Seven Compelling Reasons to Pursue a Nursing Career

Nursing is a fulfilling and respected career path. If you're passionate about helping others recover and stay healthy, becoming a nurse offers you that opportunity. Over recent years, nursing has consistently been a top choice for many professionals. It also allows you to serve as a role model within your community. Today, with abundant job openings, a supportive work environment, and numerous specialty areas, stepping into nursing has never been more accessible.

Here are the top 7 reasons why pursuing a career in nursing could be the best decision you make today, along with the advantages it provides.

• Growing Demand for Skilled Nurses

The increasing number of patients and ongoing healthcare needs have led to a nurse shortage. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nursing workforce is projected to grow by 16% through 2024, outpacing many other professions. News & World Report ranked nursing among the top 25 jobs in 2017 in the US. The rising need for nurses with advanced qualifications further emphasizes the expanding opportunities in this field.

• Demographic Shifts Increasing Senior Population

The American Nurses Association reports a significant rise in the elderly population, which puts additional pressure on healthcare services. More insured individuals mean higher hospital admissions, creating a substantial demand for registered nurses. This demographic trend highlights the importance of nursing roles in meeting society’s healthcare needs.

• Retirement of Experienced Nurses

Nearly half of the current nursing workforce is nearing retirement age, with many expected to leave the field soon. This impending wave of retirements will generate numerous job openings. The American Nurses Association recommends preparing new nurses to fill this gap, making now an ideal time for you to start your nursing career.

• Advancement Through Technology

The healthcare industry is evolving with cutting-edge technology, opening new avenues for nurses. Specializations like informatics involve analyzing health data to improve patient outcomes. If you become a registered nurse with expertise in data management, you can pioneer innovations and enhance patient care in the digital age.

• Expanded Career Opportunities

Modern nursing offers diverse career paths beyond traditional patient care. Nurses can become educators, researchers, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, administrators, or even pursue medical degrees. Additional coursework is encouraged to build skills beyond direct care, so you can find your niche and influence healthcare policies or education.

• Support for Continuing Education

Organizations like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation promote higher educational standards for nurses, aiming for 80% to hold bachelor’s degrees by 2020. Many hospitals now prefer hiring bachelor's degree holders, which broadens career prospects. Advanced degree options, such as RN to BSN programs, provide essential knowledge and make nurses more competitive for specialized roles.

• Greater Flexibility and Work Settings

Nurses now enjoy flexible schedules and diverse work environments. They can work in hospitals, schools, as air nurses, or in home healthcare. Travel nursing is also popular, offering competitive pay and travel expense coverage. This versatility allows nurses to balance work and personal life effectively.

In summary, becoming a registered nurse today offers numerous advantages—from high demand and career growth to flexible work options. Take this opportunity to begin your journey into this vital and rewarding field.