2 answers
Liliana
Student
1
Question
Updated
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What are the benefits of being a nurse ?
My name is Liliana, and I am a middle school student who lives in Arizona. I have been interested in working in the healthcare industry since I was 8. However, I have been trying to learn more about this career to see if it is right for me. What are the benefits of being a nurse?
If a registered nurse answers this, where did you go to school in college and what led you to work in this job? What do you like about your job? Was the time and money in college worth it?
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2 answers
MARY OLAFUSI
Nursing
24
Answers
Ife, Osun, Nigeria
Updated
MARY’s Answer
Hello Liliana! It's wonderful that you're interested in a career in healthcare, particularly nursing. Nursing can be a fulfilling and rewarding profession with several benefits:
1. Job Stability: Nursing offers job security because there is a constant demand for healthcare professionals, including nurses. It's a profession that's less susceptible to economic downturns.
2. Variety of Specializations: Nursing provides a wide range of career opportunities. You can choose to work in areas like pediatrics, critical care, surgery, maternity, mental health, and more. This variety allows you to find a niche that aligns with your interests.
3. Helping Others: Nurses have a direct and positive impact on people's lives. You get to make a difference in patients' health and well-being, which can be incredibly satisfying.
4. Flexible Work Schedules: Nursing often offers flexible work schedules. You can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or even choose to become a travel nurse, which allows you to work in different locations.
5. Good Compensation: Nursing typically provides competitive salaries and benefits, especially as you gain experience and specialize in certain areas.
6. Career Advancement: Nursing offers opportunities for career growth. You can pursue advanced degrees, become a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or even move into healthcare administration.
Registered nurses usually attend accredited nursing programs at universities or colleges. They obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Some may pursue master's or doctoral degrees for advanced practice roles.
Nurses often choose this profession because they are compassionate, enjoy helping others, and have a strong interest in healthcare. They appreciate the variety in their work, from patient care to educating patients and families. Many find it very fulfilling to be part of a team that contributes to people's recovery and well-being.
Regarding the time and money spent on education, many nurses find it worth it due to the job stability, good salaries, and the sense of purpose in their work. However, it's essential to be aware that nursing education can be challenging and may require dedication and hard work.
It's great that you're exploring your career options early. Consider speaking with school counselors, shadowing nurses, or volunteering at local healthcare facilities to gain more insight into the profession. This hands-on experience can help you decide if nursing is the right path for you.
1. Job Stability: Nursing offers job security because there is a constant demand for healthcare professionals, including nurses. It's a profession that's less susceptible to economic downturns.
2. Variety of Specializations: Nursing provides a wide range of career opportunities. You can choose to work in areas like pediatrics, critical care, surgery, maternity, mental health, and more. This variety allows you to find a niche that aligns with your interests.
3. Helping Others: Nurses have a direct and positive impact on people's lives. You get to make a difference in patients' health and well-being, which can be incredibly satisfying.
4. Flexible Work Schedules: Nursing often offers flexible work schedules. You can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or even choose to become a travel nurse, which allows you to work in different locations.
5. Good Compensation: Nursing typically provides competitive salaries and benefits, especially as you gain experience and specialize in certain areas.
6. Career Advancement: Nursing offers opportunities for career growth. You can pursue advanced degrees, become a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or even move into healthcare administration.
Registered nurses usually attend accredited nursing programs at universities or colleges. They obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Some may pursue master's or doctoral degrees for advanced practice roles.
Nurses often choose this profession because they are compassionate, enjoy helping others, and have a strong interest in healthcare. They appreciate the variety in their work, from patient care to educating patients and families. Many find it very fulfilling to be part of a team that contributes to people's recovery and well-being.
Regarding the time and money spent on education, many nurses find it worth it due to the job stability, good salaries, and the sense of purpose in their work. However, it's essential to be aware that nursing education can be challenging and may require dedication and hard work.
It's great that you're exploring your career options early. Consider speaking with school counselors, shadowing nurses, or volunteering at local healthcare facilities to gain more insight into the profession. This hands-on experience can help you decide if nursing is the right path for you.
Debbie Morton
Business Consulting
68
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Hello Liliana! It's fantastic that you're considering a career in nursing! Nursing is a truly fulfilling profession, and you can find more about it on the bls.gov website.
