Nursing is a gratifying career for many reasons. Of course, helping others overcome illness and seeing them thrive is the main reward, but in return, nurses enjoy great job security and excellent pay and benefits.
Here are a few of the reasons why you should consider pursuing a career in nursing.
Nurses are in High Demand
The healthcare industry is experiencing a major shortage of qualified workers. This shortage is expected to get much worse over the next decade for many reasons. For starters, there is a large population of aging adults, and people are living longer than they used to, thus increasing the odds that they will develop a chronic condition.
Nurses, in particular, are in high demand practically everywhere. Many hospitals and medical facilities constantly have problems filling vacant positions despite offering lucrative incentive packages.
Job security
If you are in search of a career that offers a high level of job security, then nursing is an excellent option. A lot of nurses find a great facility and continue to work there for many years. If you ever want to change where you work, you will have no problem finding a position. Remember that nurses are needed at many locations, such as schools, assisted living centers, hospitals, correctional facilities, and more.
Nursing will continue to offer a high level of job security for decades to come.
Nurses are always helping others
Nursing is an emotionally rewarding job. Every day you spend as a nurse involves helping others feel better and supporting family members who are experiencing illness. While nursing can involve long and demanding shifts and plenty of emotional turmoil, there is no question that you will feel good about what you accomplished at the end of the day.
You can earn a nursing degree online and then do your clinical rotations
In the past, becoming an RN required attending classes in person. Now there are excellent online options that allow you to take classes online and earn your degree while keeping another job. The University of Indianapolis offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program that allows those with a Bachelor’s degree in any field to complete their nursing degree in just 15 months. The program requires two short on-campus residencies and clinical placement that prepares you to pass the NCLEX, the exam required to obtain your RN licensure.
Earning your degree online while working at a medical facility in any position would be a great way to gain real-world experience so you graduate with as much experience as possible in a medical setting.
Flexibility and travel options
Once you are an RN, you can apply for positions in practically any location. If you have always wanted a job that allows you to relocate more easily, then nursing will allow you that freedom. Nurses can pick and choose from a lot of positions throughout the country.
Relocating can help you get a better salary and benefits in some cases. Hospitals, in particular, have resorted to offering extra benefits and perks to attract highly-qualified nurses to their facility and encourage them to stay. For example, you may be offered a sign-on bonus payable after 6-12 months of employment. Help with housing and relocation expenses may also be offered if a facility is in particularly dire need of qualified staff.
Some nurses choose to be traveling nurses for part of their careers. This means working at various locations when facilities need help. This is handy when hospitals search for permanent staff members but do not want to remain short on staff. The travel option is great for those who want to experience working at different locations before deciding where to continue their career.
Mid-career and senior-level nurses sometimes work as traveling nurses for a change of pace. Of course, traveling is a great opportunity to meet and help people from many different backgrounds.
Nurses can specialize in a niche of medicine they are passionate about.
Nursing is an occupation that allows you to choose a specialization if you would like to at any point in your career. That being said, some specializations are harder to get a position in than others, despite the overall shortage of nurses. Cardiology, neonatal, family nurse practitioner, and more are just some possibilities.
Excellent pay and opportunities for advancement
Nurses are highly skilled workers that often have to work long shifts, but for that work they receive an excellent salary compared to many professions. On top of that, there is a lot of room for career advancement after you achieve your degree and qualify as an RN.
Flexible schedule
Nurses work varying shifts. When you are first starting out as an RN you may need to be very flexible with what shifts you work. Hospitals are open 24 hours a day. While nurses often work 12-hour shifts, some work eight hours. However, at times you will work much longer shifts when there are periods of high demand or your facility is short-staffed.
Lots of opportunities to learn
Nurses are always learning new things. There are always new medical treatments and procedures to learn about. Of course, there are some things that you can only learn by working with others in different medical settings.
If you love to learn, then you might do well as a nurse, particularly if you want to continue to earn further degrees and certifications that will increase your earning potential.
Conclusion
Nursing is a highly rewarding and in-demand profession. If you like to help others, love science, and want a job that is challenging, then you should consider nursing.
It is possible to pursue a degree in nursing while still holding down another job, thanks to online learning options. Whether you are just graduating high school or already have a college degree, now is a great time to start or switch careers and get on the path to a brighter future.
