If you find yourself among the millions of college students looking into an uncertain future and trying to choose a career path, you may be at your wit’s end. Well, you can toss the crystal ball. Despite economic hardships and the state of our economy, there is one profession that is holding steady and even seems set to gain momentum in the near future. If you’re seeking a field that will show stability and growth in the years to come, you really should look into a career in nursing.
This noble calling offers a long list of disciplines for people of varying backgrounds. Whether your strengths lie in realm of the technical or creative (or ideally, both), if your goal is aiding others or education, if you want to travel or stick close to home, or whether you’re interested in helping the public or just one person, nursing can offer career options that suit your talents and desires. Nurses are needed everywhere. In public hospitals, private practices, on the road or in a home, from schools to war zones to third world countries, nurses are in demand for help, healing, and education. With a 2-year (RN) or 4-year (BSN) program and the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) under your belt, you can begin looking for work (although some states or areas of specialization may require further certifications for employment). And the range of options can include the following: staff nurse at a hospital or private practice, school nurse, travel nurse, private care-giver, or even joining the armed services or the Peace Corps. And specialization in any number of areas is also a possibility. In terms of pay, you can expect to make an average salary upwards of about $45,000 (that is the average for a school nurse, one of the lower paying jobs in the nursing profession) unless you plan to do some sort of volunteer service.
And although the health care industry, like every other field, has suffered under the strain of an economic recession, nurses continue to be in high demand, a situation that stands to increase in the near future as baby boomers hit retirement age and millions of uninsured Americans receive coverage under new health care reform legislation. But even beyond the prospect of an open job market and decent pay, there are certain immeasurable benefits to be gained from a career in nursing. You will achieve a strong sense of accomplishment from helping others in need, not to mention the bond you’ll form with your patients as you aid in their healing and teach them to better care for themselves. And devoting your life to helping those in need, as well as the investing in the spirit of giving, can have a profound effect on your personal development and sense of self. Most nurses agree, the thing that makes it all worthwhile is knowing they made a difference. And you can, too.
Guest Post by: Sarah of Nursing Programs