If you’re passionate about helping others, nursing might just be your calling!
The field is quite in-demand nowadays, thanks to job security, competitive salary, and other benefits it offers. However, one must understand that if you pursue nursing as a career only for the money, you’re in for some disappointment.
First of all, nursing is not for the fainthearted as you may have to handle severely sick patients and even experience their deaths. It is a profession that’s not only physically demanding but also mentally exhausting.
So, go for it only if you truly want to help others, save lives, and make a difference in society.
Benefits Of Pursuing A Career In Nursing
1. Personal Fulfillment
As mentioned earlier, nursing is a meaningful profession that brings a sense of personal fulfillment. Nurses save lives and earn a respected position in society. Not to forget, your knowledge and expertise can help your family members and friends, too.
Interestingly, according to a Gallup poll in 2021, nursing bagged the position of the most trusted profession for the 20th year in a row!
2. Multiple Ways To Become A Registered Nurse
Another reason why people are attracted to nursing as a profession is the number of ways available for one to get registered. However, this often backfires, as it may make nursing seem like an “easy way out,” which is far from the truth.
Regardless, here are the three most common ways to become a registered nurse(RN)…
A. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Getting an associate degree in nursing (ADN) is a sure-shot way of becoming a registered nurse, as it includes two years of study, clinical hours, and prerequisite course work. Besides this degree, you can even opt for bridge programs to become a BSN-prepared nurse.
B. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Degree
Unlike the previous degree, pursuing a licensed practical nurse (LPN) degree takes only one year to complete, making it the shortest way to enter the workforce. The degree also includes 750 clinical hours, and LPN degree holders can earn approximately $50,090 every year while working in different healthcare settings.
However, note that most employers favor someone holding a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). It is a 4-year course, concluding with the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Once you clear the exam, you become a registered nurse in the state.
C. ADN-to-MSN Bridge Program
By opting for the ADN-to-MSN bridge program, an ADN nurse need not complete their BSN and can directly pursue a master of science in nursing (MSN).
Bridge programs offer the education required for a degree in administration or for advanced nursing practice. They consider one’s current skills and past educational qualifications. Interestingly, some of these courses are available online, allowing students to work as they pursue their degree.
3. Flexible Work Hours
Those who have children to look after can easily continue working as a nurse due to the flexibility in work hours. As such, if you work for 10 or 12 hours instead of the regular 8-hour shift, your number of working days in a week are reduced. Moreover, nurses are free to work part-time with other employers.
Interestingly, while community health nurses only have to work on weekdays, homecare nurses may have to work on some weekends as well. On the other hand, school nurses have the advantage of getting holidays according to the school schedule, so they can expect a long summer break and Christmas holidays. Lastly, travel nurses have the freedom to choose assignments and shifts according to their preferred locations.
However, being in the healthcare field, along with flexibility, comes the possibility of working overtime.
4. Opportunities For Advancement
Bagging a nursing degree can open up multiple opportunities for you to advance in your career. You could even opt for specialized nurse certifications for better employment opportunities.
As a result, you could earn a nurse managerial position or indulge in mission nurse work in esteemed organizations like Doctors Without Borders.
5. Freedom To Choose/Change Specialty
After getting registered, you can choose to work in the medical area that interests you. From cardiovascular surgery to mental health – nurses are required everywhere, so you’re free to choose your specialty. Plus, if you get burned out working in one, you can always choose another.
This is because nursing programs mostly teach the same foundational skills, and after employment, organizations must train the nurses. So, at the end of the day, you get ample time for learning and getting hands-on experience before shifting to a new specialty.
6. Versatility In Workplace
Speaking of burnout, if you get too bored of working in a particular setting, you can always switch jobs while pursuing the same career. For instance, if you are a home health nurse assisting the elderly, you can enjoy a completely different setting as a school nurse. Or how about working as a forensic nurse, collecting evidence with the court system?
7. Simple Dress Code
Deciding what to wear for work every single day is a hassle nurses can do away with it. Nurse uniforms or scrubs are easily available, simple, comfortable, and affordable. In fact, the most expensive part of a nurse’s uniform is probably the shoes!
8. Travel opportunities
Not many are aware of the fact that a career in nursing opens up many travel opportunities. Interestingly, travel nurses are usually in high demand and enjoy benefits like non-taxed per diems, housing stipends, travel reimbursement, etc.
9. Enjoy Job Security And Benefits
Many states in the US are facing a nursing shortage, implying that nursing remains an in-demand job. As such, some hospitals and organizations are even paying hefty sign-on bonuses to competent nurses.
Some other benefits enjoyed by nurses are…
- Paid family leave
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
- Health and life insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Childcare
- Paid sick time
The Best Nursing School In Idaho
Despite the stress and pressure, nursing is a rewarding career if you’re passionate about offering your expertise and care to those in need.
As such, you can opt for nursing programs in a popular, reputed college/university like Idaho State University. Known for its health sciences field, its School of Nursing follows the motto “Roar with care,” apt for compassionate yet brave budding nurses!