The nation, and in fact the world, needs nurses more than ever before.
The aging population, the pandemic, and the looming retirement of many current nurses have led to a surge in demand for professional healthcare workers.
While you may think that it is surgeons and doctors that are most needed, nurses are just as important to the overall healthcare system. Some may say they are even more vital as they perform a wider range of duties.
If you are thinking of training to become a nurse but are not entirely sure if this is the right decision for your career, then the below blog is just what you need.
Showcasing 10 reasons why you should become a registered nurse in 2022, plus how you can go about doing it, by the time you have finished reading, you are certain to know if this is the right career path for you.
Ready to get started deciding upon your future?
1. Nursing is rewarding
Arguably, the main reason people choose to go into nursing is that this is one highly rewarding career path.
If you have always wanted to help people or make a real difference in your local community, then this is the perfect job for you.
While there is no denying that nurses have to work hard, this is one of the most trusted and appreciated professions there is, with respect from patients, colleagues, and other people within the community.
Furthermore, if you thrive on positive feedback, nursing is one career where you will get to directly see the impact of your actions. You can actively see how you are helping people moment by moment.
2. Nursing offers job security
In today’s uncertain times, job security can feel like a thing of the past but not when it comes to the nursing sector.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030. This means there will be around 194,500 job openings for registered nurses each year during this time.
As a registered nurse, you will also enjoy stability in your profession and a reliable income that may also include benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, and childcare costs.
This high level of job security can be particularly attractive for people with families who are worried about the precarious job market in the U.S.
3. Nursing provides good levels of pay
Although money isn’t everything, it does help to make your life easier, and it can also help to offset the cost of any further education that you have to undertake.
While many believe nurses to be overworked and underpaid, this is not true.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a registered nurse is $75,330 per year. This equates to $36.22 per hour. You can also increase your earning potential by offering to work night shifts or by taking on overtime.
If you love to learn and want to progress into more advanced fields of nursing, then you can expect your salary to increase significantly. For example, if you choose to pursue a nursing leadership role such as a nurse practitioner, your median annual salary will rise to $114,510.
4. Nursing offers the chance to travel
Who says that you have to graduate and then work in the same hospital for the rest of your life?
Once you are a registered nurse, you can choose to work wherever you want, including abroad, if that’s where your heart takes you.
There are many travel nursing agencies that place registered nurses and other healthcare professionals in short-term placements across the globe. It is worth noting that you may need to pass additional exams to be able to practice in some countries, but the diversity and exploration aspect of working in another country will more than make up for it.
If you love to learn and want to progress into more advanced fields of nursing, then you can expect your salary to increase significantly. For example, if you choose to pursue a nursing leadership role such as a nurse practitioner, your median annual salary will rise to $114,510.
Suppose there is a particular country that you are interested in working in. In that case, it can be a good idea to learn the local language, or at least the basics, before you go, as this will be highly beneficial to your application process.
5. Nursing is challenging
Although this may not be a plus point for everyone, if you like to be challenged in your professional life, then nursing is a great choice for you.
With no two days ever the same, you will meet people from all backgrounds, be presented with different challenges, and be required to constantly set priorities to ensure that everyone under your care is properly looked after.
Again, this is not a role for everyone, but if you thrive under pressure, can keep a smile on your face regardless of what is happening around you, and you genuinely want to help people, then nursing is one of the most fulfilling careers there is.
6. Nursing is flexible
Despite the misconception that nurses work long and inconveniently-timed shifts, nursing is actually a very flexible profession when it comes to scheduling.
While hospital work does tend to mean long shifts, you can work these around your family commitments as long as you are open and honest with your employer from the get-go. You will find that many hospitals enable you to work 12-hour shifts over 3 days so that you can enjoy a few days off after working to relax and spend time with your loved ones.
Alternatively, if you need to work more traditional 9-5 hours, then you might want to look for a position in an outpatient facility where you will typically work between 4-5 days a week for around 8 hours at a time.
If you are worried about arranging childcare, why not look for a nursing role in a local school? Then you will have the same vacation time as your kids.
Or, if you are worried about the long hours taking a toll on your wellbeing, you could choose to only work part-time if you can afford to do this.
7. Nursing is a diverse sector
The nursing sector is huge, with so many opportunities for qualified nurses. You could choose to work in a local hospital, of course, or you could look into the many other types of nursing available, including:
- Outpatient nursing care
- Bedside nursing
- Nursing education
- Nursing administration
- Nursing in schools
- Nursing in correctional facilities
- Telehealth nursing
- Home healthcare nursing
- Long-term care
- Legal nursing
8. Nursing allows for career progression
You know how there are some jobs where you know you won’t get beyond a certain position? Well, nursing is not one of them.
If you are willing to improve upon yourself, pursue further education and work hard, there is no glass ceiling in nursing.
While most nurses enter the field with either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, there are several more advanced nursing degrees that you can pursue, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
If you are worried about the cost of pursuing an advanced degree, you may be interested to know that some healthcare systems offer reimbursement for continued education. Plus, if you choose an accredited online degree program, these are typically more affordable than on-campus courses.
9. Nursing is an active profession
If you can think of nothing worse than sitting behind a desk all day, then a career in nursing is about as far away from a typical desk job as humanly possible. It is an active profession.
Requiring you to be on your feet and on-the-go for the majority of your shift, you will be rushing about tending to patients and working alongside other dedicated healthcare professionals.
While there is a minimal amount of time spent in front of a screen, the majority of your day (or night) will involve interacting with patients and their families.
10. Nursing is constantly evolving
One of the most exciting aspects of the nursing sector is that it is constantly evolving. With the emergence of new technologies, new industry trends, and new policies, there is always something to interest and excite when working as a registered nurse.
This change also lends itself well to personal development as you can undergo new training programs, pursue a new degree or learn from a new expert. You don’t have to stick to what you know for the entire duration of your nursing career.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the above has cemented your interest in pursuing a career in nursing, and if not, then your search for the perfect job continues.
However, if you are ready to become a registered nurse, congratulations! You are now one step closer to a rewarding, lucrative, and satisfying career.
Now all you need to do is decide which type of nursing career you want, and then you are ready to put your studying cap on and realize your dreams.