While you might know what a nurse does, and that they’re constantly in demand, you might not really know why nursing makes such a good career choice.
People choose to become nurses for a huge number of personal reasons, while others find nursing to be a great second career choice in later life.
No matter what stage of life you’re currently in, we’re sharing four reasons why nursing is such a good career to pursue.
The Salary
A nurse’s salary averages around $73,000 a year. Those who qualify with a BSN or opt for DNP FNP programs can see a significant pay increase, too. As there are so many different specialisms and progressions to choose from, there are also plenty of opportunities to earn more.
Nurses get to make a difference in people’s lives every day
One of the major draws to the job is the chance to help others. While the salary is nothing to frown at, most people don’t go into the profession for the money. Nursing is a hugely rewarding job and gives a lot of people a sense of purpose.
Whether it’s treating a patient, making them comfortable or being a shoulder to cry on for the family, nurses play an active role and make a difference every day.
As we all know, clinical settings are home to a huge range of situations and emotions and nurses are the people who look after everyone in these emotionally taxing times. They’re there to celebrate the highs and help through the lows. When thinking about times you’ve been to a hospital, most people will always have something positive to say about the support they were provided by the nursing staff.
No two days are the same
Unlike office work, the daily routine of a nurse is completely different from one day to the next, making the job quite exciting. Every patient is different and will have their own story to tell. You’ll meet people from all walks of life and maybe even make new friends, and that’s even before getting into the care aspect. Every patient will have different symptoms, care plans and requirements, making every day a new chance to solve problems and help.
It’s a flexible career
Nurses are needed 24/7, every day of the year. That means no matter what other priorities you have to work around, you’ll easily be able to find a nursing shift pattern that works for you. Becoming a nurse offers a flexible schedule, if you have children to care for, you can opt to work three longer shifts a week and have the rest off. Night owls can work the night shifts; if you want to take a class on Thursdays for your own self-care, you can pick up extra shifts on the weekends.
There aren’t just positions available in the hospital setting either. School nurses, for example, benefit from the same schedule as the kids – meaning you’ll get to enjoy a long holiday in the Summer.
What’s more, if you move states or country, there will still be career opportunities. While some countries will require additional qualifications or refresher courses, nurses are a desirable asset in all four corners of the planet – meaning you have the freedom and flexibility to end up just about anywhere that takes your fancy.
You can study online
Those that are reconsidering their profession and think nursing would be a good second career choice are in luck. There are a huge number of online nursing courses now available, meaning you don’t have to relocate, and could even study around your current work.
What’s more, it doesn’t actually take that long to retrain – meaning you’ll be in your new career faster than you think.
There’s an abundance of job opportunities...
As we as all know, nurses are in high demand and new graduates can enjoy having a huge array of job opportunities right on their doorstep as soon as they graduate. As mentioned above nurses can work in anywhere that people need help; schools, prisons, hospitals, the army and so on. So you’ll no doubt have plenty of opportunity for work, no matter where your interests lie.
...and plenty of directions to explore
If you’re someone that likes the idea of always learning on the job, nursing is an incredible career choice for you. Even once you’ve joined the workforce, there are so many different scenarios and environments you could be working in. You can also choose to further your education and career by specializing in different types of nursing – from pediatrics to midwifery and more. There is no limit to the direction nursing can take you.
You’ll meet people from all walks of life
Ask any nurse, and they’ll have an incredible story to tell – or two. As a nurse, you’re working with different people every day, all from different walks of life. With varying cultures, age groups and experiences to learn, nurses have the chance to help – and to socialize – with some incredible people.
You’ll inspire others
While GPs, physicians and surgeons all do incredible work, it’s often nurses that leave a lasting impression on patients. Whenever you speak to someone about their time in hospital, they’ll always mention how great and helpful the nursing staff were. A lot of people will even consider nursing as a career after being treated so nicely – either while being treated themselves or experiencing a nurse’s kindness when a relative is suffering. Nurses have a real chance to inspire, and the profession itself is hugely respected across the globe.
These are just a few of the endless reasons people choose to become nurses. Many will have been inspired by nurses in their own personal experiences or grown up respecting the profession after seeing family members take the same career route. Others will be seeking a job that provides a sense of purpose, with the chance to make a difference every day. Whatever your reasoning, there are plenty of ways to study and opportunities to grow every step of the way.
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