It would help if you considered the advantages and disadvantages of your selected field before deciding on a college major. How much money can you expect to make if you join? After graduating, will I be able to find work? Do people hold it in high regard? Does that seem like a job that you would love to do?
There is no exception to this rule in the field of nursing. Before you decide to study nursing online, get an idea of what it takes to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Did you know that there will be a greater need for nurses in the future? As the baby boomer generation reaches old age, a significant proportion of the nursing workforce will be eligible for retirement.
22 percent of the 2 million registered nurses (RNs) who work in hospitals are expected to be 55 or older by March 2020.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the nursing profession will see a 9 percent increase in jobs by 2030, quicker than the typical employment market.
As a nurse, you have a lot of advantages and choices. Working as an RN in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, is one option.
If you’re thinking about a career in nursing, here are some things to think about before you decide to go that route:
Why Become a Nurse?
Nurses have a significant impact on the lives of their patients
Nurses are involved in much more than just patient care. As a nurse, you may have a profound impact on the lives of those you serve. People need to hear that there is hope even at the worst moments of their lives.
After a traumatic diagnosis, nurses typically advise patients and their families, rejoice with them when they get good news, and become valued confidantes.
There is a nursing shortage
The nursing shortage in the United States is not going away any time soon.
There is a serious shortage of nurses in the United States because of the retirement of an entire generation of nurses, higher life expectancies, the rise in chronic diseases like diabetes, and the present limits encountered by nursing schools (space, facilities, and professors).
Those thinking about a career in nursing may be certain that they will have stable employment in this field.
Potential for Big profits
Nurses can earn a lot of money throughout their careers because of the wide range of opportunities available in the profession.
For Registered Nurses, the average yearly pay in 2018 was $75,510. Nurses may earn significantly more in certain states.
RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree may expect to earn around $8,000 more annually.
Job insurance
The nursing profession offers nurses financial security and employment security, two factors that are very appealing to recent nursing graduates.
The number of jobs available to you will continue to grow, as well as the opportunities to specialize and enhance your career.
Initially, that could mean choosing a less-desirable position in a less-desirable location. Still, as nurses gain experience, they can pursue new professions suited to their specific skill set.
Nursing’s most difficult challenges
Nursing, like every other profession, has its downsides. The following are some of the disadvantages to be aware of.
Healthcare is undergoing significant change
Some healthcare institutions have bureaucracies that are difficult to navigate, and the industry is always evolving.
In particular, “[the healthcare industry’s] concentration on profit and the controversy surrounding health insurance” frustrates nurses who want to concentrate on patient care.
The healthcare system is a jumble of for-profit and nonprofit organizations that must work together to stay afloat.
Some nurses may feel that they must divide their time between keeping expenses down and caring for patients because of this focus on economics.
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Shifts lasting a long time
Nurses routinely put in extra shifts to meet the demands of their patients, who need care around the clock.
Don’t become a nurse if you don’t want to work weekends, evenings, or holidays. On many occasions, nurses must work 12-hour shifts or other irregular schedules, such as overnights or weekends.
Long shifts and irregular hours may be convenient for some RNs, but they may be taxing for others. Work locations like clinics that open from 9 to 5 are ideal for aspiring nurses who work on a more regular schedule.
Whether these aspects combine to make nursing a suitable match for your lifestyle, it’s up to you.
To make a well-informed choice regarding a job, be honest with yourself about the realities of nursing. It is an excellent option as long as you’re prepared to put in the work required.