Considering a career in nursing? There is a reason why nursing is a profession that many people are interested in from a young age and this is because there are so many benefits. While it is certainly a demanding and stressful role, there are many perks for those that want a career that allows them to make a difference, and being aware of what the main perks are will hopefully encourage you to take the first steps on this career path. So, if you or somebody that you know is thinking of becoming a nurse, then read on to find out the benefits.
You Get to Make a Difference
The most obvious benefit to a career in nursing is that you get to make a positive difference to the world. Nurses help people get back to full health and even save lives, which is certainly a rewarding experience and something that not many people get to say that they do. This means that in addition to getting a tremendous sense of job satisfaction, you also command a lot of respect as a nurse. You are a key cog in the healthcare system in this role and, although there are plenty of tough times, the good days are unforgettable.
You Get to Work With People
Leading on from this, nursing is also a career that centers on working with people. In addition to other healthcare professionals and your fellow nurses (who often have a strong community and develop lifelong friendships), you also get to meet and help people from all walks of life along with meeting and supporting family and loves ones. For those that consider themselves a “people person”, nursing really is a great profession and you are sure to meet many people that will leave their mark on you for a long time. This reason should be enough for you to start applying for NCLEX.
It Is in Demand
There is actually a shortage of nurses right now, which means that now is also the perfect time to start training. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that there will be over 53,000 new nurse practitioner jobs by 2028, so it should not be too challenging to find work if you plan to enter the field in the next few years. This also means that you can benefit from job security as a nurse, which is always some-thing that can provide important peace of mind.
You Can Work Anywhere
Of course, this also means that you can work just about anywhere as a nurse practitioner. There are a few places that are certainly worth considering in terms of salary, lifestyle and demand, and you can find out the top-10 places to work as an NP at this website. This freedom means that people can often find work in places where they have always wanted to live and many nurses enjoy the ability to travel to just about anywhere and be able to find work. Additionally, as a nurse, there are many different settings that you can work in whether this is a hospital, care center, private practice or outpatient clinic.
You Can Specialize in Many Different Areas
There are also many different paths that you can follow as a nurse, which means that you can pursue areas that you have a passion for as well as climb the ladder and earn more money. There are many different paths to consider, such as:
- Adult nurses
- Mental health nurses
- Children’s nurses
- District nurses
- Family nurses
- Health visitors
Earning Potential
Leading on the point above, there is also the potential to command a high salary in nursing. In 2018, nurses earned an average salary of $63,000 – more than double the global average of $26,698 and there is obviously the potential to earn more for those that want to climb the ladder and take on bigger roles in healthcare.
Shift Work
While it is not for everyone, shift working is a major plus for many. While it is certainly demanding and the hours can be long, you also are able to enjoy extended periods off and avoid the typical nine-to-five lifestyle. If you can get used to this way of working and you schedule your time carefully, this can allow for an enjoyable lifestyle and great flexibility. Not only this, but there is usually the option for overtime, so it is not too challenging to pick up an additional shift or two if you are looking to earn a little bit more.
Role Variety
No two days are ever the same as a nurse, and this variety can keep things interesting and stop com-placency from setting in. Obviously, you will have to deal with many gruesome, upsetting and stress-ful situations as a nurse and this is all part of the job, but many find that the variety and unpredictabil-ity are what makes it interesting and different to a typical office job. This also means that you are con-stantly learning as a nurse and many find this to be a major perk of the role.
Active Role
Similarly, nursing is a job that is extremely active and you will be on your feet all day. While this can be challenging and you need to make sure that you get enough rest (as well as have comfortable shoes!), many people prefer this to a job that involves sitting in front of a computer all day. You will burn plenty of calories each day and it can be a great way to keep in shape, provided that you look after your wellbeing and get enough sleep and rest.
These are just a few of the main benefits to a career in nursing. For anyone looking for a rewarding, well-paid, flexible, in-demand job that allows you to make a positive difference to the world then this could be right for you. While nursing is certainly not easy and it can be a stressful, demanding and upsetting role at times, it also is one of the most rewarding roles that you can take on and a way of life for many.
