It is more and more common for people to leave their careers behind to pursue a new adventure. Whether motivated by money, work-life balance, personal interests, or the desire to do something more worthwhile, making a move to a new career can be life-changing in fantastic ways. However, it can become more complex when a person realizes that they need to make a change, but they do not know what that change should be.
Therefore, it is important to consider what you are looking for from your new career. But if you are looking for a way to help others, earn an excellent salary, experience true job satisfaction, and continue to progress for years to come, nursing could be ideal.
If you are considering switching to a new career path that makes a positive impact in the lives of others and has great earning potential, here are 9 reasons to consider a career in nursing.
- Nurses make the world a better place
One of the biggest motivators for people who enter nursing is to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Nurses provide emotional and physical care when we are at our lowest and help us to build and maintain healthy lifestyles. We always remember a nurse who went the extra mile for us or someone we care about, and in many cases, their unique personal qualities can significantly impact a person’s recovery chances.
2. Nurses are well paid and in demand
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a registered nurse is $75,330 per year, and the demand for nurses is expected to increase by 7% by 2029. This is faster than the average growth for all other occupations. In addition, the country’s population is aging, and this will increase demand on the healthcare system in all areas, so nurses can look forward to a high level of job security. In addition, nurses who continue to develop their skills and further their education can progress to positions with greater responsibility, such as a Nurse Practitioner, unlocking even higher earning potential.
3. Nursing degrees can be completed online
Changing career as an adult can be difficult, especially when training and education need to be completed before you can work in your new career. To become a Registered Nurse, it is necessary to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Luckily, thanks to programs like Elmhurst University’s accelerated BSN program online, it is possible to complete the degree, including residencies, in 16 months.
4. Nurses are highly respected
When polls and surveys are taken, nurses always top the list for trustworthiness, honesty, and ethics. Nurses are the largest workforce in the healthcare industry, and as such, they carry a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. Nurses also have to have a high level of education, master a wide range of skills, and retain in-depth knowledge to ensure they can perform their duties safely and effectively. Add in the fact that they continue to study and learn throughout their careers, and it’s easy to see why nurses are so well respected.
5. Nursing offers variety and challenges
Nurses are typically associated with hospitals and doctors’ practices, but this is just the tip of the iceberg regarding where nurses are employed. Nurses can work in a wide range of settings, including schools, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, and more. They can specialize in community education, public health, family medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, mental health, surgery, midwifery, neonatal care, or adult health. Their duties might include the practical care of patients, administration, leadership, and management, or the education of other nurses. Nurses might choose to begin their career in a hospital setting but then move on later in their career as their interests change.
6. Nurses receive great employment benefits
In addition to a relatively high salary, nurses often enjoy generous employment benefits. These might include a generous amount of paid time off, life insurance, pension, medical, dental, and vision insurance, tax savings, and flexibility in their work schedule. In some cases, nurses can also access a student loan forgiveness program or tuition reimbursement. This enables many nurses to continue to fund their ongoing education to ensure their skills stay sharp.
7. Nurses never stop learning and progressing
If you do not love learning and improving your skills, nursing might not be the right path for you, but nursing is ideal for people who enjoy extending and developing themselves. Each state has differing continuing education standards, but wherever they are licensed, nurses are always learning. This ensures they stay up to date with the latest medical research and treatments, and best practices for patient care and general safety.
8. Nursing offers flexible work patterns
Another popular aspect of a career in nursing is the flexibility of scheduling. Some people choose to work during the daytime, whereas others will choose a night shift or both. The flexibility can be useful for people with family commitments. This also enables people to pursue their ongoing education, specialized training, or hobbies outside of nursing, providing a fantastic work-life balance.
9. Nurses are needed all over the world
Another potential option is to become a traveling nurse who goes wherever they are needed most, which obviously leads to a varied and vibrant career. While there is a need for nurses and improved healthcare in the United States, there is an even greater need in other parts of the world. Nurses can travel to different areas in their state or the country and provide healthcare where it is needed most.
Traveling the world providing healthcare to communities is not an opportunity that every career provides. Traveling nurses can broaden their skillset and embrace cultures, religions, and diversity. This can be a life-changing experience on both a personal and professional basis. Of course, being a traveling nurse, whether national or international, may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who have family commitments, but if the opportunity is there, you should take it.