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You can expect job stability and a variety of options when you become a nurse. Here are 16 reasons to choose nursing as a career.
Did you know that the nursing shortage is expected to increase in the coming years? Baby boomers are aging and a significant portion of the nursing profession is reaching retirement age. In March 2020, it was estimated that 22% of the 2 million registered nurses (RNs) who work in hospitals were 55 or older.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also estimates the nursing profession will experience 9% job growth by 2030, faster than the average job market, making now the perfect time to pursue nursing as a career.
Nurses have significant benefits and options. These include working in different medical specialties and finding employment in various workplaces for RNs.
For example, you can specialize in pediatrics and work only with children or work as a surgical nurse in the operating room. You may choose to work in a hospital, clinic, or school. You can also become a correctional nurse and work in a prison facility or choose an alternate path with a government agency or large corporation. Additionally, there is more than one way to become an RN.
You can enroll in a two-year program for your associate degree in nursing (ADN). After earning your ADN, you can make an average annual salary of $71,000 according to September 2021 data from PayScale. While you are working, you can complete an online RN to bachelor of science in nursing (RN-to-BSN) program. You may also choose to enroll in accredited four-year BSN degree programs or online accelerated BSN programs. Though not required, more opportunities are available if you choose to earn a masters or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree.
Nursing offers many entry-level nursing options, specialties, and working environments. Read on for 16 reasons why choosing a career in nursing might be a meaningful path for you.
Need-to-Knows Before Entering Nursing! (The Good, The Bad & The Ugly)
The Changing Role of Nurses
Many factors are influencing the evolution of nursing practice, including the pandemic, technology and the emergence of opportunities in various advanced practice roles.
The Impact of the Pandemic
The healthcare industry has been hit hard by the recent pandemic. There is unprecedented stress and demand on nurses and other patient-care professionals. They’re working longer shifts, wearing limiting personal protective equipment (PPE) and following strict hygiene practices.
In addition to these added pressures, healthcare equipment is in short supply. Hospitals are running low on beds, medication, medical equipment such as ventilators and room for patients. Because PPE is in short supply, nurses must sometimes reuse masks for hours or days at a time. Due to the lack of beds and space, healthcare professionals are setting up temporary care facilities in schools, auditoriums, tents and convention centers. Nurses must adapt to these changes quickly.
More and more, nurses are being asked to cross-train and help out on unfamiliar units as needed. Some nurses opt to travel to other cities that are overwhelmed and need help. In some cases, nurses must work in units that require a temporary separation from their loved ones. Nurses often sacrifice their comfort and lifestyle in the name of dedication to their profession.
No other providers spend more time with patients than nurses. Because visitors have been banned from many healthcare facilities during the pandemic, nurses often provide patients with their only human contact. They help patients communicate with loved ones using phones or computers.
Nursing has long been the most trusted profession in the country. But these days, nurses are viewed as true heroes.
1 Nurses Receive Excellent Benefits
Hospitals, clinics, and doctors offices may offer excellent benefits to attract and keep qualified professionals. For example, a nurses average annual salary of $75,330 according to the BLS is well above $56,310, which is the average annual salary of all occupations.
Travel nursing may receive added benefits for the inconvenience of living and working in another city. These can include benefits to cover travel expenses and a stipend for housing, meals, and other bills