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Nurse careers: An overview

Nursing has long been an attractive career path due to its traditionally stable job market, competitive wages and opportunity to serve in a caring and people-centered human services career.

Becoming a registered nurse means . You can earn a diploma from an approved nursing program. You can also pursue an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). From there, you must pass the and get licensed. (And you can always go back to school after becoming a licensed RN to earn your degree if you pursued a career first.)

On the tail of the 2020 COVID pandemic, however, you might wonder��if a career in nursing is still a good idea. After all, the past few years have put the healthcare industry under tremendous strain with nurses on the front lines of the fight against the virus. Their sacrifice and dedication have come at a high price:��America’s nurses are��.

A recent��white paper��published by SM������ (UOPX) noted that more than 50% of registered nurses (RNs) experienced worsening physical and mental health related to their pandemic workloads.

The situation is serious, but if your heart set on a nursing career path, don’t give up that dream just yet. Indeed,��nursing remains a rewarding career choice��in spite of the challenges and especially for those who want to make a difference in people’s lives.

5 reasons to pursue a career in nursing

1. You desire meaningful work

Undoubtedly, few careers compare to nursing in terms of��positively impacting people’s lives. RNs provide compassionate care, advocate for patient needs, and support patients and their families, friends and communities through difficult times.

Many nurses����that the most rewarding part of the job is going to bed knowing they made a difference. Their dedication is recognized and appreciated: Nurses continually top Gallup’s����of the most trusted professions by the American public.

2. You crave job stability

3. You seek a competitive salary

4. You like career options and flexibility

One of the most appealing aspects of nursing may just be the��variety of��. Depending on your nursing education level, experience and additional certifications, careers such as direct patient care, research, nurse practitioner, administration and nursing education are available. An RN can work for hospitals, schools, clinics, community health sites, and government and private agencies. Different specialties include oncology, pediatrics, hospice, emergency and more. Options for an RN with the proper education and experience are extensive.

��are also a huge perk for nurses. Shift work often ranges between eight and 12 hours and is not limited to business hours, which can be beneficial for parents and caregivers. Some hospital units even offer their employees the ability to��. And as advanced technology continues to evolve our workplaces, nurses can now join the��remote workforce. Practically unheard of a decade ago,��remote telehealth nursing��is now a viable option.

5. You’re looking for career growth

How nurses can protect their mental health and well-being

While the emotional and physical demands of a career in nursing are a��potential source of stress and burnout, they don’t have to lead to frustration.

One option is to pursue a��nontraditional nursing job, so you can enjoy the benefits of a stable career with less stress.

Another is to embrace the growing awareness of the importance of��nurses’ mental health and well-being. “National organizations are calling for changes in working conditions and providing help to nurses who are faced with those emotional challenges,” says Jones.

As you embark on your career in nursing, remember to��prioritize self-care��along the way.��“Many nurses are caregivers to their patients and family members,” Jones observes. “When you are in situations to provide care, sometimes you forget to take care of yourself. Nurses must learn to take care of themselves while caring for others.”

Options for registered nurses with a BSN