Theodore Stroukoff, like others in his field, knows the nursing industry is changing. Even during tough economic times, nurses are in demand, he reports, and as the economy picks up, the demand is gradually increasing. This is only expected to grow as the decade progresses, Theodore Stroukoff states.

There are two reasons for this trend, believes Theodore Stroukoff. First, he explains, is an aging baby boomer population that will require healthcare workers in larger numbers. Second is a workforce shortage that will occur as those same baby boomers begin to retire, many of whom are working as nurses today, Theodore Stroukoff points out.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for nursing will surge 22 percent in the ten year period from 2008-2018, according to Theodore Stroukoff. As is currently the case, this shortage will not occur evenly in all geographic areas, notes Theodore Stroukoff, with some areas of the U.S. and the world suffering extreme shortages. These shortfalls can be dangerous to the health and well being of the citizens of those areas, warns Theodore Stroukoff.

Theodore Stroukoff believes that this is one reason travel nursing has become such a popular occupation in recent years. A travel nurse takes on a short-term contract position with a hospital in a certain area in order to fill a demand, Theodore Stroukoff explains. This contract generally lasts for a couple of months, and is meant to fill a temporary need. Theodore Stroukoff says that the facility may need someone to help out until they can hire a permanent employee or a nurse may be needed to relieve someone on medical or maternity leave.

The experience Theodore Stroukoff has received as a nurse has been invaluable to his résumé. He has been able to work in ER and ICU units, correctional facilities, residence facilities, and more. Serving in these environments, Theodore Stroukoff has also been able to network and make contacts that are a great asset to his career as a nurse.

By the year 2020, a one million person shortage is expected in the field of nursing, Theodore Stroukoff points out. Not enough nurses are entering nursing school to meet this shortage, leaving medical facilities to try to fill the gap. Theodore Stroukoff believes that in hiring travel nurses, hospitals and other facilities have been able to employ experienced, skilled employees to get them through drastic shortages until a long-term solution can be found.

For the aspiring nurse, a career as a travel nurse can open up opportunities that might not otherwise be available, Theodore Stroukoff concludes. The pay, combined with the opportunity to travel the world, make travel nursing one of the most rewarding jobs in the field of nursing.