Nursing has proven to be a fast-paced and in-demand employment sector globally. As a field, it goes beyond just an occupation, perhaps explaining why it’s so revered in today’s society. Nursing is a profession that offers a great sense of satisfaction. It can be very rewarding to know that you are helping people in their time of need and making a difference in their lives. There are many different areas of nursing in which you can specialize, so there is sure to be an area that appeals to you. Nurses also have the opportunity to earn a good salary and receive generous benefits.
Although the nursing profession presents numerous perks to individuals with a passion for helping people, like every other career path, it also has some disadvantages. The mental aspect is quite possibly the predominant issue associated with most healthcare jobs. Like all medical workers, nurses are subject to more emotional distress than the typical person. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic further underlined significant issues related to the healthcare system.
Nevertheless, nursing represents a significant opportunity to pursue a fulfilling career. In truth, the field offers numerous benefits. As such, just like the millions of current nursing professionals, you just might find the career pretty rewarding.
Why does nursing stand out
In every society, nurses are in high demand. So much so that the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% growth rate by 2027, reflecting higher demand than other healthcare careers. Aside from an impressive growth rate, nurses are also provided with a competitive salary structure. Across various states in the US, nurses earn an average annual salary of about $80,010.
The perks of this career include numerous benefits packages. These packages include:
- Paid leave
- Tuition compensation
- Retirement benefits
- Quality health and life insurance
- Childcare
These are just some of the many benefits that nursing professionals enjoy. Choosing a career that guarantees financial stability is important to many, yet nothing equals the sense of personal fulfillment that some career paths offer. Nursing offers the best of both financial stability and personal fulfillment, making it one of the most rewarding professional options. Here are some of the characteristics that make nursing so rewarding:
- Personal fulfillment
Based on workplace statistics, more than 85% of workers hate their jobs. The effects of job unhappiness have been publicized as major causes of mental health issues, sleep disorders, anxiety and depression. As a result, it’s important now, more than ever, to choose a career that offers personal fulfillment and happiness.
This is another primary reason why nursing is so rewarding. Every day, nurses have a significant impact on the lives of their patients, and their expertise and dedication to treating ailing individuals also has an impact on the lives of the patients’ families and friends.
A nurse’s training includes understanding the emotional impacts of an ailment on a patient. This emotional aspect is perhaps the most rewarding aspect of becoming a nurse and caring for patients. Nurses dedicate their lives to supporting individuals who are currently at vulnerable points and ease their suffering with care, kindness and respect.
As a nurse, you have the opportunity to make a real human connection with patients and develop a meaningful relationship with them. At the end of the day, nothing tops that fulfillment felt when a patient recovers and reunites with their loved ones.
- Flexibility
The field of nursing is a highly flexible one. This means professionals can choose to work in any setting they prefer. It’s no secret how beneficial working in a hospital environment can be. Clinical nurses are exposed to perks such as job security, excellent working conditions and generous benefits packages.
Yet, there are many other productive options available to nurses. For instance, nursing professionals can decide to pursue management, educational or consultant positions in different sectors. These positions also offer flexible scheduling opportunities, giving nurses greater independence and control to effectively balance their personal and work lives.
- Advancement opportunities
Pursuing a career in nursing also exposes you to numerous career advancement opportunities and the option to work in different fields. Typically, the primary requirement for a nurse is a nursing degree and a license to practice. However, a lot more can be done to grow in the healthcare industry in terms of position and earnings.
Some nurses pair the essential requirements with specialized certifications to qualify for better positions and more competitive salaries. Many different specialization options guarantee a nurse can work in any field. Another crucial way that nurses can explore better advancement opportunities is by pursuing an advanced degree.
Advanced degrees are an effective way to stand out as a nurse. Unsurprisingly, all top jobs, especially managerial positions, are reserved for professionals with advanced degrees. One such degree is Spring Arbor University’s online BSN to MSN-FNP program. This CCNE-accredited program prepares nurses to effectively treat patients of all ages through learning experiences centered on care across each stage of the human lifespan. The BSN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program is 100% online, allowing professionals to earn the degree conveniently and at their own pace.
The platform for advancement provides nurses with novel challenges, better pay and improved job satisfaction.
- Critical career skills are transferable
It is challenging to switch jobs in some fields. In most cases, the skills required for different jobs in a field vary greatly. However, this is not the case in nursing, as most critical skills developed to work in any position can be easily transferred to other jobs in the field.
The nursing field requires basic training, which all nurses must undergo to obtain the foundational knowledge and competency needed to care for patients. These foundational skills are relevant across different positions in the field and can easily be transferred when required. With this, nurses can work in any area they develop an interest in.
Nevertheless, additional education is required to become a full-fledged professional in a different position, which could range from basic study groups to complete certification examinations.
Pursuing a career in nursing
The nursing profession can be demanding. However, it has the potential to be highly rewarding for individuals with a passion for helping people. Nurses make a meaningful impact in a patient’s life and earn respect and gratitude from patients and their families.
Additionally, nurses are some of the most sought-after professionals in the healthcare sector, making generous salaries with good job flexibility and security. If you wish to become a healthcare professional, you should strongly consider a career in nursing.
