The reasons why you should consider a nursing career

Nursing is regarded as a decent and worthwhile profession. Rightly so, nurses are recognized for the care, comfort, and support they give to patients and the positive impact that has on a person’s overall quality of life. This article explores the big inspirational factors that lead people to pursue a nursing career.

If you ask a nurse why they wanted to become a nurse, helping others will invariably be, if not the most important, at least one of the biggest factors that inspired and motivated them to pursue a career in nursing. The fact that nurses make a real, significant difference in the lives of others is an overarching reason why people become nurses. It’s arguably the most noble reason why someone would want to be a nurse, and it’s a reason worth celebrating.

For someone not familiar with nursing, though, they could be forgiven for wondering what the other reasons for wanting to be a nurse are. Fortunately, this article explores some of those reasons and what they mean for nurses working in the field.

You can complete a nursing degree program from anywhere in the country

Nursing is a highly in-demand profession. Employment for registered nurses (RNs) is predicted to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, above the national average for all occupations. Given that nurses are so in demand and needed in every state, it’s no surprise that nursing degree programs are available everywhere you look.

The National Center for Education Statistics ranks health professions in the top three associate degrees and the top two bachelor’s degrees by number of graduates. From Ohio to Arizona, New York to Alabama, prospective nurses can be confident they will find a nursing degree program in a region that suits them.

There are many opportunities to access financial aid

As the cost of education continues to rise, students in any subject might encounter difficulties paying their student debts. Fortunately for nurses, many options are available to them to access financial aid. Financial aid in the form of scholarships, loans, or grants helps students who can’t fully cover the cost of their education.

Beyond the more traditional route of applying for grants, loans, or scholarships, nursing students can take advantage of Federal Work Study (FWS) programs. The FWS program allows those students who qualify for financial aid to work part-time in an area related to their program of study. What they earn can be paid towards their education expenses or help with their cost-of-living expenses. Students can apply for financial aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Nurses experience generally high levels of job satisfaction

Perhaps it has something to do with the satisfaction that comes from helping others, but it’s worth noting that nurses experience high levels of job satisfaction. The 2018 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN) shows the majority of RNs were either moderately satisfied (48.7%) or extremely satisfied (40.3%) with their jobs.

The survey also shows job satisfaction varies depending on a nurse’s area of specialization, with a range of 83.9% for psychiatric or mental health nurses to 95.5% for those specializing in obstetrics.

There are so many areas to specialize in

While a nurse’s area of specialty plays a part in their overall job satisfaction, the number of areas of specialization available to nurses is staggering compared to most other professions. With over 100 different areas of specialization to choose from, nurses are spoiled for choice when deciding on their focus.

You can be a family nurse practitioner (FNP), meeting, diagnosing, and treating patients at every stage of life, or you could work more behind the scenes as a health policy nurse, using your expertise to research and develop healthcare legislation. What’s more, it’s easy to move from one specialty to another, so you can gain invaluable experience in a variety of areas.

Nurses can make a successful career for themselves in nursing, but because there are so many options available to them, each nurse must define success on their own terms. It’s fair to say a nurse’s life is never boring, whatever their level or area of specialization might be!

There are so many good reasons to become a nurse

If you’re interested in a nursing career and have wondered “should I become a nurse”, Rockhurst University’s excellent blog post gives you a wealth of information on the many reasons why people choose a career in nursing. Rockhurst University is a leader in the fields of health care and education, offering students a variety of highly competitive online programs.

One of Rockhurst University’s most popular programs is its online ABSN. The Hybrid Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field, so it’s one of the best options for those considering a career change. The full-time program enables students to become nurses in as little as 16 months. It also lets students complete 100% of their coursework online and is widely regarded for its convenience and flexibility. For added flexibility and convenience, it grants students access to clinical experiences in their region. Clinical experiences in hospitals, clinics, schools, or community settings are essential for students training to become nurses. By helping students find clinical experiences in a region close to home or of their choosing, Rockhurst University is truly a leader in the healthcare and education fields in prioritizing its students’ preferences and needs.

Rockhurst University’s online ABSN students praise the program for the diverse opportunities it offers, including both personal and professional growth, as well as its flexibility and convenience in terms of multiple education options. If you’re looking for a program that puts your needs front and center while also providing you with a world-class education, Rockhurst University’s Online ABSN could be just what you’re looking for.

Be inspired to become a nurse

This article has explored some of the many inspirations and reasons to pursue a career in nursing. From helping others to specializing in a certain area, it’s clear that the reasons people choose to become nurses are varied. Now that you know a little more about what inspires people to choose this noble profession, it’s time to think about what’s inspiring you to take your career to the next level.