Nursing is a profession quite unlike any other, which means that there are a few things that people need to be aware of if they decide to pursue a career in this field. While it has a few unique challenges and difficulties, there are also incredible perks with this job, so it has its benefits and drawbacks, and for many it is more a way of life than just a way to make a living. With this in mind, here are the main things that you need to know about being a nurse that will hopefully educate you and help you to make the right career decision for you.
It Is Demanding
One of the most obvious things that you need to consider with a career in nursing is that it is incredibly demanding and more so than your typical office job. Obviously, you will be helping to save lives and play a key role in the healthcare system so the stakes are high, you will have to work long shifts and you will be dealing with extremely difficult and upsetting situations on a daily basis.
It Is Incredibly Rewarding
Although demanding, nursing is also incredibly rewarding and this is one of the main reasons that people follow this career. Playing a key role in healthcare, making people healthy and even saving lives are all part of the job description and this means that you get an immense sense of satisfaction from the job and you will be doing your loved ones proud with this career choice.
You Need a Strong Stomach and Thick Skin
The things you see on a daily basis as a nurse would shock those outside of the healthcare system, but for you, this will be all part of an ordinary day. You never know what you are going to see when you are working as a nurse and there are sure to be things that disgust, shock and scare you, but you need to be able to put this out of your mind and get on with your job. Of course, this does mean dealing with death, which is something that is never easy but something that you will learn to manage over time. On top of having a strong stomach, you also need thick skin as when you are working in high-pressure environments like this it means that emotions run high. Nurses are greatly respected, but you will often be shouted at by other health care professionals, patients, loved ones of patients and others and you need to not let this throw your confidence and instead understand the situation.
You Can Impact Healthcare With Training
One of the many great aspects of nursing is that there are so many different paths you can follow and you can have a big impact on the entire healthcare system, especially as the workforce of nurse practitioners continues to grow. NP care is of the same standard as a physician’s care and the approach blends cure and care to improve the patient’s overall wellbeing. Of course, study is hugely important and a master of science in nursing – family practitioner program (FNP) is perfect for those looking to make a positive impact on the healthcare system – click here to find out more.
There Is a Nurse Shortage
Currently, there is a nurse shortage in the USA, which means that now could be a good time to start training. This means that it should not be too challenging to find work once you are qualified, you can find work all over the country and you will benefit from job security. There are not too many jobs that tick all of these boxes, so it is certainly a good time to become a nurse.
There Is Flexibility
Following on from this, although nursing is demanding there is also flexibility. The shifts can be long and challenging, but this does mean that you can have multiple days off consecutively, which is a lifestyle that many prefer to a typical nine-to-five role. Additionally, you can often have flexibility as to when you work and even pick up extra shifts if you want to earn a little extra.
You Need to Use Your Time Off Effectively
Following this, you must become a master of managing your time off so that you can benefit from the flexibility that nursing can provide. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, get enough sleep and rest, socialize with loved ones and enjoy your own hobbies in your free time. This can be challenging when nursing can be so tiring, but it is possible once you get used to scheduling your time off.
You Will Need Support
As a job that can be so stressful, demanding and upsetting at times, it is vital that you have support around you for the difficult times. Your fellow nurses can be a tremendous source of support (you must also be willing to do the same), but you may also want people outside of work to lean on for support and you should not shy away from reaching out for support if you feel that you need it.
Nursing and Healthcare Constantly Changes
It is obviously important to study and obtain qualifications, but you also need to recognize that nursing and healthcare are constantly changing with new technologies, trends, developments and challenges. This means that you need to make a concerted effort to stay up to date with any developments and changes, which can be another challenge. Many nurses are able to do this by attending industry events, listening to podcasts, reading blogs and subscribing to respected publications.
These are a few of the main aspects that you need to be aware of if you plan on becoming a nurse. There are certainly many benefits to this career and helping others will always be immensely rewarding, but it also has its own unique challenges, so it is not a career that is for everyone although those that enjoy it get job satisfaction that is hard to match.
