It didn’t take the emergence of COVID-19 to understand the value that nurses bring to society; they have undoubtedly always been key figures of our healthcare system. During the pandemic, however, we were once again reminded of the value of those nursing credentials and the continuous sacrifices nurses make when it comes to the health of their patients.
This noble profession may have its challenges, but its rewarding aspects surpass them. If you plan on pursuing a degree in nursing, the timing has never been better. Here are some of the many reasons why studying to become a nurse in 2021 can be the right step for your career.
1. Nursing Jobs Are Very In-Demand
With plenty of retiring nurses, the aging of the baby boomer generation, and the increase of patients with chronic health conditions, there is an ever-growing need for nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of nurses will grow by 7 percent during 2019-2029, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Moreover, they predict that there will be around 175,900 job openings for registered nurses every year for the next ten years. Therefore, it is safe to say that nursing presents a window of opportunity for those who are passionate about this field and want to enjoy the advantage of being employed quickly upon graduation.
2. Nursing Degrees Offer a Competitive Edge
While there are plenty of employment opportunities in nursing, when it comes to better job prospects, employers will seek candidates who have completed a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) or a master’s degree. Advanced degrees in nursing will keep you ahead of the competition, especially in leadership roles or in specialty areas of work. Additionally, there is a growing trend among employers to hire candidates with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing, therefore pursuing additional credentials will set you apart from other candidates.
3. Nursing is a Rewarding and Satisfying Career
The World Health Organization (WHO) didn’t coincidentally declare 2020 as the year of nurses and midwives. Knowing the role they play in our society, nurses are continuously supported by such campaigns to ensure they are being rightfully recognized for their hard work.
As a nurse, you are responsible for caring for people’s health and you directly make a difference in their lives. Due to the nature of these duties, this profession is considered as one of the most respected ones in the world, making this a rewarding career to pursue in terms of job satisfaction and personal growth.
4. You Can Make Good Money as a Nurse
Nursing is considered a rewarding career when it comes to income as well. While salaries among nurses will vary depending on factors such as their level of education, specialized training, work experience, job location, etc., the BLS lists the median annual wage for registered nurses at $75,330 or $36.22 per hour. Furthermore, the highest-earning 10 percent receive an annual wage of $116,230. Therefore, the expenses that may come from your nursing degree will certainly pay off once you land a career in this field.
5. Many Different Nursing Specialties
One of the many advantages of the nursing field is that it offers a wide range of career paths. As a future nurse, the types of patients you’ll work with will depend upon the healthcare specialty you pursue. Here are just a few of the nursing degrees you may consider:
- Registered nurse
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist
- General nurse practitioner
- Certified nurse-midwife
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner
- Nursing administrator
- Pain management nurse
- Neonatal intensive care nurse
6. Flexibility to Work in Other Countries
A nursing degree provides you with a specific skill set that can be employed anywhere in the world, as long as you speak a local language. While in certain states your job environment may be slightly different when it comes to work systems and tools, your job description and duties will more or less be the same. This presents a golden opportunity to travel and work in other countries if you need a change of setting.
7. You Can Study and Work at the Same Time
Online education programs have become more and more popular among nursing schools both due to their benefits and lately due to the circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic as well. These programs are likely to remain a popular choice among students, since they allow for more flexibility throughout their studies.
Programs such as a RN-to-BSN degree can be less constricting in terms of time, they are often more cost effective, and specifically designed to go hand in hand with schedules of students who are already practicing nursing, so you don’t have to give up one or the other.
These are just some of the benefits of studying for a nursing degree. Once you have completed your studies and frame your nursing degree, you can expect many opportunities and career prospects in this rewarding field of work.
