There are countless reasons why you may aspire to become a nurse. From a deep-seated desire to help others to the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, the nursing profession offers a unique and rewarding career path.
Let’s explore some compelling reasons why you may want to be a nurse and the benefits of becoming one.
Benefits of Becoming a Nurse
Being a nurse requires dedication, discipline and hard work. But it’s also a rewarding career. There are several benefits that you need to consider, from salary and job security to travel opportunities and the ability to help others. Here are some reasons why you may want to be a nurse:
1. Various Educational Opportunities
You can opt to become a practical nurse (PN) or a registered nurse (RN). To learn the skills you need to become a nurse, you need no prior experience. For instance, AIAM’s 24-month Registered Nurse program does not require any nursing experience. You also have the opportunity to learn outside the classroom setting, in clinics or hospitals. You can also opt for specialized tracks that use different nursing care approaches, such as alternative or holistic treatment.
2. Short Training Options
While typical degrees require four years of completion, you can train to be a nurse in shorter timeframes. For example, you can learn to be an RN in as little as 15 months when you opt for the Advanced Placement Track at AIAM. This program helps those who already have an LPN or degree sans license to accelerate their training. Even starting from scratch and becoming an RN is possible with AIAM’s 24-month Registered Nurse program.
3. Job Security
Being a nurse also comes with the benefit of job security. There continues to be a growing job market for nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for registered nurses is faster than the average growth rate for other occupations, at 6%. Moreover, registered nurses salary can be up to $86,070 per year.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) also have a promising job growth rate and job security potential. The job outlook for LPNs and LVNs is at a growth rate of 5% , which is faster than the predicted growth rate of other occupations. LPNs and LVNs made a median annual salary of $59,730 per year.
4. Gainful Employment
Being able to work after obtaining your degree, diploma or certification is vital for putting what you know to use, starting paying any outstanding school loans you may have, and beginning your career as a nurse. That’s why one of the best reasons to become a nurse is the ability to start working in your field soon after completing your studies.
The nursing field offers gainful employment that leads to quality job opportunities. For example, about half of the students who graduated from AIAM’s Undergraduate certificate in Practical Nursing program got jobs as LPNs and LVNs, based on findings from the state’s and accreditor’s job placement rates.
5. Versatile Roles
A nurse’s job is far from mundane. In fact, nurses have some of the most diverse roles in the healthcare industry. That’s because as a nurse, you can expect to carry out a variety of tasks. For example, a LPN’s duties can vary from educating patients on healthy lifestyle to maintaining a patient’s medication.
Even during training, you can expect to experience learning in different settings, from long-term care facilities to physicians’ offices.
6. Travel Opportunities
As a nurse, you don’t have to stay in one location if you don’t want to. Nurses have many opportunities to travel. Whether you choose to travel across the state or across the country, you have the opportunity to see new places and meet new people, all while gaining expertise in the field of nursing.
7. A Chance to Change Lives
One of the most fulfilling reasons for becoming a nurse is a chance to change and impact lives in a positive way. Nurses learn to focus on the emotional needs of their patients. With appropriate training, you learn why it’s important to be empathetic and understanding towards your patients’ emotional needs.
This training helps you to deliver the care that patients need. It often enhances the patients’ experience while in your care, as well as giving you a chance to change their lives.
Final Thoughts
The field of nursing offers a variety of promising financial, emotional and educational benefits that make this job fulfilling. Some of the best reasons why a nursing career is worth pursuing are linked to opportunities that help to transform not only your life but also the lives of the patients you meet — and their families.
If you’re considering a career in nursing, get the quality education you need through our nursing program today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes nursing a rewarding career choice?
Nursing offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. Whether it’s providing comfort to a patient in pain, assisting with a life-saving procedure, or offering emotional support to families, nurses have a direct impact on improving the well-being of others.
What career opportunities are available for nurses?
Nursing offers a range of career paths and opportunities for specialization. From working in hospitals and clinics to community health, research, education, or even pursuing advanced practice roles like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, the possibilities for growth and development are vast.
How does nursing provide job stability and security?
The demand for nurses remains consistently high due to factors such as an aging population, advances in medical technology, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. This high demand translates to job stability and security for those entering the nursing profession.
What skills and qualities are essential for success in nursing?
Nursing requires a unique blend of technical skills, critical thinking, compassion, empathy, and effective communication. Nurses must be able to adapt to changing situations quickly, work well under pressure, and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to provide optimal patient care.
How does nursing offer opportunities for personal and professional growth?
Nursing is a dynamic field that continuously evolves with advancements in healthcare. Nurses have the opportunity to pursue further education, specialize in areas of interest, and take on leadership roles within healthcare organizations. Additionally, the diverse nature of nursing allows individuals to work in different settings and populations, further expanding their skills and experiences.