Investing in your future is always a smart idea, and it’s something that can come in different shapes and forms. One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to choose a career that you feel excited about and that offers growth potential. This can translate to all different answers for people, but one path that is worth a closer look is working in healthcare – in particular nursing.
Here we’ll take a look at six compelling reasons to make the move and enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2021. It could be the smartest and most exciting decision you ever make.
There Is Growth in the Field
One of the biggest advantages of earning your BSN is the fact there is growth in the field. There is nothing worse than going through the time, effort and money to earn a degree in a discipline only to graduate and find out there are no jobs available. That isn’t the case with nursing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses are in demand with job growth predicted at 7% between now and 2029. This is faster than the national average.
What’s the reason for this growth? There are a few contributing factors such as the aging baby boomers who will be retiring over the next few years thereby opening up jobs, and also creating more demand on the healthcare system as they age. There is also the fact that many chronic illnesses seem to be on the rise, putting more demand on healthcare resources. Finally, people are starting to see the benefit in preventative care which, again, puts more demand on nurses.
Salary Projects Can be Quite Good
While it’s great to know the field is in demand and growing, there’s also the question of salary. You want to know that your chosen career path will pay your bills and allow you to live the kind of lifestyle you want. The median pay for registered nurses in 2020 was $75,330, which breaks down to $36.22 per hour. Remember that pay will increase or decrease depending on where in the country you work, the environment you work in (hospitals, a care facility, ambulatory and so forth) and your experience.
You Can Opt for Online Learning
Another compelling reason to pursue your BSN in 2021 is the fact you can enroll in an online school and not have to worry about in-person classes. The online accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses available through Baylor University can give you all you need with the majority of the work taking place online.
Where it used to be that online degrees were not looked upon as favorably, today some of the top schools in the country feature online programming, making it mainstream and highly regarded by potential employers. You will still get an immersive experience that provides you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in the world of healthcare, but you can also take advantage of all the benefits an online education offers.
Not the Typical 9-5 Job
If the idea of a typical 9-5 desk job doesn’t appeal to you, then nursing could be an excellent option. Most nurses end up working shifts, which can include day and night shifts. For some, this helps to break up their routine, and even provide them with more downtime depending on their schedule.
It should also be stated that many find shift work to be an adaptable schedule, meaning you can pick what works for your lifestyle. This can be a huge draw for people who like to travel, those who have kids, those who are trying to work around a significant others’ schedule, and so forth. There can be a fair amount of flexibility from the kind of schedule RNs have. You also have the option of working part-time if you choose.
With that said, it’s important to point out that your shifts will likely be grueling and can be very stressful. This isn’t a job where you’re sitting around with nothing to do the majority of your shift. Many nurses will attest to the fact that they barely get a chance to take a quick snack break, let alone sit down for more than a couple of minutes at a time. This can help your shift pass by extremely quick, and things will never feel monotonous or boring.
You Get to Help Others
When you survey nurses and ask them why they chose that career path, one answer that comes up time and time again is that it gives them a chance to help others. Becoming an RN gives you a chance to have a huge and positive impact on people’s lives. This can provide you with a level of job satisfaction that very few careers can. It’s also what can help you to get through those particularly demanding and difficult days, as you know that you’re helping others.
What to Expect In a Typical Day
You may also find it helpful to learn what to expect in the typical day of a registered nurse. This can help you to figure out if it’s the kind of job you’re cut out for.
Typical responsibilities can include:
- Assessing patients
- Giving patients their medication
- Making sure to record the patient’s symptoms and personal medical history
- Knowing how to use various medical equipment
- Consulting with healthcare providers such as doctors
- Discussing the patient’s treatment with them so they fully understand
- Working with patients and their entire family to explain after-care (when they leave and go home)
There are plenty of other duties that RNs are responsible for but this at least gives you a snapshot of what to expect. As you can imagine, every day will feel fresh and new with no two patients being exactly alike.
Choosing your future career path is a process you don’t want to rush. You want to be sure that it’s the kind of job you feel satisfied with, and that it offers the ideal level of challenge. You also want to ensure you have the lifestyle you dream of. Nursing can be all of that and more for you.