Top 7 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Nursing

Why become a nurse? Good pay, high job satisfaction rates, flexibility, excellent benefits, and ample opportunities – a nursing career has a lot to offer. The best part is that you will make a difference in the world and save lives.

Whether you have always dreamt of becoming a nurse or looking for a rewarding career, here is why you should consider pursuing a nursing degree.

1.     Nurses Are In High Demand

Over the past few years, the US has experienced a nursing shortage because of its aging baby-boomer population. The BLS approximates a growth of 7% of nursing jobs between 2019 and 2029. Also, the WHO reported that we need an excess of 5.9 million nurses in the world to meet our needs. [1]

These statistics are proof that nursing is a lucrative career option.  Increased demand for nursing care means that the nursing students must also increase to cater for the deficit. As a registered nurse, you can work in several areas like assisted living facilities, doctors’ offices, and acute care centers.

2.     Nursing Is a Rewarding and Fulfilling Career

As a nurse, you will be an essential part of healthcare systems. You will help administer medicine, treatments and support patients and their families. The job comes with an embedded sense of fulfillment because you get a first-hand experience of how your work impacts your patients.

Nurses also bond with others and learn from their struggles and life stories. If you have ever been around someone in pain, you know that encouraging and helping others is a natural human desire.

3.     Nurses Have a High Degree of Job Satisfaction

In a 2018 survey, 94% of registered nurses answered yes when asked whether they were happy practicing nursing. [2] This shows that most nurses do not regret pursuing the career. The reason for a high level of job satisfaction is the extraordinary potential for growth. As a nurse, you can work in:

•  Administration
• Community development
•  Patient care
•  Legal work
• Forensics and other fields

4.     You Can Study Online

The journey to becoming a nurse involves several hours of study. Thanks to the increased popularity of long-distance education, nursing degrees are now easier to acquire. You can find the program you want to study and do it remotely. Besides, learning online is an affordable option.

If you are already working or managing a family, pursuing an online nursing degree is a good idea because it is flexible. You don’t have to live close to the university or spend money going to school daily. So, you get the same value at a lower cost.

5.     Your Medical Skills Are Vital Outside Work

We all look forward to a blissful day, but this is always the case. When health-related tragedies knock at the door, nurses are equipped to manage the situation. They can provide first aid in emergencies, even outside the hospital settings. Think about it:

• How many people have an idea of what to do if someone faints?
• How many people can perform CPR when required?
• How many people can help someone with an epileptic fit or asthma attack?

The list goes on, but the idea is that nurses can save lives anywhere.

6.     Your Student Loan Can Be Forgiven

Yes, you read that right. If that big loan you requested to pay for your education seems scarier every day, becoming a nurse might help you get rid of the debt. The government sometimes forgives student loans for nurses after they complete college. Other special grants are available for nursing students too.

If you work in the government, the police force, or the military, you may not have to repay your student loan. Considering how student loans can be a huge burden, this is a golden chance. [3]

7.     Nurses Enjoy Flexible Hours

The common misconception is that nursing attracts long working hours and shifts. Although nurses might have to go out of their way sometimes to save lives, they have flexible working hours than many careers.

As a nurse, you get to choose shifts, either morning, afternoon, evening, or night. You can even decide to work on weekdays or weekends only. The chance to work extensively on some days and free others is a possibility available for selected careers only.

How to Get a Nursing Degree

Starting your nursing career has never been this easy. With the countless available options, you can jumpstart your medical career at any time. You may opt for an online course suitable for your needs or research on the possibility of traditional degrees. [4]

Conclusion

Irrespective of where you live, there is always a need for nurses. After completing your nursing course, you will likely find a host of job prospects lined up for you. Remember to always research before settling for a program.

1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Registered Nurses.” January 31st, 2021. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm.
2. Medscape. “Nurses Largely Satisfied, but Many Would Change Path.” January 31st, 2021. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/908202.
3. Federal Student Aid. “Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).” January 31st, 2021. https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.
4. Nurse Journal. “25 Reasons to Choose a Career in Nursing.” January 31st, 2021. https://nursejournal.org/articles/reasons-to-choose-a-career-in-nursing/.