12 reasons why you might choose a career in nursing
Thinking about joining the nursing profession? Discover 12 reasons why a career in nursing can be rewarding.
Nursing is a very popular career as it is such an important role that allows you to play a vital role in patient care, but it is also a stressful and demanding job.
It is certainly not a job which is for everyone, but for many people it can provide great job satisfaction for several different reasons.
It is worth outlining what the main benefits of a nursing career are so that you can make an informed decision and decide whether or not this is the right career path for you.
1) You help people
The most obvious benefit of choosing a career in nursing is that you get to provide critical care for people and even save lives.
Yes, you may have to deal with death and challenging situations, but it is amazing the satisfaction that you can get by saving people and forming strong connections with patients and their loved ones which can make it all worthwhile.
2) You play a vital role in healthcare
Nurses have one of the most essential roles in the entire healthcare system, and everyone working in it know just how valuable they are.
As a nurse, you will coordinate care and work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals as well as provide support for the patients and their loves ones, so your role is incredibly important.
3) There’s a strong sense of community
As often happens with jobs which can be stressful, challenging and upsetting at times, there is usually a strong sense of community amongst nurses with a team-based mentality which can be enjoyable to be a part of.
Nursing is competitive, but there is also a family feeling where nurses look out for one another, provide support and help to manage workload. Having strong connections with co-workers is nice is any field of work but particularly one which can be so demanding and also be such a big part of your life.
4) There are many areas you can progress your career in
Nursing is an enormous field, and there are many different areas that you could progress into to advance your career. A few areas include:
- Pediatric nursing
- Critical care nursing
- Nurse midwifery
- Neonatal nurse practitioner
- Clinical nurse
- Nurse educator
5) There’s plenty of variety
Another benefit to this type of work is that no two days are ever the same. You will have many different responsibilities every day, and each case will be different, so it is hard to get bored and feel unchallenged as a nurse.
Multitasking and time-management can be challenging, but these are skills that you will quickly master and could bring benefits to other areas of your life.
6) You can qualify with an accelerated program
If you decide that you want to be a nurse, then you might worry about how long it takes to qualify.
The good news is that you can learn everything that you need to get starting in nursing with accelerated BSN online programs which are intensive courses that combine teaching methodologies and clinical experiences to prepare you for a life as a nurse. If you’ve already obtained your BSN and are looking to advance your career, you could choose to enroll in an accelerated Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
The majority of these programs can largely be completed online, which can provide flexibility, too. You can even get recertified online, and hone vital skills such as CPR or first aid. And all that without putting a strain on your daily schedule.
7) You get longer days off
One of the biggest challenges that can put some people off nursing is the fact that you typically work long shifts.
While it can be physically and mentally challenging to work 12-hour shifts, you must also bear in mind that extended workdays also mean longer days off.
Nurses that can get used to this way of working can really enjoy and make the most of their time off – you must use this time well so that you can disconnect and recharge. This means that you will need to:
- Get enough sleep
- Find ways to relax
- Enjoy hobbies
- Exercise
- Spend time with friends and family
8) You’ll stay physically active
Nursing is often a physically very active role which has health benefits in itself, and is preferable to sitting at a desk all day.
Nurses are often on their feet most of the day, covering a lot of ground and having to lift both people and equipment. This can make it easier to stay in good health, but you must also make sure that you look after your body and get enough rest (as well as own a good pair of shoes).
9) You’re in demand
Nursing is competitive, but there is always a need for good nurses because it is such an important role.
This means that your career could take you to anywhere in the world and this flexibility is a big perk for many, especially those that have plans to move around or often get bored living in just one place.
10) You’ll enjoy job security
Following on from this, you benefit from good job security as a nurse as there often seems to be a shortage and competent nurses are essential to keep hold of.
With an ageing population and improvement in care, there is a strain on healthcare systems around the world so nursing can be a secure field to enter and will be for the foreseeable future.
11) You can earn decent pay
Pay can be decent for nurses, with a registered nurse with an associate’s degree earning a median annual salary of $65,000. You can then advance your career and earn much more depending on what area you decide to follow. A
dditionally, there are always opportunities for overtime work which can provide a healthy bump in your pay packet each month and make a big difference to your life in the long run.
12) Nursing makes a good second career choice
Nursing can also be an excellent second career with many people retiring and then joining the profession on a part-time basis or using it as a way to supplement their income.
Is nursing for you?
If you’re looking for a new career, it’s worth considering nursing as an option. Yes it can be hard work and even emotionally tough at times, but for many the benefits of a career in b=nursing far outweigh any downsides.
