10 Reasons Why Nursing Is a Good Career Choice

Thinking of pursuing a career in healthcare? Perhaps you're specifically thinking of becoming a registered nurse, but you're wondering if this is a good career path for you. Is nursing a good career?

There are many reasons why nursing is a good career. There are many different types of nursing jobs, allowing you to choose a specialization that works for you. Nursing is a highly rewarding career that enables you to help others, and it provides great pay and benefits as well as opportunities to advance your career.

Top 10 Reasons to Pursue a Nursing Career

Let's take a look at some good reasons to get your nursing degree and get started in your new career.

1. Nursing Allows You To Make a Real Difference in People's Lives

If you enjoy helping people, then the nursing field might be a great career for you. Nurses provide hands-on care for people in healthcare facilities and home health settings alike, helping to establish treatment plans that improve their health and preserve their quality of life.

2. Nursing Is a Rewarding Career Choice

The nursing profession provides a high level of job satisfaction despite its high-stress nature and the challenges it provides. Many nurses agree that it gives them a sense of purpose and that they are glad they chose to go into nursing.

3. There Is a High Demand for Nurses

Nursing shortages combined with a high demand for nurses provides a high level of job security for those in nursing roles. What's more, the profession is expected to grow at a faster than average rate, adding thousands of new jobs by 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

4. There Are Many Nursing Specialties

Nurses work in a variety of settings and have opportunities to pursue specializations according to their particular interests. Some of the different kinds of specialized nursing roles you can pursue with a BSN degree include:

• nurse anesthetist
• travel nurse
• critical care nurse
• pediatrics nurse
• home health nurse

5. There Are Opportunities for Career Advancement

Nurses don't have to stay in the same role throughout their career; in addition to pursuing different specializations, they can pursue career advancements. By obtaining an MSN or DNP degree, they can move into advanced or leadership positions such as:

• nurse educator
• advanced practice nurse
• nurse practitioner
• nurse manager
• director of nursing

6. New Nurses Can Get Started Relatively Quickly

It's possible for nurses to break into the field with only a nursing diploma or an associate degree in nursing, which can be earned in as little as a year or two. Nurses who want to advance in their career can go back and complete a bachelor's or master's degree later while working as a registered nurse.

7. Nursing Is a Respected Field

Regardless of the career you choose, you want to be respected for the work you do. The nursing field is one of the most respected professions out there; nurses are generally regarded as some of the most respected and trusted professionals in any field.

8. Nurses Earn Respectable Salaries and Benefits

According to the BLS, registered nurses earn a higher than average salary in the U.S. They also typically receive a generous benefits package which may include:

• paid vacation, holidays, sick time, and family leave
• student loan repayment and tuition reimbursement
• life and health insurance
• childcare and retirement benefits
• bonuses and shift differentials

9. Nursing Offers a Flexible Work Schedule

Nurses have opportunities to work either part time or full time, and they are often able to choose the shifts they want. They can work day shifts or night shifts, weekends or holidays, and in some cases, they may have the option to work remotely by performing telehealth or administrative duties.

10. Nursing Careers Help You Develop Transferrable Skills

Finally, nursing education and experience provides nurses with interpersonal, medical, and stress management skills that can apply across a variety of careers. So, if they choose to pursue other medical professions or change careers entirely, their background as a nurse will prepare them for success in their chosen role.