16 Reasons to Choose a Career in Nursing

16 Reasons to Choose a Career in Nursing

When considering a career path, nursing stands out due to its job stability and diverse opportunities. Here are 16 compelling reasons to opt for nursing as your profession. The nursing shortage is projected to rise in the coming years, influenced by factors like the aging baby boomer population and a significant portion of nurses nearing retirement age. As of March 2020, about 22% of the 2 million registered nurses (RNs) employed in hospitals were aged 55 or above.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 6% job growth in nursing by 2031, making this an opportune moment to pursue a nursing career.

Nursing presents various entry points, specialties, and work settings. Explore the following 16 reasons that underline the value of a nursing career:

1 | Making a Meaningful Impact

Nurses are more than medical task performers. They create a genuine impact in people’s lives, offering hope even during challenging times. Nurses provide guidance to patients and families in the face of difficult diagnoses, share in their joys, and become trusted confidantes.

Nurses also contribute to communities through volunteer work, as seen in a 2017 survey where 74% of nurses engaged in health-related activities to enhance community well-being.

2 | Widespread Availability of Nursing Degree Programs

Healthcare professions rank highly in the number of associate and bachelor’s degrees awarded, as indicated by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Most major cities boast colleges and universities offering Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.

3 | Flexibility of Online Nursing Education

Accredited online nursing programs enable individuals across the U.S. to pursue nursing education from any location. These programs blend online coursework with in-person clinical experiences at healthcare facilities. Ensuring accreditation from organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is essential for exam eligibility and licensure.

4 | Access to Financial Aid

Nursing students have opportunities to secure financial aid, alleviating the burden of student debt. Scholarships, grants, and tuition remission programs are available for those pursuing associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and even Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees.

Preparing for Your Nursing Program Interview

5 | Swift Entry into the Workforce

Various nursing degrees facilitate quick entry into the workforce. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree while earning income is feasible, and an accredited two-year associate program leads to an average annual salary of $73,000. A BSN opens doors to career advancement with an average annual salary of $89,000.

6 | High Levels of Job Satisfaction

Nursing offers both job and career satisfaction. A 2019 survey by American Mobile Nurses (AMN) Healthcare indicated that 81% of nurses were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their career choice. A significant 70% would encourage others to join the profession.

7 | Dynamic and Exciting Work

Nursing is far from monotonous. Every day presents unique patient interactions and challenges across various settings, from clinics to hospitals, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience.

8 | Esteemed Reputation of Nursing

Nurses hold a highly respected position, consistently ranked as the most ethical and honest profession by Americans in Gallup surveys. This reputation endured for 19 years, with firefighters temporarily taking the lead after September 11, 2001.

9 | Diverse Specialization Opportunities

With over 100 nursing specialties to choose from, nurses enjoy a wide array of options, from gerontological nursing to flight nursing. Transitions between specialties are feasible, providing flexibility and continuous growth.

10 | Thriving in a Stable Industry

As the baby boomer generation ages, up to 85% of older adults develop chronic health conditions. The BLS predicts increased demand for nurses to cater to this growing population, with expected job growth ranging from 6% for RNs to 40% for nurse practitioners.

11 | Access to Comprehensive Benefits

Healthcare facilities offer attractive benefits to retain skilled professionals. Nurses enjoy benefits beyond the average annual salary of $77,600, such as paid leave, insurance coverage, retirement plans, and even student loan repayment.

12 | Development of Transferable Skills

Nursing equips you with adaptable skills applicable in various settings and locations. Critical thinking, communication, and organizational abilities, as well as the capacity to remain composed in emergencies, serve as a strong foundation for diverse career paths within nursing.

13 | Smooth Transition for New Graduates

Nurses transitioning from academia to clinical settings can benefit from one-year nurse residency programs offered by teaching hospitals. Gaining nursing experience during education, pursuing internships, and cultivating a professional network enhance job prospects.

14 | Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals

Nurses play a pivotal role in patient care, collaborating with healthcare teams to coordinate treatment plans and enhance outcomes. Their unique position at the patient’s bedside allows them to connect various recommendations for comprehensive care.

15 | Abundant Leadership Opportunities

Nursing skills translate into leadership roles, such as charge nurses overseeing units or advanced positions in administration. The potential for growth extends to clinical practice and specialized fields, offering a clear career trajectory.

16 | Frontline Role in Telemedicine

Telehealth nursing surged in 2020, catering to remote patient care needs. Nurses engage in patient consultations, history taking, and care coordination through telehealth services. This expansion equips nurses with innovative tools to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.