Is a Nursing Degree Worth Going Back to School?
Why did you first consider a nursing degree? Did you read about Florence Nightingale as a little girl? Who was your first role model for the ideal nurse? Did a nurse comfort you when you were injured as a child?
Were you intrigued by the stories of nurses in the military who earned medals by saving lives? Was a hospice nurse who kept you sane as you watched a loved one die? Is any of this why you are considering going back to school?
Maybe you know what you want in a career. Many men and women want more than a steady paycheck and the knowledge that there will always be a job for you.
For some, it is making a better than average living. Being able to afford the more beautiful things in life is always nice. These things are true for many career choices.
Want More Than All of The Above?
Some people, however, want more than “all of the above.” They want a sense of gratification. Using ones’ intellect and compassion to care for the medical needs of another person is quite fulfilling.
So much so that many people consider going back to school for just this purpose! This is only one of the many wonderful reasons to become a nurse.
Nursing combines all of the above-listed reasons for choosing this career. Going back to school to get a nursing degree may be one of the best career decisions you could make.
Is a Nursing Degree worth going back to school? Only you can decide what is best for you. However, thousands of men and women have found it worth the effort.
Here are a few reasons why:
The Time Is Right.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor (USBL) predicts that the employment rate for nurses will grow by approximately 16 percent over the next six years. Nursing continues to grow at a very steady pace with no indication of a slowing down at all.
Those starting training now will be ready to step into nursing positions all across the country. As our population ages, we will have an increasing need for good nurses in every area of medicine.
Stability.
The U.S. News reported in 2018 that nursing is one of the most stable and secure careers available to both men and women.
Job Security.
In today’s time, employees are at increased risk of being replaced with technology. Industries are evolving, and machines are taking the places of people.
Airports, doctors’ offices, and Wal-Mart are using kiosks to check people in and out. Automation is becoming common in an increasing number of technological positions.
Although a robot of sorts can dispense medication, no machine can replace the human touch. The need for bedside care and a warm smile is irreplaceable.
There will consistently be sick people in need of attention. With our growing and aging population, the demand for nurses continues to evolve. Nurses will forever be needed.
There Are Plenty of Options.
There are many different specialized types of nursing. Whether you are an LPN, R.N., BSN, MSN, or N.P., there is a need for nurses at all levels of training. Nurses play a vital role in many different medical locations.
There is a need for emergency room nurses, pediatric nurses in offices, and the hospital as well as specialist nurses. Each medical specialty will need nurses.
For those who like to travel, there is a specialty called “locum tenens.” These nurses temporarily fill in for other nurses for varying periods and in places all across the country.
Your Skills Will Be In High Demand.
Regardless of your level of nursing or where you choose to practice, there will always be a need for your skills and training. Our population is growing larger, older, and sicker.
There Is A Greater Degree of Flexibility.
Although nurses sometimes work hard, it is work they genuinely enjoy. Many consider it more of a calling than a career. Nurses have challenging jobs that demand a lot — physically, mentally, and emotionally but they are also very rewarding.
Many nurses do have the option to choose a schedule that both fits and supports their lifestyle. Often, nurses work four days in a row and then have three days off.
If they are locum tenens nurses, they may work for several months and then take a month or so away from work. This break from work allows them to travel and see the country in a way that few can imagine.
You Could See The World.
Do you want to see the world and not join the military? Travel nursing is an option for nurses who wish to experience both work and life in different locations. They can choose to travel to different cities or even different countries.
You Might Not Have To Pay Back Your Student Loans.
There is a number of student loan forgiveness programs for which you can apply if you get a degree in nursing. Those nurses who apply for a job at a military hospital, government facility, or in the Peace Corps have the best chances of having those loans forgiven.
There are also some primary care nursing positions in certain parts of the country that get special consideration as well. Areas designated as “under-served” usually qualify for loan forgiveness.
You May Lead A More Fulfilling Life.
Saving lives or making them better is meaningful work. People who help others lead better, healthier lives report higher job satisfaction. Making a difference in the world is very gratifying.
You Can Start Working Toward Your Degree Online.
The traditional approach to nursing school is both time-consuming and very expensive. Because it is divided into “basic” course work and clinical work, you can start online from home.
Not everyone lives near a nursing school, so taking the course work from home can be a make or break situation. You can literally live on one coast and attend classes online from a college on the other coast.
This type of training allows students to gain different levels of licensure as they work their way through the program. Nursing students must complete the required clinical hours and take exams in person.
However, they may complete many basic courses online. The LPN to R.N. bridge and associate nursing degree programs are designed to be completed in two years.
Is A Nursing Degree Worth Going Back to School? Only You Can Say For Sure.
Although many think that going back to school to become a nurse is worthwhile, only you can decide what is right for you. There are, of course, specifics to nursing that you need to research,.
Fortunately, this website has many articles that will educate you about online college in general. I recommend that you check out the other articles as well.
https://onlinecollegelife.info/know-what-to-expect-before-taking-online-classes/