This article was provided by Host Healthcare.
Every job has its pros and cons. While office jobs are known for their steady paycheck and a high likelihood of carpal tunnel, nursing comes with its own physical and emotional effects.
While some individuals prefer a case of computer neck to the hustle and bustle of nursing, others can look past the challenges because of the many benefits that come along with the job.
From physical labor to steady pay, we’ll cover everything that you will need to know when working in the healthcare industry. If you’re considering a career in this rewarding field, read on for the biggest pros and cons of nursing!
Pros of Nursing
To start this article on the right foot, let’s take a look at the positive side of the profession. Below are some of the most substantial benefits of nursing, as told by professional health care workers:
- The feeling that comes with helping others – Most people would agree that caring for others simply feels good. As a nurse, you’ll spend a majority of your time helping those in need and reaping the benefits that come with this selfless line of work.
- Forming relationships – In a similar vein, nursing is the perfect job for a people person. As a nurse, you’ll form a wide variety of relationships on a continuous, daily basis. From your patients to your fellow staff, working in a community as tightly knit as a healthcare facility is one of the easiest ways to form lasting relationships with others. As a nurse, you’ll rarely find yourself feeling lonely or isolated.
- Job opportunities – Nursing is currently one of the most high-demand positions in the country. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 7% increase in the job outlook for registered nurses throughout 2029—and that’s not including the many other advanced positions within the nursing field. If you want a career path with ample job opportunities, nursing is a great option.
- Flexibility – Depending on your position and place of employment, the nursing field as a whole offers quite a bit of flexibility. Registered nurses can often choose to work on a full-time or part-time basis, be on-call, or request night shifts based on their availability.
- Opportunity to travel – One way to take advantage of a flexible schedule? Become a travel nurse. Travel nurses have the flexibility of changing assignments every few months, which is great for healthcare professionals who crave variety and adventure. Host Healthcare is named one of the top travel healthcare companies and has endless opportunities for travel if you are an adventure seeking nurse.
- Steady pay – The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average RN salary at $75,330 per year. This can be broken down to approximately $36.22 per hour—nearly five times the federal minimum wage. Salaries for nurses only get higher as you move past entry-level positions, making this an exceptional field for individuals who need a steady income.
Cons of Nursing
Of course, every line of work also has disadvantages that are unique to the field. Prospective nurses should be aware of the following cons when it comes to this position and consider these factors before deciding on a career path:
- Physically demanding – Most clinical nursing jobs require a certain level of physical endurance. From standing on your feet for most of the day, to physically moving patients from place to place, BSN nurses can expect quite a bit of manual labor when working in this field.
- Emotional labor – In addition to being physically demanding, working as a nurse also requires emotional fortitude. Being in close contact with chronically ill, severely injured, or elderly patients can evoke feelings of sadness, stress, and even depression. This is why it’s crucial for nurses to prioritize self-care during their personal time.
- Exposure to disease and viruses – As we’ve seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing can become a risky job in the face of viral infections and diseases. While this can be scary for many people, it’s also important to note that healthcare facilities take the utmost precautions to protect their staff. That being said, prospective nurses will need to face any fears of disease exposure prior to pursuing this position.
- Working holidays – Unlike a traditional work environment, hospitals and many other healthcare facilities remain open on major holidays. This means that nurses may find themselves working on these days and missing out on time with their families. Of course, some nurses have more flexible schedules—for example, travel nurses. But before beginning a new position, discuss holiday policies with your potential employer.
Is Nursing the Right Career For Me?
If you resonate with any of the following statements, a career in nursing may be a good choice for your future career:
- I enjoy a fast-paced, exciting work environment.
- I would prefer a physical job that has me on my feet to sitting at a computer all day.
- I am an empathetic person who enjoys helping others.
- I work better with a team by my side as opposed to being alone.
- I would rather choose my own hours than work a standard 9-5 job.
- I am a people person.
- I am interested in seeing the world while taking different job assignments.
Find Your Perfect Nursing Job
Are you intrigued by the many benefits of being a nurse? Now, it’s time to continue your education and prepare for a career in healthcare. Once you’ve completed your certification, you’ll be able to enjoy benefits like stable pay, flexibility, and the opportunity to travel if you decide to go the travel nursing path.
Sources:
- ABSN.Luc. The Top Pros and Cons of a Nursing Career.
- BLS. Registered Nurses.
- Fortis. Nursing Hours: How Long Do Nurses Work?