To become a registered nurse, there are three main educational paths you can follow: earning a bachelor's degree in nursing, an associate degree in nursing, or a diploma from a recognized nursing program. And of course, all registered nurses need to be licensed.
Education in nursing covers a wide range of subjects including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and social and behavioral sciences. Bachelor's programs in nursing (BSN), similar to other healthcare-related programs, usually take around 4 years to complete. Associate's degrees in nursing (ADN and ASN) also typically take 4 years. Diploma programs, often offered by hospitals or medical centers, take about 2 to 3 years. Although there are fewer diploma programs, all these programs include supervised clinical experience.
Bachelor's degree programs also offer education in communication, leadership, and critical thinking. For administrative roles, research, consulting, and teaching, a bachelor's or higher degree is usually needed.
Generally, graduates of any of these three types of programs (bachelor’s, associate’s, or diploma) are eligible for entry-level positions as a staff nurse. However, some employers, especially hospitals, may require a bachelor’s degree.
Registered nurses with an ADN, ASN, or diploma can return to school to earn a bachelor’s degree through an RN-to-BSN program. There are also master’s degree programs in nursing, combined bachelor’s and master’s programs, and accelerated programs for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Some employers even offer tuition reimbursement.
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) need to earn a master’s degree in nursing and usually have at least 1 year of work experience as an RN or in a related field. If a CNS wants to conduct research, a doctoral degree is typically required.
Regarding licenses, certifications, and registrations, registered nurses must have a nursing license issued by the state in which they work. To become licensed, nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Licensing requirements, such as passing a criminal background check, differ by state. Each state’s board of nursing provides specific requirements. For more information on the NCLEX-RN and a list of state boards of nursing, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Nurses can also become certified in specific areas like ambulatory care, gerontology, or pediatrics through professional associations. While certification is usually voluntary, it shows a certain level of competency, and some employers require it.
Moreover, certain registered nursing positions may require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic life support (BLS), or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification.
CNSs need to meet additional state licensing requirements, such as earning specialty certifications. For specific requirements, contact state boards of nursing.
Remember, Liliana, every step you take towards becoming a nurse is a step towards making a difference in the lives of others. Keep going!
To become a registered nurse, there are three main educational paths you can follow: earning a bachelor's degree in nursing, an associate degree in nursing, or a diploma from a recognized nursing program. And of course, all registered nurses need to be licensed.
Education in nursing covers a wide range of subjects including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and social and behavioral sciences. Bachelor's programs in nursing (BSN), similar to other healthcare-related programs, usually take around 4 years to complete. Associate's degrees in nursing (ADN and ASN) also typically take 4 years. Diploma programs, often offered by hospitals or medical centers, take about 2 to 3 years. Although there are fewer diploma programs, all these programs include supervised clinical experience.
Bachelor's degree programs also offer education in communication, leadership, and critical thinking. For administrative roles, research, consulting, and teaching, a bachelor's or higher degree is usually needed.
Generally, graduates of any of these three types of programs (bachelor’s, associate’s, or diploma) are eligible for entry-level positions as a staff nurse. However, some employers, especially hospitals, may require a bachelor’s degree.
Registered nurses with an ADN, ASN, or diploma can return to school to earn a bachelor’s degree through an RN-to-BSN program. There are also master’s degree programs in nursing, combined bachelor’s and master’s programs, and accelerated programs for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Some employers even offer tuition reimbursement.
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) need to earn a master’s degree in nursing and usually have at least 1 year of work experience as an RN or in a related field. If a CNS wants to conduct research, a doctoral degree is typically required.
Regarding licenses, certifications, and registrations, registered nurses must have a nursing license issued by the state in which they work. To become licensed, nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Licensing requirements, such as passing a criminal background check, differ by state. Each state’s board of nursing provides specific requirements. For more information on the NCLEX-RN and a list of state boards of nursing, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Nurses can also become certified in specific areas like ambulatory care, gerontology, or pediatrics through professional associations. While certification is usually voluntary, it shows a certain level of competency, and some employers require it.
Moreover, certain registered nursing positions may require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic life support (BLS), or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification.
CNSs need to meet additional state licensing requirements, such as earning specialty certifications. For specific requirements, contact state boards of nursing.
Remember, Liliana, every step you take towards becoming a nurse is a step towards making a difference in the lives of others. Keep going!