If you have a passion for helping others and desire a career that makes a difference, you may be considering the nursing field. However, as rewarding as a nursing career can be, there are also some challenging aspects that come with the role. Nurses are compassionate caregivers who help patients that are sick, injured, and disabled. This means nurses must be fast thinkers, good communicators, and level-headed in difficult situations. If you are wondering, “How do I know if I want to become a nurse?” – you are not alone. Many nurses beg the same question before starting out.
Why should I become a nurse?
Deciding to become a nurse is one of the smartest career moves you can make today. Between the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the many other chronic conditions impacting Americans, we need well-qualified and well-trained nurses now more than ever before. In fact, the demand for Registered Nurses is growing exponentially. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that employment of Registered Nurses (RNs) will increase nine percent by 2030, more than the national average, with an estimated 194,500 job openings for nurses each year.
In addition to job security, choosing to study nursing can also bring about a wide selection of job settingswhere you can make a difference. Nurses are not always working in hospital settings. You can find nurses in all aspects of health care, research, education, rehabilitation, and more. You can work with all types of populations – from children to the elderly – as well.
If you are looking for even more reasons to become a nurse, check out these top benefits.
How do I know if I want to become a nurse?
The reasons to study nursing are great, but how do you know if nursing is right for you? While some say that nursing is their true calling, it does not always come this easily. Making a career choice is a big decision, and should come with great consideration. Below, we outline the top signs that can indicate nursing is a great career move for you.
- A True Desire to Help Others
If you are a compassionate person who feels a calling to help others, nursing is the perfect career path. These healthcare professionals are trusted and respected among patients and staff, who understand the true value of a dedicated nurse. Nurses are the ones who care for patients directly, often giving them more attention and treatment than doctors. If you want to make a difference in your community, and you have the patience required to work with people, then this might be the tell-tale sign that you are meant to become a nurse.
- You Enjoy Being Active
If you want a job that is exciting and brings a new challenge every day, then you will find happiness in nursing. When you are a nurse, no two days are the same. You will meet different patients from all different walks of life. Nurses are often on their feet for many hours – if not their entire shift – so it is a role that works well for active people. If you are considering healthcare because a 9-5 desk job is simply not for you, you may enjoy the active work that nursing requires.
- A Zest for Learning
Nurses are always learning. After completing your nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), you will continue your education throughout your career. Anyone who is working as a nurse – whether it is in a hospital or physician’s office – is learning on the job through experience. Additionally, nurses must renew their licensure every two years in order to maintain their status as an RN.
Many healthcare employers in Connecticut are looking to hire nurses with at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). There is also a master’s in nursing (MSN) program for those who would like to advance even further. Fortunately, there are many paths to take if you are looking to step up your career throughout the years.
- You’re Looking for a Career with Action
While the role of a nurse is not for the faint of heart, it is one that can bring much reward. In addition to a solid salary (according to the BLS, RNs earn an annual salary of more than $75K), nurses reap the emotional rewards that direct patient care can offer. At times, it is a stressful job, as there is a lot of pressure that comes with saving lives. But at the end of the day, those life-saving moments are the most adrenaline-surging, exciting moments for a nurse. If you are looking for this kind of thrill, you may be perfect in the role.
Nursing also offers alternate schedules. For example, many nurses in hospital settings work three-days on, with four-days off to enjoy each week. Other nurses may prefer more regular, weekly schedules in a school or physician’s office. With nursing, you can find much flexibility that is not offered in other positions of healthcare.
- You are a ‘People Person’
Some healthcare professionals, such as those in healthcare administration, prefer to conduct behind-the-scenes work that helps keep a medical office running smoothly. These hidden heroes work diligently to make sure nurses, doctors, and staff get paid, take their breaks when needed, and have proper documentation prepared for patients’ files. These professionals sometimes work with patients, but the nurses are the ones working with patients directly and most often, helping them through their medical emergencies and appointments. If you enjoy working with others, and you have strong communication skills, then you will enjoy working as a nurse.
Get Started Today!
Are you a compassionate, active, personable, and brave person who loves the idea helping others, and who has an appetite for continuous learning? If these tell-tale signs sound like you, then you will enjoy becoming a nurse.
If you would like to get your career in nursing started in Connecticut, contact Goodwin University today. Our many flexible nursing programs offer convenient class times that work with your busy life. Call 800-889-3282 or visit us online to request more information.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.