When we talk about real-life heroes there is no better example than nurses. Nursing is an incredibly gruelling career in which nurses do all they can to ensure their patient’s health needs are met in a caring and respectful manner. Those who choose to go into nursing are usually the type that wants to help the greater good and consistently put the needs of others first.
These are the kind of things we need to be mindful of on May 12 which is International Nurses Day. It was only a few short years ago that nurses were pushed to the brink following 2020, and rather than cave under pressure they somehow found it in them to rise and conquer what was a very scary time for many.
So let’s celebrate nursing by discussing some surprising facts you may not realize about the job.
Nursing Is In Demand
When choosing the ideal career path to pursue you always wants to be sure that there are opportunities available, nursing certainly offers that. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs available in nursing is expected to grow by 6% by 2032, which is faster than the national average. That equates to about 193,100 job openings yearly until 2032.
And it’s not just hospitals and clinics where nurses will be in demand, there will also be a strong need for registered nurses at residential care facilities and in the homes of seniors.
Nursing Can Be a Very Well Paying Career Path
Those wondering how much they can make as a nurse may be surprised to learn that as of 2023, the median pay for registered nurses is $86,070 yearly, or $41.38 per hour. Typically speaking, educational services pay the least for nursing jobs, whereas government jobs pay the highest.
You May Not Have Typical Hours of Work
Part of the reason nurses get paid so well is because they don’t generally work a 9-5 shift. It’s normal for them to work shifts, which can be 12 hours long. Not only that but nurses are required 24/7, so it’s normal to work night shifts, on weekends, and on holidays. Again, it takes a dedicated and caring person to want to put in the hours required.
If you aren’t interested in working full-time, there are part-time nursing careers too. That can work well for people who need more flexibility in their schedules.
Nursing Can Open a Job Abroad If You Choose
Many people have dreams of being able to explore the world, but without a job to finance those dreams, it’s likely impossible. Did you know that nursing can open the door to working abroad? Nurses are in demand globally, not just here at home, so it can be a great way to explore new-to-you places while providing much-needed medical care.
Some of the most common places that nurses can find employment abroad include:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- The Middle East
- China
There are Specialized Nursing Paths
Besides the typical nursing job, there are also specialized roles that nurses can take. These require more skill and knowledge and for that reason, they can be even more in demand.
Some of the more specialized roles for nurses include:
- Hospice nurse
- Midwife nurse
- Academic nurse writer
- Nurse case manager
- Dialysis nurse
There are many more than this list, these are just some of the most common.
It’s Not Just Specialized Paths – There Are Also Different Types of Nurses
Besides specialized paths that nurses can take, there are also different types of nurses. What’s notable is that every single type of nurse is important and needed in the healthcare industry, as they perform specific roles and duties in that job.
Also worth mentioning is that the different types of nurses make different salaries. It provides a way for nurses to advance not just in job title, but also in pay as they gain experience and further their education over the years.
Some of the different types of nurses include:
- Ambulatory nurse
- Family nurse practitioner
- Nurse anesthetist
- Travel nurse
- NICU nurse
- Neonatal nurse
- Pediatric nurse
- Labor and delivery nurse
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Nurse educator
What’s great about these choices is that a person has a chance to get to know themselves, learn their best skills, and then find the role that best suits them.
There are A Lot of Nurses in the Country
Despite there being a need for more nurses, the United States has more than three million registered nurses working. That’s a huge number, but when you think about the population they need to care for – it suddenly seems like a drop in the bucket. What is also interesting is that there are far more nurses than doctors in the United States. The ratio is 3:1, which makes sense since nursing is such a versatile job. Nurses are capable of performing a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities.
A Nurse’s Duties May Surprise You
And speaking about the vast responsibilities nurses have, that list may come as a surprise. It used to be that they were there to assist doctors, but that’s no longer the case. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare industry and without them, the industry would come to a standstill.
Some of the many general nursing responsibilities they take on include:
- Make note of a patient’s medical history
- Conduct a physical exam
- Check the vital signs
- Draw blood
- Perform other health tests
- Listen to patient’s concerns
- Provide information to patients
- Coordinate with the entire care team
It’s easy to see why their shifts are so busy, with little to no downtime.
To Become a Nurse It Takes Schooling and Clinical Experience
While each state has its own rules and regulations, generally speaking, to become a nurse you need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) or RN, take the required licensure exams, and then become licensed. For nurses who want a more specialized role or a specific nursing job, they may need a Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN).
Nursing Is a Highly Respected Career
In terms of how the public views nurses, nursing is seen as one of the most respected careers out there. They are up there with doctors, scientists, farmers, teachers, and firefighters.