Becoming a nurse is one of the best careers around, and for a good reason: nurses can save lives, provide physical comfort, and even provide emotional support. They go above and beyond the call of duty, and have a profound impact on millions of patients around the world. Listed below are 11 reasons to become a nurse. There are many other reasons to become a nurse, too, including earning potential and flexibility.
1. Compassion
Being a nurse requires a strong sense of compassion. Compassion involves the act of feeling for others. It can have profound effects on the outcomes of patient care. Nursing theories have examined the benefits of compassion. They suggest that compassion enhances nurses’ sense of satisfaction and reduces their stress levels, two aspects that can make them more successful at their job. Moreover, it can help them better connect with patients and strengthen their professional bonds.
The ability to show compassion can be learned. Being organized is less a natural talent and more of a matter of practice and good habits. Nowadays, healthcare facilities use computers to manage task lists, prioritize tasks, and eliminate the need for tedious handwritten checklists. Compassion is the foundation of nursing, and it begins with empathy. Being a compassionate nurse means having an ability to feel and act upon the pain and suffering of others.
Patients benefit from nurses’ compassion. They appreciate the care and understanding nurses have for them. They feel respected even when they have limited privacy. Compassion helps patients cope with difficult situations and reduces their stress levels. Nursing also helps patients feel important. By putting their needs before their own, nurses help them overcome their fears and feel better about themselves. It is one of the top 11 reasons to become a nurse.
In addition to these benefits, nursing is also an emotionally demanding career. Nurses must be willing to take on a lifetime of training and education. Ongoing training is required in most states, and many nurses want to maintain their professional development. If you are considering a nursing career, speak with an admission counselor at your local college or university. Volunteering in a hospital or shadowing a nurse is a great way to gain valuable experience and learn about the profession.
The healthcare industry is growing. Despite a growing shortage of doctors, nurses continue to play an integral role in healthcare. They can choose from more than 100 specialties and choose to stay in one area or expand their roles to become transplant nurses or flight nurses. Additionally, nurses can also pursue careers in health policy. Nursing is a rewarding and challenging career for those who are passionate about helping others.
2. Flexibility
To become a nurse, you must be flexible, compassionate, and able to work well under pressure. As a nurse, you must be able to deal with the unexpected and work as part of a team. Nursing is a highly specialized field, and nurses must be able to cope with a variety of patients, environments, and medical needs. Even though nurses are often the first point of contact between patients and their doctors, their job involves fostering a culture of open dialogue between doctors, families, and fellow nursing professionals. Therefore, flexibility is essential for nurses.
RNs are often given tasks that doctors and NPs could not handle. As a result, RNs are overwhelmingly burdened with tasks from specialist providers. Unfortunately, not all team members demonstrate flexibility. This can lead to duplication of tasks and delays. The best solution to this problem is for each team member to demonstrate flexibility and a collaborative approach. Flexibility as a nurse can help improve patient care and increase team morale.
This study demonstrates that flexible teams are more productive and efficient. Although flexible teams do not necessarily have more staff, they tend to have fewer problems. Because of this, nurses should be flexible and avoid taking on too much work at one time. Instead, they should look for ways to increase their productivity by sharing duties. If they are flexible, they will also be more motivated to perform well in their current roles. The benefits of flexibility include increased patient satisfaction and lower costs. The study’s limitations have important implications for future research.
Nurses have more options in terms of flexibility than any other profession. Many nurses choose flexible work schedules. Because they are not tied to a single place, they can work anywhere and at any time of the day. Those who have families may find flexibility a plus. It is a rewarding profession and one of the few professions that offers so much flexibility. And more millennials are entering the nursing field than ever before.
3. Diversity
In today’s society, diversity is important, from culture to profession. Not only do hospitals attract a variety of patients, but they also need to represent all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The U.S. population is predicted to be nearly half non-Hispanic by 2044. Because of this shift, more nurses will need to understand and be sensitive to patient diversity. Diversity in the workplace can help improve patient care and reduce risks.
Diverse nursing workforces create a more inclusive environment. Nurses who represent the widest possible range of backgrounds and experiences are better prepared to respond to the needs of all patients. This ensures quality care for patients of all ages, races, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. In addition, diversity in the workforce helps nurses understand the needs of diverse patient groups, including those with different beliefs or cultures. Having nurses who represent a range of perspectives can also help them build rapport with patients, which can make a difference when it comes to their treatment.
When nurses reflect on the diversity of their patients’ backgrounds, they can better listen to their patients. No single nurse is capable of understanding patients’ needs and cultural backgrounds. Having nurses from diverse backgrounds also makes nurses more likely to make quality suggestions to improve patient care. In addition to improving patient care, diversity also improves the morale and professional development of their colleagues. It’s also good for the economy. And in a time of recession and healthcare reform, diversity will continue to be a positive factor.
Despite its many benefits, diversity in nursing can be challenging. Leaders must be intentional in hiring diverse, competent, and compassionate nurses. For example, certain cultures do not stigmatize obesity as much as others do. When people understand the cultural stigmas associated with obesity, they are more likely to seek medical guidance and follow suggestions. And this is especially important in the world of healthcare, where the stigmas surrounding a minority patient may be a major hindrance.
4. Earning potential
If you’re considering a career in nursing, you’ll be happy to know that earning potential can vary greatly. RNs in large coastal cities earn the highest salaries, but there’s also a need for nurses in rural settings. In rural Alaska, for example, nurses can make an average of $97,230 a year. Of course, the earning potential of becoming a nurse can vary by city, as some may have a stronger healthcare industry culture.
One of the most attractive aspects of nursing is the flexible schedule. Nurses generally work 40 hours a week, but you can also choose to work part-time or even per-diem. That way, you can fit your career around your lifestyle and personal life. And while some nurses work full-time, others are content with fewer hours. In addition, you can work a combination of full-time and part-time hours, depending on your needs and preferences.
The average starting salary for a nurse is $47,120. However, starting salaries for experienced nurses can reach $102,990. This means that earning potential for a new graduate is $55,870-per-year – or approximately $115,000 higher than that of an experienced nurse. Depending on your area of practice and specialization, however, your earnings may be higher or lower. Regardless of your location, you’ll want to conduct independent research to find out what you’ll be earning.
One of the most attractive aspects of becoming a nurse is the personal fulfillment that comes with caring for others. It’s easy to see why nursing is such an important career choice. Most nurses agree that the best part of their job is the ability to help others. The chance to change people’s lives is one of the best parts of the job. The pay is good, but the opportunity to change someone’s life is what makes it worth it.
Once a nurse earns their BSN, they’re ready to pursue further education and higher positions in the medical community. Starting before 2020 will allow them to maximize their income potential in California, which pays the highest salaries and has the most opportunities for advancement. Oakland and San Francisco, for example, pay the highest for BSN nurses and have average salaries of $125,000. They’ll be able to make a good living in these cities, as well.