Reasons to pursue a nursing career
Written by Claire O'Brien
This article was reviewed by Raelene Brooks, Dean, College of Nursing.
Nursing has long been an attractive career path due to its traditionally stable job market, competitive wages and opportunity to serve in a caring and people-centered human services career. Here are five reasons why it's a good career.
An overview of nursing careers
Individuals pursue nursing careers for various reasons. Becoming a registered nurse means taking one of three pathways. Earn a diploma from an approved nursing program, an associate degree in nursing, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). From there, aspiring nurses must pass the NCLEX and get licensed. Additionally, nurses can always go back to school after becoming a licensed RN to earn a degree if they pursued a career first.
Since the 2020 COVID pandemic, however, you might wonder if a career in nursing is still a good idea. The worldwide crisis put the healthcare industry under tremendous strain, with nurses on the front lines of the fight against the virus. Their sacrifice and dedication have come at a high price: America’s nurses are burned out. A white paper published by University of Phoenix noted that more than 50% of registered nurses (RNs) experienced worsening physical and mental health related to their pandemic workloads.
Despite that dark time in healthcare, nursing remains a rewarding career choice, despite the challenges and especially for those who want to make a difference in people’s lives.
Five reasons to pursue a career in nursing
Nursing isn’t for everyone, but it is still a preferred career path for many. Here are five reasons why.
1. Meaningful work
Undoubtedly, few careers compare to nursing in terms of positively impacting people’s lives. RNs provide compassionate care, advocate for patient needs, and support patients and their families, friends and communities through difficult times.
Many nurses report that the most rewarding part of the job is going to bed knowing they made a difference. Their dedication is recognized and appreciated: Nurses continually top Gallup’s annual poll of the most trusted professions by the American public.
2. Job stability
During uncertain economic times, a career with job stability is hard to come by — but the demand for nurses remains steady.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 192,500 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 40 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 31,900 openings for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
3. Competitive salary
Nursing is a well-compensated profession. As of May 2023, registered nurses earned between $63,720 and $132,680, with a median wage of $86,070, according to BLS. Although experience, specializations and location can greatly impact a nurse’s salary.
*Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
4. Career options and flexibility
One of the most appealing aspects of nursing careers may just be the variety of nursing jobs available. Depending on your nursing education level, experience and additional certifications, careers such as direct patient care, research, nurse practitioner, administration and nursing education are available. An RN can work for hospitals, schools, clinics, community health sites, and government and private agencies. Different specialties include oncology, pediatrics, hospice, emergency and more. Options for an RN with the proper education and experience are extensive.
Flexible schedules are also a huge perk for nurses. Shift work often ranges between eight and 12 hours and is not limited to business hours, which can be beneficial for parents and caregivers. Some hospital units even offer their employees the ability to self-schedule. And as advanced technology continues to evolve our workplaces, nurses can now join the remote workforce. Practically unheard of a decade ago, remote telehealth nursing is now a viable option.
5. Career growth
Nursing is much more than a job, so it’s important that this field offers career enhancement and professional development opportunities.
After earning their stripes, many nurses specialize or go after additional qualifications. Nurses can pursue advanced degrees or specialized certifications in areas such as pediatrics, oncology or critical care.
How nurses can protect their mental health and well-being
While the emotional and physical demands of a nursing career are a potential source of stress and burnout, they don’t have to lead to frustration.
One option is to pursue a nontraditional nursing job to enjoy the benefits of a stable career with less stress. Another is to embrace the growing awareness of the importance of nurses’ mental health and well-being. Those who embark on a nursing career should remember to prioritize self-care along the way.
Options for registered nurses with a BSN
Registered nurses who have earned a BSN may choose to explore leadership roles in their nursing careers, like being a charge nurse or nursing instructor. Or they may pursue further specialization with a master’s degree or doctorate.
University of Phoenix offers online degree programs for registered nurses who have their BSN degrees and are looking for the next step. These include a master’s in nursing administration, a master’s of nursing education online, an online FNP degree, and a psychiatric nurse practitioner program online.
Contact University of Phoenix for more information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Claire O’Brien has led copywriting teams for Hilton Worldwide Corporate’s creative studio and advertising agencies specializing in the real estate, hospitality, education and travel industries. In 2020, she founded More Better Words, a boutique copywriting agency that taps into her global connections. She lives in Costa Rica with her husband and six rescue dogs.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Dr. Raelene Brooks, dean of the College of Nursing, has been a registered nurse for more than 25 years and practiced extensively in the areas of ICU, trauma and critical care. Her publications include a focus on nursing education, critical care, and organizational wellness and engagement. She is a leader in creating, guiding and launching innovative curriculum.
This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
Read more about our editorial process.