Are you thinking about what you want to do for a career? You can aim for steady jobs, fulfilling jobs, or jobs that pay well. However, some people combine all three and go into nursing. If this sort of work appeals to you, finishing a nursing degree can lead to a great career. Here are the biggest benefits of working as a nurse.
1. Excellent Job Security
While many industries are laying workers off and making use of advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence, nursing is far from being in danger. There’s just no way a machine can offer the same care as a person. Moreover, the market for nursing jobs is at least steady, if not growing, because there’s always someone who needs medical attention.
2. Plenty of Different Job Opportunities
Nurses are needed in a wide range of settings. You can find work in pediatric hospitals, emergency rooms, nursing homes, or even work as a travel nurse. What’s more, any larger city is bound to have many job listing looking for qualified nurses.
3. Flexible Schedules
While a job in nursing can require mental, physical, and emotional sacrifice, it is very rewarding, and there’s an opportunity to maintain a flexible schedule. For example, you can work for 3 days, then have 3 days off while still earning a good salary.
4. Nursing Is in High Demand
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), [1] nursing as a profession is expected to grow by 12% between 2018 and 2028, thus adding almost 400,000 in the US alone. The same is true for much of Western Europe and practically any wealthy country with an aging population and lower birth rates.
5. You Will Be Well-Paid
The median pay for nurses was $71,730 per year in 2018 or $34.48 per hour, according to the BLS. [2] On the other hand, PayScale.com [3] notes an average of $29.30 per hour and up to $40.94. In either case, an average nurse earns four times the minimum wage.
6. Sometimes You Don’t Need to Pay Student Loans
Those who need help paying off student loans for their nursing degrees can apply for a loan forgiveness program at a government or military facility, and except to be get up to 85% of their debt paid off. [4]
7. Work Is Fulfilling
A career in nursing brings satisfaction and fulfillment because you can help others on a daily basis and make a true difference in your community, if not the world.
8. You Can Get an Online Nursing Degree Right Now
If your financial situation doesn’t allow for a traditional and often expensive nursing degree, you can always apply for an online training program. This way you’ll not only be able to save money while getting the same degree but will also have lots of flexibility. And once you’re coursework is finished, you’ll be able to start with clinical work and later on get a job easily.
[1] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
[2] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
[3] https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate
[4] https://www.creditdonkey.com/loan-forgiveness-nurses.html