The document outlines several factors affecting trends in nursing, including a rise in patients' acuity levels requiring higher nurse skills and specialization. There is also a shift to more community-based and outpatient care, necessitating more nurses. Advanced technology in hospitals and clinics demands nurses learn new equipment, while social factors like poverty and disease outbreaks increase disease burden. Changes in nursing education and an emphasis on career progression, as well as greater nurse autonomy and independence, are also influencing nursing trends.

1. FACTORS AFFECTING TRENDS IN
NURSING
Rise in patient’s acuity – This leads to higher
level skills, knowledge and specialization of
nurses
Shift to community based care – Patients receive
care for chronic conditions at home and
community clinics provide PHC for many clients
Care on outpatient basis – This has called for
more nurses to care for those patients

2. Technology – Advanced technology requires
nurses to learn how to operate sophisticated
equipment to manage conditions in hospital,
make accurate diagnosis, treat and teach family
members as well as fellow nurses on how to use
such equipment
Social Factors – Many clients are of low social
classes (poverty and lack of health insurance),
this predisposes them to diseases. This combined
with emergence of diseases e.g. TB, HIV has
increased disease burden hence need for more
nurses.

3. Changes in Nursing Education – Emphasis on
learning more and availability of career ladder
programs
Autonomy – Nurses are now more assertive and
independent. They are able to make diagnoses
and intervene as needed
Lifestyle – Rise in life expectancy as a result
disease prevention and healthy lifestyle has led to
increased population which requires more nurses
for health promotion.