Flexibility in Your Career
Nursing careers can take you into a variety of different directions. There are many different types of nurses and there is no telling where your niche will be. For example, some nursing careers may take you into the job of working in a surgical wing of a hospital. You may wish to hold a position in a private office with a doctor. You may want to take your skills out into the world and work internationally offering aid to those in underprivileged countries. You may want to be a traveling nurse, working within the United States, but in locations where there is a shortage of trained professionals. You may wish to work in administrative positions instead. Pediatrics, oncology, nursing homes…there are many industries where nurses are key to the success of them. You can virtually choose the area that works for you.
Demand Is High
The demand for nurses continues to grow. Many areas of the country have a shortage of trained and experienced nurses and they often pay top dollar for nurses who do hold the expertise needed to relocate or to provide temporary services. These positions can be incredibly rewarding, knowing you are doing something for those who need the help the most but cannot get it. Many people, including those just entering the field and those who are changing their degrees are entering into the nursing career area because of the incredible demand. A qualified nurse will not only work in the industry they want to work in, but they may have opportunities for over time and advancement.
Personal Satisfaction
One of the top reasons to invest in a nursing career is that it does provide you with a sense of personal satisfaction. While doctors do the diagnosing, most nurses do the work of administering day-to-day care. They are the one that bonds with patients and aids them in recovery. The nurse is a lifesaver, quite literally. They often save lives with their skills. It is also likely that your job will require a variety o challenges. The job is never boring, with day-to-day work always being different from one day to the next. Under all of this is the fact that you, as a nurse, are aiding an individual in improving the quality of their life and often times are saving a life. This personal satisfaction and growth ability is what draws many to a nursing career.
Flexibility in Scheduling
Another reason to consider nursing is the flexibility that comes with it. It is estimated that more than half of the nurses available in the United States work full time. Yet, the hours available are quite flexible. Most nurses are able to work during the day, evening and over night. They may work three 12-hour shifts, giving them four full days off each week. Others work part time, when they can do so. Some will also work in other forms, such as being on call. Once training is obtained, the nurse is able to work around their needs. Nurses are able to work their jobs three days a week and come home to raise their family. Ultimately, the flexibility is one the best reasons to consider nursing.
Well Paid
Another reason to consider nursing careers is the pay. Most nurses are working full time and many are not earning a sizable paycheck for it. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a registered nurse will earn median annual salary of $48,090, in 2002, which has gone up considerably. For a nurse practitioner, the salary jumps up to an estimated $90,000 annually. Plus, most nurses will have top benefits including retirement plans, health care, and other opportunities. With demand for qualified nursing continuing to rise, there is no doubt that there will be opportunities for nursing jobs for the long term.
With a nursing career, you have job stability. You have a job that allows you to do what you would like to do and still be able to maintain the life you would like to outside of work. Nursing careers offer good pay, flexibility and the ability to travel the world. Finding the right career jobs often means looking into the future. Can you do this job of the rest of your life? For those in nursing, the answer o that question is yes. Not only is the job available for the coming years, but it is likely to continue to be in demand for decades. Consider the benefits of nursing careers and determine if these are the types of benefits you would like to have in your career.
