In today’s world where COVID-19 has laid bare the existing problems of our health system, those considering a medical career might look to the nursing occupation as it is a position that is always in need, and especially now in a global pandemic.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care; increasing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population, as this group leads longer and more active lives.
With the increase in demand and job opportunity, there has never been a better time to consider a career in nursing, and here are a few reasons why:
It’s a Calling
Before we can look into the specifics of why being a nurse is an empowering career choice, we have to address another reason why people choose to take on this challenging role. For some, nursing is a calling. They know that being a nurse, helping people, changing lives, is what they want to do and be. It’s often something that has struck them in childhood or adolescence, and they have never been able to shake the thought that nursing is exactly what they want to do, which is why they have gone through the training and online nursing programs.
For some, becoming a nurse is a life-long dream. Living your dream, doing what you’ve always wanted to do despite all the challenges or advice that might get in your way, is empowering. You’re taking on the career of being a nurse for yourself and the patients you are helping.
Some begin their career track in a different medical specialty and then come to nursing later on in your life, depending on education track and the ability to finance nursing studies. Today, there are numerous online course you can take to begin your nursing career.
Many Training Options
The world needs more nurses, and if you choose to study online nursing programs and qualify as a nurse, you will be helping countless numbers of people in a variety of ways. No matter where you are in the world, your nursing skills can be of use.
Choosing the right training for you is the start of the process, and whether you decide to go to a physical college or you feel that online nursing programs offer you the most flexibility in your learning, the choice is yours. Often student nurses enjoy the flexibility and convenience that online nursing programs offer – you can learn at your own pace in your own time. Many people continue with their day jobs and study nursing online in order to keep a steady financial situation.
Every Day is Different
Working with patients in a medical setting means every day brings its own challenges. There are difficult situations nurses must respond to, but there are also moments where nurses can see the impact of their work in a positive way, as many have been during the global pandemic in 2020.
No two days are ever going to be the same when you are a nurse, meaning that at every moment throughout the day, there is going to be some new question to answer and some new challenge to complete. However, it is important that if you are considering a nursing career, be prepared for long shifts, potential loss of social life during times of crisis, and additional emotional baggage due to the outcomes of certain patients under your care. It can be draining, but many nurses know how worthwhile the job is because they are making a difference.
Make a Difference
A nurse can make a huge positive difference wherever they work. Imagine completing your online nursing programs and then being able to calm terrified patients, take care of small children, ease the suffering of the elderly, liaise with doctors, patients, their families, other nurses, and anyone else who needs help and assistance.
A nurse is a crucial lynchpin within any medical setting. There aren’t many jobs that enable people to make those differences and have that power to change lives and keep things moving forward. Given the intense amount of training and education involved to become a nurse, this is one of the most important roles in the medical field.
Lots of Different Opportunities
Once you have carried out the learning and testing required in your online nursing programs, you can start working, applying for much-needed nursing jobs. Because nurses are in such short supply, you will often have a good choice of places to work in, so whether you want to be in a local hospital or you like the idea of flying around the world to help out in a small clinic somewhere, it is all possible when you have your nursing qualifications. Of course, the learning never really ends, and this is one of the wonderful things about nursing; you will pick up so much additional knowledge as you work, and this experience will mean you can be an even better nurse in the future.
As you carry out this important work, you might discover that there is a particular area of nursing that interests you more than any other. It could be working in the ER or the OR; it could be working with a specific age group or helping those who have a particular condition. Maybe you like the idea of nursing in the community rather than in a hospital, or being someone’s private nurse might appeal more.
A Flexible Career
In the past, nursing was not what you might consider overly flexible. Today, things have changed. The world of work has changed, and the idea of work-life balance is becoming more and more important. If you look into a variety of different careers and jobs, you’ll see that many of them offer home-based working, for example. Although this is not always going to be possible when you are a nurse (although it can be done – there are branches of nursing that allow you to work from home), the idea of flexible working has reached the nursing profession.
Nursing is shift-based, and nursing has become even more flexible. Once you have gained enough experience, you may be able to choose your own shifts and work in a manner that is good for you. That means you can have a career and a family. You can even climb the career ladder more quickly by taking the time to study further online nursing programs.
You Can Be a Mentor
Many nurses choose to become mentors. Before you are ready to become a mentor, if you can work under one, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Although online nursing programs will give you an excellent basis and will certainly provide you with the knowledge you need to start your nursing career, there is nothing quite like the first-hand, hands-on experience that a mentor can give you.
Nurses Are Always Needed
Finally, being in a career that is considered ‘safe’ is why nursing can be very empowering. You won’t have to worry about redundancies or cutbacks; you can stay in your career throughout your working life if that’s what you want to do.
Given that healthcare will always be a need in every country, a career in nursing can give you longevity, stability, flexibility and fulfillment.
