Should I Consider the Nursing Profession?

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The field of nursing is very demanding and you should expect a stressful and physically demanding work shift. A nurse spends a lot of long hours on his or her feet, bending, stooping and stretching along with a lot of walking and moving in a fast paced environment. Critical thinking skills are a must in the nursing profession. There is flexibility and many different branches of nursing that one can get into.

Education

Getting into the right school is important to gain the best education available. The education for the nursing profession is complex and demanding with lectures, learning videos, classroom, labs and practicums.

One can expect to take classes like anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, mental health, nursing fundamentals, critical thinking and so on. The grade point average must be within the parameters in order to be eligible to take the licensing examinations in order to be come licensed. Depending on how much education a student wants to take will also depend on what levels of nursing they can get into. At the bachelor’s degree level, there are many more opportunities that will be available.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the lower percentile can make around $45,000 per year and the median salary range is around $65,000 and the higher percentile can make around $94,000 per year or more. This depends on their employer and the work environment. If one goes into the nursing profession as an emergency room and trauma nurse, the pay would be higher depending on experience and level of education.

The BLS states that there will be a 19% growth in the field between 2012 and 2022, but these numbers can vary due to demand. With the older nurses retiring, and some leaving, the demand could be even higher. Nurses are in high demand and will always be needed.

Job Description

The nursing profession includes long hours with 12 hours or more, with lots of walking and many hours on their feet. Hospitals work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year; nurses must work shift work that includes holidays, weekends and overtime.

A nurse must have critical thinking skills and be able to change gears quickly. They must have compassion, dexterity and stamina. They must have emotional stability and impeccable communication skills with regard to both listening and speaking skills. Nurses deal with negative criticism, as well as great rewards and appreciations from their patients. A nurse might have a great day, one day then the next it might seem like everything they are doing is wrong and nothing is going right.

There needs to be a life balance in the field of nursing. Some things that the nursing profession will bring to you is more compassion, thankfulness for what you have, financial stability, confidence, strength, and knowing that you are making a difference in life. You will also learn the importance of teamwork and you will always be learning new things. The work can be hard, but the rewards are great.