5 Reasons Why Now is the Best Time to Become a Nurse
What does it mean to be a nurse? While there are many answers to this simple question, anyone who is a nurse will describe the meaning differently. From taking care of patients who are at their weakest to having the opportunity to change the entire experience for a patient, there is no doubt nurses bring a lot to their communities.
Here are five reasons why now is the time to become a nurse:
1.Nurses are in high demand. Did you know that there is a nursing shortage? A nursing shortage that over one million nurses are needed to remove the need?
The nursing shortage is experienced by both large and small communities. Within your own community, there are health care facilities in need of trained and qualified nurses to help take care of patients. In many facilities, the nursing shortage has become more of a concern.
Facilities are not able to provide enough nurses to maintain staffed units. Understaffed units lead to a risk in the quality of patient care provided. Facilities are highly motivated to bring competent nurses on staff that they have developed recruitment strategies such as sign-on bonuses that are very attractive to job-seeking candidates.
The numerous nursing positions available across the country give nurses the freedom to relocate easily at any point during their career.
Why not join a profession that not only helps you grow but a profession that will celebrate having you on board?
2. Nurses enjoy financial and career stability. Widely known is the handsome salary nurses receive annually. To review nurse salary by state, read our latest blog article Nurse Salary by State: Which US State Pays Better. According to the article, a nurse’s salary may reach as high as $94,000 per year (see California statistic).
While we don’t endorse becoming a nurse strictly for the financial gain it provides, the nursing profession offers a sense of financial security that many other careers do not.
Likewise, nurses have career stability and mobility. An important factor is ensuring that the career path you have chosen will be able to sustain you for years to come. Nurses will always be needed in patient care. For example, patients have more interactions with nurses than they do with their doctor.
Again, nurses are in high demand.
3. Nurses are one of the top most trusted professions. Gallup Poll released research that showed nurses ranked the highest for the 15th year straight for ethics and honest. Check out the research by clicking here.
Joining such a prestigious profession lends a sense of beyond self, respecting humanity, and integrity (which, by the way, are three Nightingale values).
Enjoying work is the key to a happier life. While nurses experience many situations that are devasting, they still have the opportunity to make a difference in their patient’s life. What a rewarding career to choose.
4. Nurses are endeared and loved by their community. Have you heard the numerous stories told by nurses of how they ran across past patients and their families, and were thanked for what they did? Can you imagine how it would feel to be appreciated for helping someone in their most vulnerable, weakest moments?
A popular quote by Maya Angelou, “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Everyone can reflect on an experience they had with a nurse. Why not be the person they remember as their “superhero?” Not all superheroes wear capes. Sometimes they rock scrubs and slip-resistant shoes.
5. Make the jump and become a nurse like you have always wanted to be. Many people go about their lives without pursuing their dream job. Why? Maybe because of time. Maybe because of financial burdens. Maybe even because they believe it is too late to be a second-career adventurer.
Whatever the reason may be, toss the idea aside and evaluate where you are and where you want to be. Eventually, you will conclude all these reasons are only excuses that are barricading you within your comfort zone.
Make the most out of your life and enjoy a career that is rewarding, challenging, and constantly giving back.
Start by researching nursing schools that fit your need and get moving! It is up to you to make your dream career happen.
Nightingale College’s President and CEO, Mikhail Shneyder, said, “Although your educational journey may be difficult at times, you will reap the reward of utmost satisfaction when holding your nursing diploma for the first time and nothing will ever compare to the fulfillment that improving and saving the lives of others will bring!”
Are you ready to get started on your nursing journey? Can we recommend Nightingale College? Check out our ADN or our RN-to-BSN Program.
We are ready to help you become the nurse you have always dreamed of being.