The Perks of Being a Nurse

When it comes to jobs and careers, many people think the most important benefit is a high paying salary. But, this is not the case with the nursing career. Yes, of course, money is important and the salary that nurses get is comparable to many other professions. But, the perks of the career do not stop here. There are also several other things to consider and enjoy as a nurse. While several of the perks of being a nurse will be monetary, there are also several emotional perks in this career.

The happiness of saving a life

Every profession has a specialty, and there are many helpful professionals out there. For example, a driver could save you time by driving a bit faster and taking the quickest route. And there is no field quite like the health care field and nursing when it comes to the service of others. In the nursing field, the professionals strive to save a life. A nurse can be called a true nurse only when he or she has the passion for serving others. The aspect of saving a life enables you to keep your heads high as nurses, and this is why this field is considered to be one of the best jobs on the planet.

Adaptable work schedules

Not everyone wants to work a regular work schedule. While it’s true that nurses should be taking less coveted work schedules when they are just starting out in the hospitals, in most of the cases, these nurses still have the privilege to choose a work schedule that suits their lifestyles. We could say this is one of the most important benefits in nursing. Also here, you can find a range of job opportunities with different time requirements. You can choose from four-, eight-, ten-, and twelve-hour work shifts, which could be on weekdays or weekends according to your preferences. If you prefer a regular work schedule, then you choose to join a clinic or physician’s office. On the other hand, if you choose to be in a hospital, you probably won’t have a permanent working schedule. However, there is a benefit associated with this. If you have an appointment or commitment, you can always trade your shifts by having a talk with your supervisor.

Travel whenever and wherever you want

Yes, there are differences in terms of licensing as well as continuing education from one state to another. However, the differences are not as great as compared to other professions like law practice or being a doctor. Nurses always have the flexibility of easily transferring their knowledge and skills to work in health care organizations of almost all kinds all over the country. Also remember, there is a shortage of nurses all over the country and this again makes it easier for you to move from one state or city to another whenever possible. No matter what your destined place is, you will not have any difficulty in getting a job.

Apart from this, for those who love traveling, there is another option. You can choose to become a travel nurse for a company. In this career, you would take temporary or short-term assignments but not the full-time commitment. Alternatively, you can choose to travel to a different country where there is nurse scarcity. This way, you could make a difference and become familiar with another place.

The job keeps you active and healthy

Today, the job nature of many professions makes people lazy and stationary. Most of the time, people are seen sitting before their computers and other automated equipment to carry out their jobs. This would make their minds mechanical, when at the same time increasing the chances of disorders like obesity and diabetes. But, this is not the case with nursing. Nursing is a physically demanding job which involves the following activities almost every day:

• Lifting
• Carrying
• Pushing
• Pulling
• Walking
• Running

You will not get to know about the sedentary in a nursing job. While you will be hitting your gym before or after your work shift, you are even doing a nice work out during your everyday job, too. This would make your weight loss and body shape goals easier to achieve because you burn more calories during your shift than most other working people.

A range of career options

In the nursing field, you can always have various things to do or study. There are lots and lots of degree options available, and more options will be added in the next few years. Also, there are plenty of licensing options and specialties available for you to focus on. So, one need not worry about the lack of options in the field. You can always keep your career diversified and more challenging. Following are just some of the career options available for the nurses of today:

• Nurse practitioner
• Nurse anesthetist
• Nurse consultant
• Forensic nurse
• Psychiatric nurse
• Radiology nurse
• Pediatric nurse
• Military nurse
• Dermatology nurse
• Hospice nurse
• Hospital nurse
• School nurse

It’s to be noted that the education and training that is needed to specialize in any of these will be often provided by the hospital or organization you are working for. Therefore, the chances of earning an advanced degree and transitioning to a different specialty are much easier than you think.

Increased job security

As you should be aware, there is a shortage of nurses all across the globe. The shortage of nurses has led to the shortage of nursing faculty, which makes it difficult for you to get into the nursing school due to the high competition. But, for the available nurses, it offers a greater advantage when it comes to job security. The current situation is offering nurses the greatest advantage that can’t be provided by any other field. As per the estimations of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of nursing jobs is growing rapidly when compared to the median increase of all other occupations. With an increase in the aging population, demand for nurses is sure to increase.

In today’s scenario, we can rarely find people working for the same company throughout their career, and the loyalty between the employer and employee has become very scarce. But, the nursing field will be exceptional in this.

Nursing is never boring

Apart from being physically very active, you can find another difference in the nursing career. The standard computer and other desk jobs will not have the excitement factor. But, in nursing, this is not the case. Every single day will be new and every day you are going to experience new things. You are going to deal with life and death circumstances. Yes, it’s to be agreed that some patients’ conditions and stories will be heartbreaking. But, at the same time, you will also meet some extremely hilarious patients and people providing you the opportunities to laugh out loud. You will also get several entertaining stories to tell and retell your colleagues and friends from various situations that arise.

As mentioned above, you have the ability to work in various settings and circumstances, adaptable work shifts, and this is a career that demands to leverage your mind, body, and soul. Thus, every single day is a surprising challenge for you.

For patients, you are important

Nursing is always called a lifesaving field. While it may sound simple to common people, every task you do for your patient would help the patient in his or her well being. The standard job roles would put your patients in the focal point, which can turn out to be a life-changing event for them. We can’t find any other profession wherein the people help someone with some illness every day. Yes, you will come across some rude patients who will take you for granted. But, at the same time, you can also come across some beautiful minds with gratitude and thankfulness. This makes all the rude patients seem worthwhile in nursing.

Some patients will be very open to nurses. They know pretty well that doctors will come and go, but you are the one who remain by their bedside. Being a nurse, you will find at least a couple of patients in every shift, who can put a smile on your face.

Higher income potential

Finally, we go to any job primarily to earn. In common terms, nurses are not considered to be overpaid. However, the nursing job would pay a respectable income. The median annual pay of nurses is found to be $68,450 as of May 2016. Note that this is just the median pay for registered nurses. The pay would climb up when you gain more training and experience or advanced degrees. Following are some of the highest paying specialties in nursing:

• Certified registered nurse anesthetist
• Nurse researcher
• Psychiatric nurse practitioner
• Certified nurse midwife

So, now you know the perks of being a nurse. The perks of your nursing career don’t stop with these though. There are a lot more to see and enjoy during your career.