Originally posted on https://www.hercampus.com/author/10-key-reasons-why-you-should-choose-career-nursing

 

Nursing is a vocation for those who want to support patients so they can live a fulfilling, healthy life. We respect this career because of its altruistic roots, and there’s always a demand for skilled nurses, which means you’re guaranteed excellent job security.

If you are unsure whether a career in nursing is for you, you’re in the right place. Here are 10 essential reasons why you should embark on this rewarding career path.

1. Major Nurse Shortage 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a shortage of 800,000 nurses by 2020. This statistic reflects how life expectancy has risen, so hospitals need more nurses to offer support. If you are interested, there are many ways to find hospital jobs in your region: just type in your specialty and area to find relevant positions.

Because of this shortage, graduate nurses can enter the workforce quicker. You can either take the conventional route and earn your BSN over four years or get an associate degree or diploma in nursing, which takes three years to complete.

2. Nurses Enrich People’s Lives and Their Own

You may ask, “Why do people become nurses?”

Being a nurse is humbling and rewarding as you form relationships with patients based on trust. Nursing is a selfless profession, and it is fulfilling for both parties as you end up meeting and caring for new people every day.

But nurses do more than doling out medication and taking blood tests; they leave a positive mark on the patient’s life. If you want to bring life into this world or improve someone’s well-being and comfort, nursing is for you.

3. Nurses Receive Great Benefits

Unlike many professions, nurses receive tuition reimbursement, tax saving plans, life insurance, and paid time off. Nurses also get access to many student loan forgiveness programs to help offset college costs either during or after college.

Nurses are entitled to these benefits so they can be lifelong learners and get access to up-to-date research. Learning is paramount in nursing so they can provide safe, accurate healthcare to their patients.

4. Nursing Is a Trusted and Respected Profession

Nurses have a long-held reputation for being compassionate as caregivers, and the polls reflect this. According to the annual Gallup poll in 2018, nurses topped the list of 22 professions over the past 17 years as the most trusted profession.

Nursing is a noble pursuit, so it’s no surprise that nurses have earned respect in society. It is essential, however, for nurses to have an honest, ethical approach to their important line of work.

5. Nursing Is for Life-Long Learners 

The healthcare system is always evolving as new research brings groundbreaking discoveries. Having access to updated educational resources lets nurses refine their knowledge and develop their skill set.

Nurses must continue learning so they can improve the patient’s experience and serve as advocates of patient safety. Even though nurses are caregivers, they must also be data-driven and focused on evidence-based care.

6. Nursing Boasts a High Level of Job Satisfaction  

According to a 2017 AMN Healthcare survey on registered nurses, around 83% of nurses feel satisfied with their career. Further, two-thirds of nurses who responded to the survey said they would encourage others to pursue a career in nursing.

So why become a nurse? One reason nurses have a high level of job satisfaction is that it is rewarding, diverse and they can help people through their most vulnerable moments.

7. Nurses Have a Flexible Schedule 

Why become a nurse? 

A significant benefit of becoming a nurse is the freedom to make your own schedule. Nurses can choose shifts that best suit their life without sacrificing pay or job security.

Hospitals and other work settings need nurses around the clock, which means night owls can work night shifts, and those who want free weekdays can work weekends. It’s also possible to have a 9 to 5, as nurses are needed in clinics and physician offices.  Nursing is an excellent career option if you have other responsibilities, such as raising a family as you can create a healthy work-life balance.

Nurses work in rotating shifts of four, eight, ten, and twelve hours for seven days a week or twice a month, depending on preference. A flexible schedule means nurses can pursue higher education for an advanced degree or to transition to a specialized area that requires additional training.

8. Nurses Can Travel the World

Travel is one of the reasons to be a nurse. Every country needs health care professionals, which explains the need for travel nurses.

As a travel nurse, you will learn about cultural diversity and how it can change your approach to caring for patients from different backgrounds. If you love visiting new cities, there are many travel nursing opportunities in the United States and overseas.

A travel nurse may get a short- or long-term assignment so you can choose where to work and the nursing discipline you want to practice. Some jobs may even begin as a short-term assignment and transition into a permanent, full-time position if preferred.

Nurses can also enroll in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps who recruit people to work for the U.S. Armed Forces. Like other army members, nurses can be based anywhere and the Army also pays for your advanced degrees and outstanding student loans.

9. Nurses Can Choose Their Speciality 

With nursing, the sky is the limit.

One of the benefits of being a nurse is the opportunity to transition into other areas of nursing and health care. Most nursing specialists work with patients but there are non-clinical nursing jobs where you’re based in an office, working on policies.

The diversity in nursing also lets you enter fields of health policy and academia. You’ll never feel stagnant as you can change your practice and work environment without having to start from scratch.

Knowing the patient demographic you want to serve and your ideal work environment will determine your nursing specialty. For example, if you love a high-energy environment, then consider working in ER or as a Critical Care Nurse. Or if you prefer establishing long-term relationships with your patients, look into becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner.

If you don’t find the right fit right away, no problem. Having a degree in nursing means you’re qualified for most specialties and can switch to match your preference. For example, if caring for adult patients isn’t ideal, change course to become a pediatric nurse.

Also, nurses have the freedom to branch out into new careers. You can use your wealth of knowledge and skillset to work in public health, community education and patient care coordination. Or you can return to university and pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D. before switching to nursing administration or education.

10. Nurses Work in a Stable Industry with a Competitive Salary

We hear horror stories about how certain industries have little job security from the media to agriculture. Good job security is a significant reason why nursing is a great career choice.

There are almost three million registered nurses in the United States roughly serving a population of 323 million people. These numbers show a profound shortage, as previously mentioned, and we will always need nurses in our society.

With the current nurse shortage, nurses can expect job security and great wages. According to BLS, the average annual salary a registered nurse earns an annual salary of $71,730.

There are so many opportunities for nurses to advance which comes with a generous pay rise. For example, nurse anesthetists earn $174,790 annually and a nurse practitioner earns $113,390.

A Career in Nursing Is the Perfect Opportunity to Help Others, Are You Ready to Make an Impact?

A career in Nursing is a vocation that not everyone can do. Having the capacity to be compassionate in a fast-paced environment can be difficult, but caring for your patients makes it a rewarding career.

Another significant aspect of this career is its versatility, especially for young nurses who worry about sticking to one specialty forever. Luckily, Nursing means you have access to higher education so you can learn and grow as you advance in your career.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in Nursing, we’d love to hear from you. Keep browsing our site for more details on courses at Brigham Young University.