The nursing profession is one of the most lucrative professions in the healthcare sector. Well, it is also not easy and requires you to make a lot of sacrifices. However, you get to make a lot of difference in the world. Take a look at the COVID-19 for example; the people fighting the battle at the forefront are the nurses. In case you are thinking about joining this career, here are four things that you need to know:
Endless opportunities
There are a lot of specialties that you can pursue in the field of nursing once you qualify. One of the ways to qualify is by entering the NCLEX-RN exams. The NCLEX-RN exam is different from all the assessments that you will get to do in nursing school. This is because it will assess your critical thinking skills to enable you to make better nursing judgments. To help you pass, it is important to have a study plan to help you prepare well for the test. You can also use other sources for studying, such as resources by Osmosis to help you be ready for the exam.
Once you complete this exam, you can practice in the field of nursing and apply for postgraduate studies where you choose your specialization. You can choose to major in fields that will allow you to practice as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, critical care nurse, family nurse practitioner, geriatric nurse, ER nurse, or even a freelance medical writer. Pursuing any of these specializations will make you credible and enhance your marketability in the field of healthcare.
Not for the faint-hearted
The nursing profession is more of a calling because it takes a lot to do it. Some people say it takes both the proverbial and physical heart to practice nursing. But, why is this the case? You will be physically and mentally challenged beyond your imagination. Therefore, you need to be someone that is in control of your emotions to thrive. For example, you will observe human conditions in their worst state. You will see people die despite your attempts to treat them.
You will also witness some in great pain while others are afflicted by debilitating medical conditions. Such kinds of tough situations will be your new normal. For these reasons, you will have to muster courage, compassion, and kindness to do your job diligently. Additionally, you will need to develop ethical reasoning so that you treat each patient with respect and protect their interest. You should learn how to protect their data as well, personal information, and everything similar. This is because each relationship that you form with a patient will be of the fiduciary kind.
Shifts can be overwhelming
Healthcare is always in demand 24|7. So, while other people work an eight-hour shift for only five days a week that will not be the case for you. There are times when you will work for twelve hours straight for more than three days a week. The reason for this is that healthcare workers, particularly nurses, are limited in number. Moreover, emergencies in hospitals might also contribute to long working hours. When you are a nurse, it is like you are always on call because should something unexpected happen, you can always be called to work even when you are on your leave. In this case, you need to keep an open mind about the shifts that you will have to work. Although, it does not mean that you will never get to rest. Following such long working hours, you will get a few days off to rest and replenish your energy.
Job security & better pay
There is no doubt that healthcare professionals are in short supply across the globe. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that you will be unemployed. Hospitals and nursing facilities are always in search of certified nurses to work in their institutions. It is estimated that in the next couple of years, there is going to be a high demand for professionals in the field of nursing to meet the needs of the growing population. Additionally, nurses get better pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses have a median salary of about $65,000 per year. In other settings, you could earn so much more.
Conclusion
Like any other profession, nursing has its challenges and its benefits. Thus, if you are contemplating joining this field, you need to take into consideration the many opportunities that this career offers, its trials, long shifts, and job security & better pay. In all honesty, it is a rewarding career!
