There are thousands of incredible career paths to choose from, but if you’re someone who has always wanted to help others and make that your life’s work, you might have considered pursuing a career in nursing. It’s a very noble profession, and it’s understandable why so many people are attracted to this job role. However, it’s also a very challenging job, and it’s important to think carefully about whether or not you can commit to a job that has many ups and downs. Below are a few things you should consider helping you decide whether or not nursing is the right career for you.
Commitment to Learning
You will have to get a degree in nursing to pursue this career, so you must decide whether or not you’re willing to commit your time to study. Usually, it can take up to 4-years to complete a bachelor’s in nursing, but if you already have a bachelor’s degree, you could look at enrolling in an accelerated nursing program instead. You could also explore a nursing apprenticeship where you will learn on the job, but there might be differing application requirements for these programs. You should also be aware that you will have to continue learning on the job, as you will need to keep yourself up to date with the latest medical knowledge, and if you want to specialize as a nurse, you may also need to obtain a master’s degree.
Good Communication Skills
You must be able to communicate effectively with people if you want to become a nurse. You will be liaising with doctors and patients during your workday, as well as speaking with patient’s relatives about their progress or to give them comfort and support. You will need to be compassionate, patient, and detail orientated to make sure the correct support is being provided, and that accurate information is being passed on to the relevant parties.
Job Security
When thinking about what career path to choose, it’s important to consider how secure your job will be. Luckily, as there is a high demand for nurses, you can have peace of mind that it is one of the most secure careers you can choose. Healthcare will always be an essential need for society, and nurses will always be an essential role within it. If you have been worried about choosing a safe career path, rest assured that pursuing a career in nursing means you won’t have to worry about work drying up.
Different Options
It’s also worth noting that there are many different options for nurses once they become RN’s. You can choose to specialize in a particular type of care, such as pediatrics, palliative care, or become a family nurse practitioner as a few examples. Before you enroll in a nursing course, perhaps take the time to explore the various career paths you could take as a nurse to help give you a better idea of what you’re future in nursing might look like. You could also begin to make plans on how to achieve your career goals as a nurse, such as what additional qualifications and training you’ll need, etc.
Do You Enjoy Working with People?
Not much of a people person? Well, if you’re not fond of working with others, then perhaps nursing won’t be the right career choice for you after all. You will be working as part of a dedicated healthcare team, assisting doctors and other colleagues throughout the day. Furthermore, you will be spending a lot of time with patients as part of your job, sometimes these interactions might not always be pleasant, particularly if the patient is frustrated or scared. You must be able to work with people and enjoy doing so if you’re going to make it as a successful nurse.
Do You Want to Give Back?
If you want to become a nurse, a desire to help others and to give back to your community is a good trait to have. This is what your job revolves around. Therefore, if you have no desire to help others, you may lack the compassion and motivation you will need to have a successful nursing career.
It’s a Good Salary
Money isn’t everything, but when you work hard in a high-pressure job, having a decent salary can help. Everyone wants to be in a position where they can live comfortably, and not having to worry about finances is always a good thing. Your salary will depend on where you live as it can change from state to state, but on average, RN’s can earn $60,000+ a year.
If you think you have some of the characteristics listed here, and some of the perks of nursing as a career sound appealing, perhaps it is the right career for you. Spend some time doing more research to find out more.
