Nursing is more than just a job; it’s a calling. It’s a profession that offers the chance to make a difference in people’s lives and to be a part of something truly meaningful. With a combination of challenging work, competitive salaries, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, nursing is a field that is both fulfilling and rewarding. It is a noble profession that combines the art of compassion with the science of healthcare. It is the way for individuals with a heart to help others to make a difference in the world. Nursing requires a unique blend of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and excellent communication. Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, acting as advocates, educators, and support systems for those in need.
Starting Your Nursing Journey
Whether you’re seeking job security, a sense of purpose, or a meaningful career that provides lifelong learning opportunities, nursing is a smart choice. Nursing is, in fact, one of the most rewarding and fulfilling careers one can choose.
The first prerequisite to practicing nursing in real-time is getting a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree, followed by obtaining an R.N. license through a rigorous examination process offered by the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). This is a highly competitive exam with a passing ratio of 72.94 in the first half of 2021.
For many students, studying away from home is not an option. Mississippi College believes no one should have to give up their dream due to the necessitations of circumstances. For this reason, it offers a CCNE accredited online R.N. to BSN program, enabling remote students from all over the world to enroll and embark upon their nursing journey.
Mississippi College is a private institution founded in 1826, presently standing at No.1 on both the list of Best Online Colleges and Universities in Mississippi, as well as the list of Best Health Professions Master’s Degree Schools in Mississippi. Their online nursing program is a top-notch educational option for aspiring nurses. With a focus on providing quality education and training, the program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to advance in the field.
Reasons to Choose a Career in Nursing
Registered nurses are trained to provide a wide range of patient care services, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients’ health. R.N.s work in various settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and physician offices. They play a crucial role in patient care and serve as an important member of the healthcare team, working closely with physicians, other nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality patient care. With their advanced training and experience, registered nurses are essential for the delivery of effective and efficient healthcare services, and they are highly valued for their expertise and dedication to the profession.
Whether you are just beginning your professional journey or considering a career change, here are five reasons to opt for nursing:
1. Versatility and Job Growth
Nursing is an ever-growing profession. Job openings are constantly increasing, and the workforce is multiplying rapidly. The BLS projects a 6% growth in the employment of registered nurses from 2021 to 2031, corresponding to 203,300 new job openings each year on average.
Moreover, nursing is a versatile field with a vast range of opportunities. Nurses can work in government hospitals, private clinics, nursing homes, schools, and the home healthcare industry. There are plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. They may take on a leadership role or further their education by pursuing an MSN or DNP degree.
They may also choose to specialize in a specific field like:
- Pediatrics
- Critical care
- Oncology
- Geriatrics
- Neonatal care
- Psychiatry
- Family nursing, to name just a few.
This versatility means that regardless of your interests or skills, there is a nursing specialty that will suit you.
2. Impact on Lives
Nursing is a career that allows you to make a real impact on people’s lives every day. Nurses are often the first line of patient care, providing support and comfort during some of the most challenging times in their lives. Whether you are helping a patient recover from an illness, working with a family to care for a loved one, or simply providing comfort and support during a difficult time, nursing is a career that enables you to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
3. Competitive salaries
Nursing is a well-paying career with competitive salaries and benefits packages. As the demand for healthcare continues to grow, salaries for nurses are likely to continue to increase, making nursing a smart financial choice for many people. The national average salary for nurses in the U.S. is around $120,680 but can be as high as $163,350 with the appropriate certifications and years of experience, with the median annual wage at $ 120,680 in May 2021, according to BLS.
4. Job security
The demand for registered practicing nurses continues to grow due to an aging boomer population with increased life expectancy, indirectly contributing to the nursing shortage. According to a 2017 U.S. Census Bureau report, baby boomers aged 65 and older are likely to total 82 million by 2030.
Furthermore, more people seek medical attention under the Affordable Care Act of 2010. As the demand for healthcare continues to grow, the demand for nurses will also continue to grow, ensuring that job opportunities will always be available.
5. Collaborative work environment and Job Satisfaction
Nursing is a collaborative field, with nurses working closely with physicians, social workers, other healthcare professionals, and support staff to provide comprehensive and coordinated patient care. This collaboration creates a supportive and inclusive work environment where they can learn from their colleagues and share their knowledge and experiences. This is one of the many reasons it is such a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. Collaboration is essential in the fast-paced and dynamic world of healthcare, and nurses play a vital role in bringing together different members of the healthcare team to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.
According to a survey by the American Nurses Association (ANA), more than 90% of nurses reported working in a highly collaborative environment. The survey also found that nurses who work in a collaborative environment are more satisfied with their jobs, have a better work-life balance, and are more likely to stay at their current job.
Conclusion
Nursing is a fulfilling and rewarding career that can bring great personal satisfaction. The opportunity to serve others, make a difference in their lives, and make a real impact can be incredibly gratifying. Additionally, the field of nursing has a positive impact on society as a whole. Nurses play a critical role in promoting health and wellness in communities worldwide by providing quality care to patients and advocating for better health policies.
So if you are considering choosing nursing as a profession, you are on the right track, for it can provide a sense of purpose and meaning that is often difficult to find in other careers. Top of Form