The nursing profession has seen its ups and downs over the past few decades.
During the pandemic, these frontline workers worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Putting their lives at risk, they fought long and hard, caring for the sick and helping others in need.
Unfortunately, the effects of Covid-19 still haunts the healthcare sector.
CNN reports that about 100,000 nurses left their jobs due to pandemic-related burnout and stress. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing found that a quarter of the workforce plans to retire or leave the industry in the next five years.
Despite the challenges the sector faces, nurses will always be in demand across the globe. It’s an enriching job that rewards you with small wins and big smiles.
Nursing could be your calling, whether at a crossroads or considering furthering your studies. We’re hoping our convincing reasons to pursue nursing can coax you into contemplating it as a career.
#1. Job Security
The U.S. is in the grip of a nursing crisis. In dealing with the shortage, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce projected 193,100 job openings for registered nurses (RNs) annually until 2032. Sounds a bit too optimistic, doesn’t it?
In support of the stats, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says the number of RN positions in the US will grow 6% between 2022 and 2032.
Employment opportunities for nurse anesthetists, midwives and nurse practitioners also appear positive. The sector is predicted to increase by 38% in 2032.
The take-home pay isn’t that bad either. Registered nurses can earn $86,070 annually.
#2. Career Advancement
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) opens many doors. Qualifying as a registered nurse gives you a foothold in the healthcare industry and is the springboard to pivoting from one specialty to another.
There are multiple career pathways if you want to pursue an advanced degree. Earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) qualification allows you to study a further degree in a specialized nursing field as a nurse practitioner.
Popular specialized nursing roles are family nurse practitioner, primary care and physician assistant.
Online universities offer you the time and opportunity to enroll in various NP nursing degree programs. Already have your MSN? How about doing your post-master in Psychiatric Mental Healthcare?
The flexibility of an online nurse practitioner NP program lets you take one course at a time with a break in between. You’ll get job experience via clinical placements and clinical courses. The best part is that you can earn your BSN degree to gain national certification.
However, Spring Arbor University urges students to research the institution and ensure the course is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
#3. Job Satisfaction
Most employees complain about low job satisfaction or lack of career advancement. Every job comes with its challenges and times you feel exhausted and overwhelmed.
The good news is that there are always solutions to problems. Enforcing healthy boundaries and practicing a work-life balance can result in relative contentment in any job.
In 2023, AMN Healthcare surveyed 18,000 RNs. About 71% said they were satisfied with their careers. Another 36% of hospital nurses noted they would continue working – but were seeking new employment.
Interestingly, the survey found that nurses with over five years of experience reported higher job satisfaction than those with fewer years.
#4. Highly Respected Career
It started with a decades-long survey by Gallup to determine the most honest profession. Medical workers and teachers always topped the list.
During its 2023 poll, nurses were ranked in the No.1 position, 22 years in a row! About 78% of U.S. adults believed nurses had high honesty and ethical standards.
In contrast, poll respondents reacted unfavorably towards senators and car salespeople who were viewed as the least ethical.
#5. Salary Perks
We know you’ve been waiting for this one and we saved it for last. A nurse’s median annual salary is significantly higher than the average for all occupations.
Other perks come with the job. Travel nurses receive compensation for short-notice jobs and hazard pay or critical staffing pay. Other benefits include travel expenses and a stipend for housing and meals.
In December last year, Plansponsor reported that hospitals were instituting sign-on bonuses and increasing minimum wage scales.
The mandates were actioned to retain frontline medical staff to stem the talent shortage. According to the publication, 70% of hospitals had already implemented sign-on bonuses. Another 52% increased referral bonus programs.
Pursuing a career in nursing is not for the faint-hearted. You must be resilient yet compassionate, patient and caring.
Feeling inspired to take on the mantle? We certainly hope so after giving you five reasons why.
