10 Good Reasons to Become a Registered Nurse

Does making a difference in the world make you happy? If yes, a nursing career might interest you because it is both a calling and a profession. As a nurse, you have a shot at impacting people’s lives positively while earning a decent salary. With the registered nursing workforce expected to grow by 15% over the next decade, you are sure that your skills won’t become obsolete. We have compiled ten benefits of pursuing a nursing degree.

1.     You Are Almost Guaranteed a Job When You Graduate

Now that the Baby Boomer generation is aging and more people can access affordable insurance, there is an evident shortage of nurses. Many registered nurses have reached retirement age, which means they will need replacing. That explains why almost 94% of nursing students land a job within less than a year of getting their degrees. So, if you are looking for an occupation with a high demand for graduates, nursing is a perfect choice. [1]

2.     Freedom to Work Anywhere

Unlike some occupations where you either work in a capital city or large towns to advance your career, you can practise nursing anywhere. It gives you the flexibility to live anywhere you like without affecting your career progression. You can also work abroad because there is a shortage of nurses in most parts of the world.

3.     You Help People For a Living

It probably seems cliché, but you can make a difference in the world as a nurse. You work with patients and their families at their most vulnerable moments. When you take care of their needs, you will have the opportunity to impact their lives. The feeling you get is gratifying, and not many careers offer that.

4.     Technology Is Adding New Dimensions to Nursing

Technology advances are changing the healthcare industry, and nursing is not an exception. Informatics is coming up fast, thus creating a new career path for nurses. The field deals with measuring data and converting it into easy-to-understand information to be used in patient care and treatment. [2]

5.     No Two Days Are the Same

When you are a nurse, you don’t have dull days. You meet new patients every day and get to work on new cases often. This presents different challenges, thus prompting a frequent need to set your priorities straight so that you can meet your obligations.

6.     Many Specializations to Choose From

Nursing is a broad discipline. If you don’t like pursuing a general degree, you can apply for a nursing specialization. Some popular fields include:

• Adult nursing
• Midwifery nursing
• Pediatric nursing
• Mental health nursing
• Anesthesia nursing
• Healthcare administration
• Academia
• Patient care coordination

7.     Parts of Your Studies Are Practical

You don’t have to spend the three or four years of your undergraduate degree in the library. A nursing degree includes a mix of theoretical and clinical sessions. So, you will spend about half of your time in college in many placements, including community and hospital setups. As you work in different places, you will discover what you prefer. [3]

8.     You’ll be an Expert

Unlike what you see in the media, nursing is not all about giving sponge baths and taking care of bedpans. The public is now educated on the crucial role in healthcare. If your loved one has ever been hospitalized, you may appreciate the breadth of clinical expertise that nurses bring to the table. That is why they are highly respected and valued. Their opinions are considered just as much as the surgeons and doctors they work with.

9.     Your Nursing Knowledge Is Valued Outside Work

We all want to be safe, but having a nurse around helps when health tragedies knock on our doors. As a nurse, you will be satisfied knowing that you can provide first aid during emergencies. For instance, if someone were to faint, you will know what to do. Nurses can save lives even outside hospitals.

10.Nursing Gives People a High Level of Job Satisfaction

According to a survey conducted by AMN healthcare, 81% of nurses are happy with their career choices. [4] The reason for high job satisfaction rates is that nurses can quickly grow within their skill sets. You can start as a registered nurse and specialize to become a pediatric nurse. You can also advance your education to become a lecturer.

How to Get a College Degree in Nursing

Becoming a nurse has never been easier. With many study options ranging from traditional colleges to online degrees, you will have a stress-free time launching your career. If you are held up at work or managing family responsibilities, selecting an online college is ideal.

Conclusion

Nursing is an in-demand occupation, and the reasons above explain this trend. As a nurse, you will enjoy flexibility, fair pay, and job stability. Getting a degree doesn’t take a lot of time or money, especially the option of online courses. If you would like to study nursing, take the time to research well.

1.  US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Registered Nurses.” February 4th, 2021. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm.
2. HIMSS. “What is Nursing Informatics?” February 4th, 2021. https://www.himss.org/resources/what-nursing-informatics.
3. Forbes. “Where The Jobs Are: Nursing.” February 4th, 2021. https://www.forbes.com/2009/04/03/nursing-jobs-opportunities-leadership-careers-education.html?sh=227a3aa5562a.
4. AMN Healthcare. “2019 AMN Healthcare Survey of Registered Nurses.” February 4th, 2021. https://www.amnhealthcare.com/2019-survey-of-registered-nurses-a-challenging-decade-ahead/.