If you want to become an RN, you have chosen a profession that offers its members some big benefits. These include economic advantages as well as career flexibility, advancement and fulfillment. When considering all the positive aspects involved, it is no wonder that a 2012 survey conducted by AMN Healthcare found that nurses enjoy a high degree of job satisfaction.
Economic Advantages
Economics are always an important area to consider. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2012 the national median annual salary for nurses in the U.S. was $65,470. While the lowest 10 percent of registered nurses earned $45,040, the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,720.
In general, your career opportunities are expected to be good, as these jobs are projected to grow faster than the average national rate through 2022. Members of the field who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing will have more job prospects than those who do not. Because of the upbeat picture painted by the growth forecast and the nurse unemployment rate of 2.6 percent, the profession was ranked #6 on the Best Job List of U.S. News and World Report.
Career Flexibility
The choices available to you in career settings are extremely broad, since the profession has numerous specialty areas. If you desire a hospital or clinical job, you can select the particular area of medical science and patient care that interests you the most. Moreover, if you have young children and prefer a job with shorter hours and weekends off, you can enter the field of school nursing or public health nursing. You may also pursue jobs in industries that are not primarily associated with healthcare, such as travel, forensic or legal nursing. With so many options, you are sure to find a career that suits your tastes.
Career Advancement
Armed with a nursing degree, you may have opportunities that could take your career to a higher level. Some advanced positions, such as unit leaders, do not require any further education. Other managerial positions may necessitate either a degree in business or an advanced degree in nursing. Those who aspire to leadership roles and are willing to obtain more education may have exciting job prospects.
Job Fulfillment
Although no one can deny that nursing is a challenging profession, this aspect is a part of what makes the role so satisfying. You will use your training to relieve suffering, promote better health and help save lives. In other words, you will make a decided difference in the well-being of those in your care, a factor that often gives a sense of personal fulfillment. Knowing that you are helping people every day will make the job emotionally rewarding.
Once you become an RN, you will find the job benefits are multifaceted. Because the positives encompass so many areas, many in the profession consider it deeply gratifying.
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