Maryland is a small state with a big crisis in nursing. Maryland is very close to some of the largest cities in America and in the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that many healthcare professionals choose to go to the cities rather than stay and work in more rural areas. However, now the trend is reversing. There is an aging population in Maryland and as the baby boomers near an age that they require more healthcare services, the shortage of nurses, emergency medical technicians, xray technicians, etc. is really starting to be recognized.
Not only is the average age of the population getting older, but also the healthcare workers are nearing retirement age. So, if there is more demand but even less workers to supply the demand, due to this double edged sword, the healthcare system in Maryland is due for a severe crisis. Currently the temporary solution that is being employed is the hiring of traveling nurses. Travel nursing is a program that was created in response to the healthcare workers shortage, specifically of nurses. In travel nursing, a traveling nurses opts to be transfered to different places where there is an acute shortage of nurses. This results in a temporary fix that works for a short period of time. The traveling nurses themselves prefer this because of the higher pay, the free benefits, and the chance to visit new places.
Due to the scenario in Maryland, a nursing career in the state is a very promising career. The salary is above average, due to the retiring of many professionals in higher positions you will get quick promotions, and there is good job security. Overall, right now is the best time to get into nursing in Maryland, you will be able to enter at a time where the crisis is just increasing and be able to really make a difference, both to your career and to the hopeless situation to the healthcare system.
