Abstract: Nursing shortages, technology, advances in genetics and the knowledge explosion are trends that have an influence on the nursing profession in the future. This article will examine these trends and give an overview of what it may be like to nurse in an acute-care hospital in the year 2020. The impact of leadership, management and political influences will also be discussed. The American concept of 'Magnet' hospitals will be described as one possible solution to the issues that affect the nursing profession in New Zealand.