What Does a Career in Nursing Offer?

Finding the right career is an important way of enhancing your quality of life and improving your well-being. Given the impact that work has on your general happiness, it’s vital to find a role that’s satisfying and fulfilling. For many people, this means working in the healthcare sector.

The opportunity to work with patients, form part of a team, and make a genuine difference in people’s lives certainly makes working in the medical profession an attractive prospect. Before you sign up, however, you’ll want to know a little more about what your role may entail.

To find out whether working in the healthcare sector could be your dream job, take a look at some of the benefits associated with a career in nursing:

1. Job Security

Whatever career you decide on, you’ll want to know that there will be a continued demand for your expertise. When you choose to become a nurse, you’ll be in no doubt that people will always require healthcare services, which ensures a good degree of job security.

Furthermore, the increasing number of older people in the U.S. means that demand for healthcare services is set to increase in upcoming years. If you begin training now, for example, you’ll be qualified and part of the workforce when demand hits its peak.

As an industry, nursing is expected to grow significantly in the near future, which will increase job security for practicing nurses and ensure there are a number of roles available for newly qualified nurses and medical practitioners.

2. Career Progression

Many people assume that you have to undergo years of training before you can work as a nurse. Although there are certainly core competencies and qualifications you’ll need to obtain before you can begin your career, this doesn’t take as long as you might imagine. Prestigious accelerated BSN nursing programs at Baylor University can speed up the qualification process, for example.

Once you’re working as a Registered Nurse, you’ll also have the opportunity to advance your career and take on a wider variety of responsibilities. If you choose to complete a post-grad qualification, for example, you may decide to become a Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthetist. With an increasing number of leadership roles going to nurses, there is certainly a lot of scope for career progression within the industry.

3. Societal Contributions

When your job enables you to make a positive contribution to society, it enhances your job satisfaction and gives you a sense of pride in your work. As a nurse, you’ll be caring for people when they’re in need, saving lives and providing critical assistance to a wider team. With an advanced skillset, medical knowledge and dedication to the role, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives and make an overwhelmingly positive contribution to society.

4. High Salaries

Your earning power may not be your first thought when you’re deciding what type of career is right for you, but your future salary is something that should be taken into account. Afterall, you’ll want to ensure that your chosen career enables you to achieve financial stability in life.

In the U.S., the average salary for a Registered Nurse ranges from $59,540 to $113,240, depending on which state you work in. However, your earning potential isn’t capped. If you decide to undertake additional training and progress to the next stage of your career, your salary will increase accordingly.

5. International Travel

Most people don’t associate a career in nursing with a jet-set lifestyle, but you’d be surprised at the opportunities that are available. There are an increasing number of programs that are designed for nursing professionals who want to work overseas. From temporary placements to long-term contracts, you can gain experience while working abroad or even specialize in a particular field as a visiting medical professional.

In addition to this, many nurses choose to volunteer their time with charitable organizations and provide healthcare services in underserved areas. As you travel to developing countries and deliver advanced healthcare services, for example, you’ll have the opportunity to help those who are most in need.

6. Varied Work Environments

The majority of Registered Nurses work in a hospital environment, but this isn’t the only option that’s available. You may choose to work in a smaller clinical setting, such as a doctor’s office, for example, or you may want to work in the community and deliver healthcare at home.

As well as being able to choose which environment you want to work in, you’ll also be able to decide what type of working pattern suits you best. Nurses working in the community may have shifts that are closer to standard business hours, for example, whereas nurses working in a hospital may work varied hours to cover early morning and night shifts.

Is Nursing Right for You?

Now that you know a little more about what a career in nursing can offer, you may have more of an insight into whether it’s the right option for you. Although the role can seem overwhelming when you aren’t medically trained, a willingness to learn and a dedication to providing exemplary patient care will certainly stand you in good stead. You can prepare a clean resume should you have any interest in pursuing a nursing career.

Additionally, nursing can be a great career option for people who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and for those that aren’t reluctant to take on responsibility. As a Registered Nurse, you’ll be responsible for monitoring patients, administering medications, assisting with procedures and much, much more. Due to this, it’s important that aspiring nurses are prepared for the challenges they’ll face and eager to continually develop their skills.

Starting Your Career in Nursing

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve already gained some experience in other industries, starting your training in nursing could give you the dream career you’ve been searching for. With above-average job security, high salaries, varied working environments and the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people, there’s no doubt that nursing can be a wonderful and fulfilling career.