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Though nursing is one of the most impactful professions in the lives of patients, it can also be very demanding. There are several things to think about before pursuing a career in this field. This article will explore some of the pros and cons, educational requirements and the overall scope of the industry.

What to know before deciding to become a nurse?

There are several things to consider for anyone who thinks they might want to become a nurse. The nursing profession isn’t for everyone, but people with an interest in medicine and patient care may find it as a rewarding career option. It’s important to take the time to learn about the different career opportunities and the various nursing degrees necessary to pursue them, including a nursing diploma or associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees in nursing, and what it means to get involved in the field. While several advantages may benefit life and career goals, there may also be some challenges.

The pros of becoming a nurse

On the positive side of nursing are advantages like a flexible work schedule and constant demand, plus a few more to know about.

Flexible work schedule

A typical nursing schedule varies depending on where the nurse works. Some settings have more flexibility than a traditional 9-to-5 job. For example, some registered nurses work three 12-hour shifts every week. Some nurses have a set schedule that includes nights or a one week on, one week off rotation. Other times, nurses work on an “as needed” basis (sometimes referred to as “PRN”), where they may fill a temporary need, work one or several days, and/or be on-call only.

Additionally, many hospitals are hiring more part-time staff, such as travel nurses to fill staffing gaps, so there are new opportunities for flexible scheduling.

Growing demand

are prevalent across the country. Due to an aging population, growing demand for healthcare, and a concentration on preventive care, the demand for nurses is consistent. BLS projects to grow 6% between 2022 and 2032.

While growth in nursing is about average compared to all occupations, BLS notes that the demand for nurses should increase with the aging population, which will require additional care. Additionally, the number of men in nursing has been rising, and they constituted an estimated , according to BLS.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to ������Ƶ students or graduates.

Nurse salary range

A nursing career offers a salary range commesurate with the level of education. According to May 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the was $63,720 to $132,680, with a median wage of $86,070, a year.

Furthermore, concentrating in a specific area of nursing may enhance earning ability. Registered nurses who have experience or are specialized in particular fields such as critical care can earn higher wages, though salaries also vary widely by region or location.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of ������Ƶ. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. ������Ƶ does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

Plenty of room for career growth

Nursing provides many opportunities for advancement. So whether a nursing student is on the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing(RN to BSN) track or opts to ��pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, the healthcare industry offers a variety of options.

Overall, a prospective student can pursue the goal to become a nurse with any of a number of specialties that may align with their ultimate career goals, including but not limited to:

• Nurse education
• Research
• Primary care
• Private practice
• Emergency nursing
• Administration
• Community health
• Home health

On a personal level, nurses can develop leadership abilities and explore new areas of patient care. Supporting patients from birth through the end of life, nursing specialties can broaden your a nurse’s knowledge and offer new experiences.

A sense of purpose

Nursing opens the door to some of the most impactful job positions within healthcare. When someone decides to become a nurse, they can make changes in patients’ lives and the community surrounding them.

Opportunities to travel

For someone who wants to become a nurse and likes to travel, nursing can offer the ability to travel and work in a variety of locations and settings. Traveling nurses get to see new parts of the country, work in different settings and meet new colleagues.

They may have opportunities to work within the United States or internationally (if they meet the requirements of the country/locality in which they want to work). In addition, numerous agencies help nurses decide on their next career destination, should they be looking to branch out.

Disadvantages of being a nurse

Nursing can be a challenging job. While it has plenty of advantages, there are some drawbacks as well.

Interacting with difficult patients and family members

Nurses deal with difficult patients almost every day. Although patients can sometimes be frustrating and exhausting, it’s important to remain calm and treat them with respect and dignity. Behind the angst are feelings of helplessness. A patient and family member can be difficult because they feel that their situation is out of their control.

Tips for dealing with difficult patients:

• Be patient and honest.
• Listen and be in the moment.
• Be sensitive and listen to the patient’s concerns.
• Don’t take anything personally; it’s not about the nurse.
• Keep the conversation as objective as possible.
• Don’t downplay their concerns or anger; acknowledge their feelings.
• Remain supportive and work with them to find a solution.

Many difficult patients are scared or worried, which makes them lash out at nurses. Patients also often feel exposed and vulnerable when they’re in a hospital bed and dependent on others.

Feeling undervalued or underappreciated

Nurses often feel undervalued by the very people they’re serving. It isn’t easy for a nurse to feel like they’re making a difference in someone’s life when patients continually tell say that what a nurse is doing isn’t necessary. Many patients don’t realize how much their nurses are doing for them, day in and day out.

While it’s important to remember that not everyone understands the intricacies of nursing, nurses should also know how much their hard work and dedication mean to those around them.

Working in a stressful environment

Nursing can be incredibly stressful, especially in hospitals or with high-risk patients. Additionally, nurses often encounter emotionally heavy days when they must care for patients in pain or who have a terminal diagnosis.

Other everyday stressors can include:

• Long shifts
• Inadequate resources, such as those for patient comfort or pain management
• Patient neglect due to being understaffed
• Lack of appreciation from other healthcare professionals and patients
• Working with people who cannot be saved

Though the list of stressors for nurses is long, it should not deter the decision to become a nurse.

Can be physically demanding

One of the biggest challenges is that nurses are often required to stand for long periods and transport patients. This can be exhausting, especially when this is something a new nurse is not accustomed to.

Additionally, personal protective gear like scrubs and masks requires washing and should not be overlooked as an added burden on an already busy schedule.

Often mentally exhausting

Nursing is often a mentally and physically exhausting career. When a nurse is not physically exerting energy, they’re cleaning equipment or charting on the computer. This can make it feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get work done.

Moreover, occupational stress can cause anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and feelings of inferiority in nurses. But there are ways to boost mental health, such as through exercise, meditation and a support system.

Ready to look at programs to become a nurse?

If you think you’d like to become a nurse, you’ll first have to get your RN from a nursing school. In the meantime, take a look at nursing degree programs at ������Ƶ, ��including:

• RN to BSN
• Competency-Based RN to BSN
• Master of Science in Nursing in several areas
• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Contact ������Ƶ for more information.