Nursing and healthcare are some of the most rewarding and fulfilling careers. Still, people don’t often choose them due to preconceived notions about the field or education path necessary to succeed.
You might think that this path would involve long, hard hours and a considerable time commitment. However, it can be an enriching career path with plenty of growth opportunities if you invest time and effort.
Read on to learn why more people are suited to a career in nursing and healthcare than they think and why it could be your ideal career choice.
Nursing degree programs exist everywhere
You can find nursing degree programs at many colleges and universities, making it a very accessible field of study. There are plenty of options for both beginners and those who already have some experience.
For those who are looking for something more hands-on than sitting behind a desk all day, the availability of an associate’s or bachelor’s program is invaluable.
Once you have your degree, there are many different types of careers in nursing and healthcare you can choose.
You can pursue your education online
With technological advancements, more students are pursuing their education online. The flexibility of online coursework allows students to work or care for their families while continuing to grow academically.
Many reputable, affordable colleges offer quality degree programs in nursing and other health-related fields. For instance, you can enroll in an online nursing degree for non-nurses program.
You can complete the course at your own pace, from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection and a computer. Pursuing this career online allows you to maintain a lifestyle while continuing your education. Online courses allow you to study when it is convenient, whether during your lunchbreak or before bedtime.
Flexible shifts mean that you can set your schedule
Being a nurse or healthcare worker means having a lot of flexibility when setting your schedule. You can work around your family’s needs, your school schedule, or anything else that might come up.
If you need a break, then other nurses and healthcare workers can always cover for you. That way, no matter what life throws at you, you’ll be able to keep providing high-quality patient care.
Opportunities for advancement after gaining experience
After working as a nurse for a few years, there are many opportunities for improvement. You could become a charge nurse, nurse manager or clinical nurse specialist.
You could pursue a master’s or doctorate in nursing to advance your career. For example, those who earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice can choose from various specialties such as family nurse practitioner and primary care nurse practitioner.
With so many opportunities for advancement, it’s no wonder that nursing is one of the most popular career choices.
You can choose your desired specialty
There are many different specialties within the nursing field, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your interests and skillset. You can choose to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, oncology or even neonatal care.
Once you have chosen a specialty area, there are also opportunities to take additional training courses that will help expand your knowledge base. You may find these course offerings through nursing schools with which they also have partnerships.
Nurses develop transferable career skills
Many people who enter nursing find their skills in high demand outside the hospital setting. The ability to communicate effectively, work well under pressure, and empathize with others are just a few transferable skills that nurses develop during their careers.
These skills can be applied to jobs in various industries, making nursing an excellent choice for those who want to keep their options open. Nursing also offers many opportunities for personal growth and leadership positions, allowing you to use skills in new ways and gain more responsibility over time.
Promotes collaboration with different healthcare professionals
One of the best things about working as a nurse is collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
The healthcare department comprises some highly skilled individuals who have spent years perfecting their craft. They can share their knowledge, experience and expertise daily, which only helps nurses to grow.
You’ll get to know many different people with different backgrounds and expertise. Additionally, you’ll learn to work together as a team to provide the best possible care for your patients.
Leadership opportunities
As one of the largest healthcare professions, nursing offers many opportunities for leadership roles. You can be a charge nurse, preceptor, clinical nurse leader or nurse manager.
These leadership roles often require additional education and training, but they are worth it if you want more control over your work life. Most nurses take on these positions after years of experience, but it is possible to start as an RN right out of school.
You can also pursue an advanced degree and become a nurse educator or administrator. Leadership roles have more benefits than other fields, such as shorter hours and less stressful working conditions.
Enriching work environment
Few things are more rewarding than helping others in their time of need. As a nurse or healthcare professional, you will have the opportunity to do just that daily.
Whether providing comfort to a patient or saving someone’s life, you can rest assured that your work is making a difference. The reward for many nurses and healthcare professionals comes from knowing that they are needed and wanted.
However, there is also a sense of pride from being able to help improve people’s lives. Working as a nurse or medical assistant also means that you have the chance to develop lasting relationships with patients.
Wrapping up
A career in nursing and healthcare is rewarding, stable and in demand. Nurses are valued members of society who provide invaluable care to their patients daily.
Nursing or healthcare might be the right fit for you if you want a challenging and fulfilling career. You will find that your future as a nurse could be bright with the proper education, hard work and training.