Choosing a career these days can be difficult. With all of the turmoil in our world, it’s tough to know which career paths will be in demand and continue to pay well in the years ahead.
On top of that, it’s important to choose a career that you’ll actually enjoy.
Nursing is a great choice for people who are compassionate and enjoy making a difference in the lives of others.
Not only are nurses absolutely crucial to society, but they also can gain a lot of personal career fulfillment and satisfaction for helping patients.
Here are 5 great reasons to consider a career in nursing in 2020:
Growth and Demand for Nurses Continues to Increase
Demand for many professions is down due to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nurses, however, are in huge demand at the moment. In addition to caring for patients with COVID-19, nurses are needed to care for the aging population in the United States, which is growing larger.
From 2018-2028, nursing jobs are expected to grow by around 12%, much faster than most other professions.
As healthcare institutions shift to a more preventative model, we can expect the demand for qualified nurses to increase even more
Nursing is an extremely stable career path because the demand will remain high for decades to come.
Nurses Have Increasing Autonomy
Nurses are known for assisting doctors with patient care and helping to ensure that hospital wards run smoothly.
These days, however, their role is expanding. Some nurses are gaining increased autonomy, particularly nurse practitioners, who can often provide care independently.
Depending on state regulations, nurse practitioners can have almost as much autonomy as a primary care physician
It’s a great option for career and salary growth for nurses who want to learn and provide more complex care.
Help Solve Public Health Issues
COVID-19 is the most pressing public health issue the world is currently facing, but there are also many other large-scale health concerns occurring in the United States and worldwide.
Nurses can play a key role in helping to alleviate and solve these issues, giving them the opportunity to personally contribute to a larger cause.
Nurses can help to educate the public on topics like alcoholism, diabetes, opioid abuse, and mental health. Because they work in a variety of settings, nurses have the opportunity to distribute information that helps people live healthier lives.
Solving public health concerns starts with education, and nurses are uniquely positioned to offer one-on-one guidance for people who are at risk of developing these common problems.
Create Valuable Bonds with Patients
People typically come to the hospital when they are ill, in pain, and/or scared. Their family members are also usually emotional and fearful.
They may be sleep-deprived, unable to communicate effectively with doctors due to a language or cultural barrier, and uncertain about the type of care their loved one is receiving.
Doctors typically have a huge caseload and may have the time to work with patients and families as much as they’d like.
Nurses are busy too, but they’re more involved with the day-to-day care of patients and can really make a positive difference in a patient’s care experience.
Nurses create valuable bonds with patients that help them through a difficult time in their lives. Just knowing that someone cares and is there looking out for them can make a huge difference in a patient’s outcome.
Most nurses say that working with patients directly and forming these bonds is their favorite aspect of the job.
Enjoy a Flexible Schedule
Many people sacrifice time with their families or other interests for the sake of their careers. With a traditional 9-5 job, there isn’t much flexibility in the workday.
But in nursing, there are lots of options for shifts that provide greater flexibility.
Nurses can choose to stay on day shifts or switch over to nights, which are generally quieter and leave the daytime free for other activities. Many nurses work long shifts and then get several full days off in a row.
That flexibility is extremely attractive for working parents and other people who don’t want to deal with the rigidity of a set schedule.
Getting Started
Nurses are highly trained and require formal education to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Most nurses have a bachelor’s degree, but some people earn their RN with a 2-year degree.
With more education, nurses can become nurse practitioners or nurse educators, opening up higher salaries and more career opportunities.
It’s a great time to become a nurse. If you want to help people and have a stable career that offers you a solid living, then it may be time to explore your options and get started!
