There are many great career options that you can choose when it is time to get an education and pick what you would like to do with your life. Due to the variety of positions, the flexibility of working hours, and the higher pay, many young professionals are being drawn to a career in nursing.
Before you invest a lot of time and money into a degree in nursing, it is important to have a full understanding of everything that this career in nursing will entail. Some of the things that you should know before you consider a career in nursing includes:
There is a Rising Demand for Nurses
Even before the recent Covid-19 pandemic, the demand and job growth for nurses has been rising steadily. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an increase between now and 2028 for some of the most common nursing professionals by the following:
- RNs by 12%
- Nursing assistants and orderlies by 9%
- Nurse anesthetists, practitioners, and midwives by 26%
All areas of nursing are experiencing a shortage right now. The reason for this is the rise of chronic conditions in patients, a higher amount of healthcare for the aging population, and a higher emphasis on preventive care. You will find that many medical facilities are desperate for the right nursing professionals, which can result in better pay and benefits for you.
There are Many Places Nursing Professionals Can Work
Many young professionals assume that nurses only work in hospitals and doctor’s offices. If this is something that you are interested in, you first need to know whether to go for a travel nursing jobs vs. permanent nursing jobs. Either way, there are still a lot of great options for you to choose from when it comes to working as a nurse.
Although hospitals and doctor’s offices are some of the most common places for nursing professionals to go and work, it is possible for a nurse to pick another location to work in. this can include schools, pharmacies, offices, home health care, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities.
With all of this variety, you are certain to find some of the best work opportunities. You can even choose to become a travel nurse and float around to many different locations, experiencing the world and earning a higher paycheck. Consider where you would like to work and then focus your studies on that to help you succeed.
More Men are Joining the Field
In the past, nursing was often considered a female-dominated profession. According to BLS data from 2019, nearly 90% of RNs and NPs are women but the tide is starting to change and more men are deciding it is time to pursue a career in nursing to help them make an income as well.
There are many reasons why men are starting to join the nursing field as well. This career will provide appeal to a lot of caring and empathetic individuals, no matter what their gender is. If you are a man who would like to get into nursing, rest assured that many others are joining the field as well and you will be able to fit right in as well.
You May Not Need the Degree That You Thought
It is possible to get into the field of nursing without having to spend years in school. While there are some nursing careers that will require an advanced degree, it is possible to get your foot in the door without having to go for a master’s or doctorate degree.
The minimum required education to start as a registered nurse will be an associate’s degree in nursing. Most students with this degree will be able to get the work done in two years. They can then take the NCLEX test and then start working in their chosen field as a professional nurse.
However, getting a more advanced degree can open up more opportunities and more money at the same time. If you are willing to work on a four-year BSN degree or even your master’s degree, you will have a big career advantage compared to some of the other candidates who would apply for the job. And there are even jobs that require a doctorate degree.
You will be able to choose the degree that you want based on the type of career in nursing you would like to work on. And a survey done by AACN found that more than 82% of nursing employers will have a strong preference for a nursing professional with a minimum of a BSN degree. If you want to stick out, then gaining your BSN degree is a smart move.
You Will Be Able to Earn a High Salary
When you enter the field of nursing, be prepared to make a good salary. Even at the lower levels that just need a certificate, you can easily make a good income in the process. Plus, many medical facilities are willing to pay overtime because they are so short on nursing professionals, which can add to the base pay as well.
The more experience and education you get in the nursing field, the more you will be able to earn. Some examples of average salaries that you can expect when you start a career in nursing include:
- Nurse educator: $82,000
- Pain management nurse: $110,420
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: $113,114
- ICU Nurse: $120,243
- General Nurse Practitioner: $121,000
The exact amount that you are going to make in this role will depend on where you take the work, the location, the exact job, and your education and experience overall. Many medical facilities are in need of nursing professionals, so you will have quite a bit of negotiating power here as well.
Choosing to Become a Nursing Professional
Many young professionals are attracted to the field of nursing because it provides them with a lot of great opportunities to progress and have a rewarding career. Whether you want a variety of work challenges, good pay, and a way to progress quickly, the nursing profession will provide everything that you need and more.
