Nursing is one of the oldest and most respected professions in the world. Maybe that's why there are so many nursing-specific scholarships.
It also continues to be a field with high demand, good job security, and one that promises career advancement. A career in nursing is not only a rewarding profession but one with a lot of opportunities.
You can work with children, adults, the elderly, at hospitals, nursing homes, and a wide variety of other healthcare facilities. There are also plenty of chances to work abroad.
If helping people is important to you, then becoming a registered nurse is definitely a career to consider seriously. Read on to discover the reasons why nursing one of the best jobs around.
1. Nurses Have Excellent Job Security
The healthcare industry is projected to increase by 14% over the next 10 years. This will add a whopping 1.9 million new jobs to the job market, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This expansion is due to the fact that the US population is ageing. Soon, the over-60 demographic will be higher than it’s ever been, and seniors need healthcare. According to the National Council on Aging, 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease.
The need for registered nurses is only going to rise. In many respects, nursing as a profession is recession-proof, with job security that is above average.
2. Nurses Have Superior Job Flexibility
Nursing allows abundant opportunities to specialize. Just like doctors, nurses can specialize in different areas of medicine after they’ve completed their core training. Because there are so many avenues in medicine, the paths open to nurses are nearly endless.
On top of that, nurses enjoy flexible working hours -- night owls can take late shifts, while early birds can opt for morning ones. It’s an ideal working situation for anyone who wants to shape their career around their other life commitments, like family.
Because nurses are in such high demand, there are usually opportunities to earn extra cash by taking part-time or occasional work on the side.
3. No Tuition Debt
More people would consider nursing if they knew of the incentives offered to nursing students. For instance, the government typically forgives student loans for graduates of nursing programs, and offer grants to help cover the cost of tuition as well. For nurses who choose to use their skills in a military hospital or a government facility, there are even more exemptions and incentives.
If you’ve ever dreamed of working in the Peace Corps, pursuing a nursing degree is not only a great way to qualify, it could mean that you could finish your education without having to worry about student loans afterward.
4. Travel And Work Abroad
Nurses are needed everywhere, making their ability to work abroad one of the best things about the job. The options for registered nurses abroad are many: private clinics, Doctors Without Borders, cruise lines, charitable organizations, and the military are all in constant need of qualified healthcare professionals. As an added bonus, jobs that require travel and relocation often cover housing as part of the salary. Being able to travel the world as part of your job, without racking up any debt, is definitely one of the major benefits of nursing as a career.
5. You Can Study Online
Nursing is a serious profession, and it does require a serious education. Though there are plenty of brick and mortar institutions offering nursing programs, there are also several options to do your studies online. Many reputable colleges now offer online programs, or in-person programs with an online component, making them easier to fit around your schedule and budget. It’s also a great way to try the program and see if it’s the right fit for you.
How To Get A Nursing Degree
There are a lot of programs available, so be assured that you will find one that suits your goals and your needs. Take the time to compare different programs to make sure you’re getting the best match for you, your lifestyle, and your budget. Once you find a handful of programs that look good to you, you’ll need to send in an application—after that it’s a simple waiting game.
The first step to pursuing a nursing degree is to find out what programs are available near you. Find out by using the search field provided below.
