Are you contemplating pursuing a nursing career, but need a little push in the right direction? There are many tangible and intangible benefits to becoming a nurse. Consider these 5 reasons to help sway your decision:
Step Away from the Unemployment Line – Job Outlook
Let’s face it, nurses are in high demand and will continue to be as long as there are people who require care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Nursing career field is expected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, which is faster than the average for all occupations. In fact, more than 500,000 positions for RNs are projected to open up between 2012 and 2022. Fueling this job security is the fact that over 50% of the RN workforce is approaching retirement age.
Reasonable Wage for a Reasonable Job
Perhaps you’re motivated by the bottom line. RNs are paid higher than the national median income for full time employment. In 2012, the median salary for an RN was $65,470 per year. Salaries offered to RNs working for the government range from $54,340.00 – $102,034.00 per year, According to USA Jobs.
Location, Location, Location
Patients in medical facilities require care around the clock, which means there is great flexibility with when and where you work. Nurses may choose to work in a great variety of settings. The majority of RNs provide inpatient and outpatient care in a hospital environment.
The Public Trusts Nurses
Nurses consistently outrank all other professions in Gallup’s annual Honesty and Ethics survey. In the 15 year history of the survey, nurses have been ranked as the most trusted profession 14 times.
Caring for those who can’t Care for Themselves
Nursing is a noble profession. Nurses have the opportunity to see patients at their brightest hours and their darkest moments. Nurses make a difference in every life they come in contact with daily. As such, job satisfaction among nurses tends to be high. A 2013 study conducted by AMN Healthcare found approximately 90 percent of nurses stated they are satisfied with their career choice.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a nurse to provide care for your patients, or to have secure employment for the foreseeable future, now is the time to start your journey. The information for this article was provided by Alia HealthCare Services, who offer CNA classes in Ohio.
