers, American troops would suffer dire consequences. For over a century, these brave men and women have worked tirelessly to save lives during every American war and conflict. They continue to serve on the front lines today and rely on cutting edge technologies to treat and care for soldiers and civilians in hotspots around the world. Earlier in the year, the Army Medical Museum was the backdrop for a Nurse Corps Anniversary celebration. Corps Officer, Col. Bruce Schoneboom, spoke to the transformation Corp's RN's have been undergoing in recent years in [+]

Nurses will love these top 10 states and the travel nursing jobs waiting there! For RNs who love to travel, it’s a happy coincidence that the top 10 travel nurse job locations of the season just happen to be in America’s most loved spring break destinations. American Traveler offers high paying travel nurse careers in the top 10 states for R.N. jobs. Please read our preview of springtime highlights and apply while opportunities last. California: The Golden state is packed with California nursing jobs, from San Francisco to L.A. Be sure your Easter plans include a garden tour, April poppy festival or farmers market in the fresh spring air! Ohio: There’s nothing prettier and greener than Ohio nursing jobs in the springtime. Take advantage of it, by visiting the plethora of outdoor spring events offered statewide, from Earth Day events in Cleveland to the herb fairs and butterfly shows in other parts of the state. Texas: Texas travel nursing is a sunny and musical affair, offering well known annual concerts that draw in music lovers from around the country. Mark your calendars, April 20th for the Texas Crawfish & Music Festival in [+]

Travel nursing jobs in the American Southwest dominate the social scene in May with events that celebrate Mexican heritage in high style. If you’re a travel nurse who loves that special time of year when the 1852 Battle of Puebla is commemorated with great food and dancing, these are your best bets for Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Texas. Arizona Travel Nurses Flock to the Festival Chihuahua Races! If you’re an R.N. working in Arizona nursing jobs, this is your chance to root for the underdog! The charming Chihuahua races are coming back to historic downtown Chandler, AZ—just south of Phoenix. Give your pipes a workout, cheering for the winner on Saturday, May 7th, 2011, from 10am to 7pm. Denver Nursing Jobs Deliver Mile High Expectations—Especially During Cinco de Mayo! It’s a fact that Denver nursing jobs put R.N.s in the heart of a vibrant Latino population that’s more prominent and fun than ever come Cinco de Mayo. Come revel in the fun of one of Denver’s most impressive events, May 7-8, 2011. More than 400,000 attendees are expected! Witness Mariachi, Cumba, Salsa, Norteno and many other genres of Latino music and dance—plus tons of superb [+]

Find out which Healthcare Employers Topped Fortune’s List of 100 best places to work Fortune Magazine, well-known throughout the business world, has published this year’s results for the top 100 best companies to work for; not surprisingly, it includes 11 different hospitals and health systems across the United States—this is fantastic news for a leading nurse staffing agency that fills travel nursing jobs from coast to coast, and even better news for R.N.s who come to work for us! Our healthcare staff enjoys luxury private housing and other comprehensive benefits with some of the best travel nursing locations in the country as the backdrop—and the cherry on top? American Traveler is proud to be affiliated with America’s best hospitals, ranked year after year by U.S. News & World Report and frequent spot-holders on Fortune’s annual list. Need a Quick summary of Fortune’s list? Then feast your travel nursing eyes on this! Several of the hospital systems that made the cut are in coveted U.S. travel nursing locations, spanning the sunshine state—where Florida nursing jobs employ tens of thousands of registered nurses —to the west coast, where California nursing jobs are [+]

The Pathway to Excellence program is a sure fire way to boost morale and professionalism among nurses in small to mid-sized facilities. Hospitals achieving this recognition and rank are a great place for travel nurses to launch their careers. Many Texas nursing jobs are in facilities awarded the Pathway to Excellence Designation; the honor lasts three years—but the thing it represents—nurse satisfaction—is infinite when you find that position that meets all of your needs. The 12 standards used by Pathway to Excellence Does this sound like your hospital? A nationwide panel of your nursing peers seeks to get answers to the following: Do nurses control the practice of nursing? Is the work environment safe and healthy? Does the hospital orientation adequately prepare new nurses? Is the CNO qualified to participate in all levels of nursing? Are the professional development opportunities for nurses fully utilized? Are nursing salaries competitive? Does the hospital recognize nursing achievements? Are nurses encouraged to live a balanced life? Are collaborative relationships among nurses and other healthcare staff encouraged? Are Nurse managers competent and held accountable Are evidence-based practices and quality programs utilized? Get on the Pathway to Excellence by joining American Traveler Registered nurses who work in hospitals that are, or soon will be, [+]