The nursing field is booming, and the job market is expected to grow by 9% through 2030, a rate as fast as the average occupation. Becoming a nurse is challenging and, at the same time, exciting. Above all, it makes a difference in people’s lives because you care for patients and families when they need help and support. So if you’re thinking of a rewarding career, nursing might just be a great choice.

Nursing Is a Rewarding Passion

There are many reasons why individuals decide to give nursing a go. Many people enter the profession because of their sincere passion for helping others. As a nurse, you are going to care for patients, thereby improving and even saving lives. The patient is the focus of a nurse’s work giving first aid, care, and comfort.

In addition, nurses have an essential role in influencing the health of patients and their families. Their ability to listen willingly and unconditionally assist in improving patient outcomes. The sick may often be irritable and impatient because of the pain or discomfort they feel. They also help the communities they serve. In addition to personal rewards, nurses are also well-paid, with the average median salary at over $75,000 per annum, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

How to Become a Nurse

You can become a nurse by pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which takes around two years. Part of your essential yet vital tasks includes giving medication, assisting patients in preparing for procedures, or supporting physicians with exams. Another option is to study for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. It will take you four years to complete the degree. Whether you’ve completed an ADN or BSN, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCELX-RN) to practice as a registered nurse (RN). 

Although nurses with a BSN have more opportunities to specialize or assume leadership roles, both occupations are valuable, and job holders are qualified to provide safe and effective patient care. If you wish to advance in your career, you can also study further and earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). For example, you can become a nurse practitioner (NP) by transitioning from ADN to MSN. To become an NP, you must also successfully pass a national board certification exam. Some of the courses you need to take include science and math. You will gain advanced clinical knowledge and skills that will equip you properly to diagnose, manage, and prescribe meds and other treatments for patients. Hence, NPs have more responsibilities, occupy managerial positions, and are paid higher wages.

In addition, NPs can work in every health setting, from private practices to multistate health care systems. You can also serve as an NP in outpatient primary care offices and intensive care units (ICU). Primarily, NPs are in demand because of their ability to combine outstanding clinical care and personalized attention to patients. Furthermore, the emphasis on prevention is a primary reason why patients choose to seek the services of NPs.

Career Advancements and Mobility

There are several ways to advance in a nursing career. If you are keen on practising a speciality area of nursing, you can earn a certification to move forward in your career. These nursing specialities include becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or licensed practical nurse (LPA). Becoming a CNA is relatively easy, and it requires the most basic certification. You do not have to possess a degree to become a CNA. However, you need to finish an accredited training program and pass a skills exam.

As mentioned, advanced degrees also imply taking a higher-level course such as a master’s or a doctoral degree. Having these qualifications will open several doors and exciting opportunities for you. Furthermore, if you want to serve in a managerial position, starting in clinical fieldwork is one way to do it and advance to managerial positions performing clinical duties and, at the same time, overseeing a group of nurses.

Another career advancements move to specialize in a medical area. For example, you might want to specialize in a defined medical area. These will include women’s health, emergency care, or psychology. The point is you will study and gain practical experience in a specific area of health care. Lastly, don’t miss out on the administrative aspect of nursing. Some nurses choose to move forward by leaving the clinical field and going to administration for a medical or academic institution.

When it comes to mobility, nurses are in high demand and not only work in a wide array of settings; they also can go to several places in the world and perform their roles. To illustrate, you can work in urban and rural areas or move to another state or country to perform a specific job, whether as an LPN, travel nurse, or med-surgical nurse. You can also choose to work in a hospital setting or clinics where you fit the role as a med-surgical nurse or a nurse informatics specialist, or an oncology nurse. The point is there are several roles that you can fit in quickly if you are a nurse.

Disadvantages of Nursing

Like any other occupation, there are also cons to working as a nurse. Nursing is a physically demanding job requiring you to be on your feet for several hours. If you’re working in a hospital, you’ll constantly walk and move to care for patients. Back injuries and foot problems are common in the profession. It will also require physical strength to help patients move in and out of their beds or assist them in dressing themselves. Shifts are also long, especially in hospitals; there will be plenty of time that you will not get enough rest or sleep, which can also affect your performance at the clinic or hospital.

You are also exposed to the virus or bacterial risks when you care for patients. Plus, the stress and pressure of working as a nurse can lead to emotional burnout. Remember, nurses are not only involved in taking detailed health histories or examining patients; they also identify the physical and emotional needs of their patients. In some cases, nurses provide counselling and even health care education, making them vulnerable to stress and pressure.

Nursing is a career that can be both satisfying and financially rewarding. Although there are disadvantages to working long hours and shifts, the benefits are far more significant since it has a philanthropic component and is paid well.