6 Reasons Why You Should Become a Nurse
Nursing is one of the few highly rewarding occupations. As a nurse, you get to make a positive change in your patient’s life, enjoy competitive salaries, and explore career advancement opportunities. If you are deliberating whether or not to become a nurse, here are six reasons why an occupation in nursing may be meaningful to you.
1. You can pursue your education online
No matter where you are located in the United States, you can still pursue your nursing degree via accredited online nursing programs. However, you will be required to also complete an in-person clinical in a hospital along with your online classes since nursing is mainly a hands-on occupation.
Before enrolling in an online nursing program, ascertain that it is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This is essential to take the master NCLEX-style test questions and National Council Licensure Examination to be licensed.
2. Flexible schedules
One of the most significant benefits of working as a nurse is job flexibility. Based on where you choose to work, the nursing shifts can change according to your needs. If you are not a morning person, you could decide to take on night shifts. You may also opt to take on a long shift, usually twelve hours long, three days a week. If the traditional nine to five work schedule appeals to you, you could apply for a job at a doctor’s office or clinic. The flexibility in the working schedule helps you to create a balance between your work and personal life.
3. Job security
Did you know that of the two million registered nurses working in healthcare facilities, 22% are aged 55 years and above? This means there is an increased demand for new nurses to replace retiring professionals. The Bureau of labor statistics further estimates a 9% increase in the employment of licensed practical nurses and registered nurses by 2030.
4. You can choose your specialty
Don’t fancy working within the confines of a hospital? Nurses deliver their healthcare services in various settings, giving you endless specialized opportunities. You could opt for general healthcare like gerontological nursing or expand your services beyond the walls of a hospital to become a nurse writer, nurse attorney, informatics nurse, legal nurse consultant, or nurse entrepreneur.
5. Competitive salary
With the increased demand for nurses, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, you are not only guaranteed job security. You will also get to enjoy great wages. Most registered nurses enjoy an average pay of $36.22 per hour or $75,330 annually. However, you could earn more depending on your experience, facility, job status, the type of nurse or degree (BSN-RN, ADN-RN, MSN, LPN), specialty, and geographical location
6. You will make a meaningful difference
As a nurse, you will do more than treat wounds and give patients medicine. You will also enable your clients to improve their illness outcomes and the quality of their lives, provide compassion, comfort, and hope during the most challenging times of a person’s life, become your patient’s close confidants, and counsel families after devastating news or diagnosis. This is often rewarding and allows you to leave a positive mark in people’s lives.
Endnote
A career in nursing enables you to work under flexible schedules, earn great wages, and provide you with job stability. Enroll in an online nursing program today, choose your specialty, and start making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
