Nursing is one of the fastest-growing and in-demand industries in 2021. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and amidst the increasing numbers of nurses set to retire in the next few years, now is one of the best times to become enter this profession. With steady job prospects, excellent training opportunities, and a variety of areas to work in, nursing is a profession that comes with a lot of perks and benefits.
But nursing requires a special type of person, someone who has a passion for caring for others and who will go the extra mile in an emergency. If you have a calling to make a difference to someone’s life, then a nursing profession may be for you. Below are 11 reasons to become a nurse in 2021.
1. To Make a Difference
One of the top reasons people choose to be a nurse is so they can make a difference. Whether it’s saving someone’s life, providing physical comfort, or giving emotional support, the work that nurses do for sick and injured people is beyond invaluable. To be a nurse is to go above and beyond the call of duty and this impact is felt by millions of patients all over the world.
2. It’s an In-Demand Profession
The field of nursing has been booming for quite some time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it was estimated that the demand for nurses would soar by 20% by the year 2020. That demand is even greater this year, and it is combined with an increasingly aging population. If you are thinking of becoming a nurse, now is one of the best times to enter.
3. Nursing Degree Programs are Plentiful
Another benefit of becoming a nurse is the abundant number of degree programs. These courses are offered in every state and many are increasingly delivered remotely, as evidenced by programs such as the non nursing degree to BSN online at Elmhurst University. Whether you choose to take the degree online or in person, there is no shortage of courses to choose from.
4. Nurses Can Quickly Enter the Workforce
With the rise of accelerated BSN degrees and other programs that take two to three years to complete, it means that nurses can quickly enter the workforce. If you’re concerned about the amount of time it takes to study before working, accelerated programs may work for you. Or, if time isn’t an issue, there are also plenty of programs that still follow the traditional four-year route.
5. To Work with a Range of People
Unsurprisingly, nursing opens opportunities to work with a wide range of people. If you’re stationed in a hospital, for example, you’re likely to work with doctors, surgeons, matrons, bed managers, IT specialists, admin and reception teams, paramedics, social workers, and radiographersthe list goes on. That doesn’t even include the patients, all of whom will come from diverse backgrounds. Nursing is a great profession if you love people and are keen to work with a range of different roles.
6. You Can Choose Your Own Specialism
Nursing is also a profession that affords a lot of specialisms. There are many opportunities to advance your career or specialize in your areas of interest. These specialisms can also land you in a variety of settings such as hospitals, educational institutions, outpatient clinics, etc. Some of the more popular nurse specialisms include:
- registered nurse
- cardiac nurse
- nurse anesthetists
- clinical nurse
- ER nurse
- geriatric nurse
- psychiatric nurse
- family nurse practitioner
7. To Enhance Your Leadership Skills
By becoming a nurse, you naturally fall into a leadership role. Whether this applies to your patients, your clinical teams, or the admin staff, nursing requires a degree of management and leadership that can be useful for your personal development. Nursing also demands that you learn how to manage your own time as well as your patient caseloads. These combined skills of managing your own time and other people can help you apply for other roles in the future that require managerial skills.
8. For Flexible Working Hours
Depending on which setting you find yourself in, nursing shifts can vary depending on your needs. The beauty of this role is that you can choose shifts around your other life commitments. For instance, you may need to work a range of morning and evening shifts, or you may prefer to work evenings only. Alternatively, if you prefer the regular 9 to 5 pattern, you can likely find these kinds of shifts in physicians’ offices or clinics.
9. To Participate in Active, Diverse Work
When you work as nurse, no two days are the same. The number of unexpected scenarios that can occur in a clinic or hospital are immense, which means that you will always be active and on your feet. This diversity is what appeals to many nurses, as there is rarely a dull moment, and the varied environment is also a brilliant way to build your skills and expertise. Nursing demands that you learn how to think on your feet and respond to emergency situations, which frequently arise out of this diverse and active role.
10. For the Competitive Salaries
Nursing can also demand highly competitive pay. This increases the more you specialize, but generally, nurses can take home healthy and comfortable salaries. While a nurse’s assistant can start at around $30,000 per year, a registered nurse can take home $75,000, and a nurse anesthetist can make upwards of $175,000.
11. It’s Well Respected
Last, but not least, another top reason to become a nurse is it’s a well-respected profession. Nursing is heralded as being one of the most honest and ethical roles out there and it puts you in the league of other healers and doctors who save people every day. While people should never go into nursing simply for the respect, it’s worth knowing that the role demands integrity and should be treated with reverence.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a nurse is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Not only is there a high degree of job stability, but the role itself comes with a lot of growth, skill, and potential for development. If you are interested in becoming a nurse, there are many degree programs and training opportunities out there to explore. Good luck!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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