Written by Michael Feder
This article was reviewed by Raelene Brooks, Dean, College of Nursing.
Written by Michael Feder
This article was reviewed by Raelene Brooks, Dean, College of Nursing.
Though nursing is one of the most impactful professions in the lives of patients, it can also be very demanding. There are several things to think about before pursuing a career in this field. This article will explore some of the pros and cons, educational requirements and the overall scope of the industry.
The nursing profession isn’t for everyone, but people with an interest in medicine and patient care may find this as a rewarding career option. Before you get started, it’s important to take the time to learn about the different career opportunities and the nursing degrees necessary to pursue them, including a nursing diploma or associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees in nursing, and what it means to get involved in the field. While several advantages may benefit your life and career goals, there may also be some challenges.
A nursing career offers a high salary range for your level of education and can be a good choice for a more financially secure future. According to May 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the salary range for registered nurses was $63,720 to $132,680, with a median wage of $86,070, a year.
Furthermore, concentrating in a specific area of nursing may enhance your earning ability. Registered nurses who have experience or are specialized in particular fields such as critical care can earn higher wages, though salaries also vary widely by region or location.
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.
A typical nursing schedule varies depending on where the nurse works. Some settings have more flexibility than a traditional 9-to-5 job. For example, some registered nurses work three 12-hour shifts every week. Some nurses have a set schedule that includes nights or one week on, one week off. Other times nurses work on an “as needed” basis (sometimes referred to as “PRN“), where you may fill a temporary need, work one or several days and/or are on-call only.
Additionally, many hospitals are hiring more part-time staff, such as travel nurses to fill staffing gaps, so there are new opportunities for flexible scheduling.
Nursing shortages are prevalent across the country. Due to an aging population, growing demand for healthcare, and a concentration on preventive care, the demand for nurses is consistent. BLS projects employment for registered nurses to grow 6% between 2022 and 2032.
While growth is on average for all occupations, BLS notes that the demand for nurses should increase with the aging population, which will require additional care. Additionally, the number of men in nursing has been rising, and they constituted an estimated 13% of all registered nurses in 2021, according to BLS.
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.
Nursing provides many opportunities for advancement. So whether you’re on the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing track or opt to work as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), the healthcare industry offers potential.
Overall, you can pursue any of a number of specialties that may align with your ultimate career goals, including but not limited to the following:
On a personal level, you can develop your leadership abilities and explore new areas of patient care. Supporting patients from birth through the end of life, nursing specialties can broaden your knowledge and improve your life through new experiences.
Nursing opens the door to some of the most impactful job positions within healthcare. When you become a nurse, you can make changes in your patients’ lives and the community surrounding them.
Nursing offers the ability to travel and work in a variety of locations and settings. You may have opportunities to work within the United States or internationally (if you meet the requirements of the country/locality in which you want to work). In addition, numerous agencies help nurses decide on their next career destination should they be looking to branch out.
The job of a travel nurse can be highly gratifying. You get to see new parts of the country, work in different settings and meet new colleagues.
Nursing can be a challenging job. While it has plenty of advantages, there are some drawbacks as well.
Nurses deal with difficult patients almost every day. Although patients can sometimes be frustrating and exhausting, it’s important to remain calm and treat them with respect and dignity. Behind the angst are feelings of helplessness. A patient and family member can be difficult because they feel that their situation is out of their control.
Tips for dealing with difficult patients:
Many difficult patients are scared or worried, which makes them lash out at nurses. Patients also often feel exposed and vulnerable when they’re in a hospital bed and dependent on others.
Nurses often feel undervalued by the very people they’re serving. It isn’t easy to feel like you’re making a difference in someone’s life when they continually tell you that what you do isn’t necessary. Many patients don’t realize how much their nurses are doing for them, day in and day out.
While it’s important to remember that not everyone understands the intricacies of nursing, you should also know how much your hard work and dedication mean to those around you.
Nursing can be incredibly stressful, especially in hospitals or with high-risk patients. Additionally, nurses often encounter emotionally heavy days when they must care for patients in pain or who have a terminal diagnosis.
Other everyday stressors can include:
Though the list of stressors for nurses is long, you should not let it deter your decision to become a nurse.
One of the biggest challenges is that nurses are often required to stand for long periods and transport patients. This can be exhausting, especially when you’re not accustomed to it.
Additionally, personal protective gear like scrubs and masks requires washing and should not be overlooked as an added burden on your already busy schedule.
Nursing is often a mentally and physically exhausting career. When you’re not physically exerting energy, you’re cleaning equipment or charting on the computer. This can make it feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get your work done.
Moreover, occupational stress can cause anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and feelings of inferiority in nurses. But there are ways to boost your mental health, such as through exercise, meditation and a support system.
If you’re interested in becoming a registered nurse, we covered this topic on the University of Phoenix blog. To be a nurse, you must earn at least a diploma from an approved nursing program and be licensed in your state. However, some employers may require RNs to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Graduate degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing are required for advanced nursing roles, such as nurse practitioners.
Here is an overview of a few steps to take.
The first step to becoming a nurse is to earn an education. To become an RN, you need at least a diploma from an approved nursing program. To enhance your opportunities, you may want to consider pursuing an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and then potentially a master’s degree in nursing (MSN). An advanced degree like an MSN can provide the educational foundation to pursue additional opportunities that may include a higher salary.
Advice for prospective students:
Overall, research schools and programs carefully so that you’re able to submit the best application possible should admissions be competitive.
To become a nurse, you’ll not only have to earn at least a diploma from an approved nursing program; you’ll also have to become licensed in the state where you wish to be employed. Receiving licensure requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The NCLEX exams are designed to assess the knowledge and skills necessary for providing informed, safe and effective care in various clinical settings. Test preparation for the exams includes reviewing the NCLEX-PN® and NCLEX-RN® test plans.
Nursing has many specialties, such as acute care and oncology. Depending on your work environment and interests, you should consider choosing a specialty that fits your personality and needs.
To specialize in a particular area of nursing practice, research your desired area and the requirements. This may include additional certifications such as those required to be a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.
Depending on your choice of study and your interests, you may be drawn to a specific type of nursing. The following are some of the many nursing career options and the education level needed to pursue them:
With a variety of online nursing degrees, it should be easier than ever to find the right program.
Nursing demands a unique set of skills from employees, from the basics to emotional intelligence.
According to BLS, here are some skills that may be helpful in a nursing career:
Most importantly, nurses should have their patients’ best interests at heart.
After you’ve educated yourself on nursing and its career and educational options, the next step is to narrow down your choices.
If you’re interested in a nursing career, here are a few tips to help you on your path:
When finding the right career path, consider several factors when making your decision:
When making this choice, you will want to take the time to think about your personal goals and values before deciding if this career path is for you.
Interested in learning more about nursing degree programs at University of Phoenix? Click here for more information!
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
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 diversity, equity and inclusion. She is a leader in creating, guiding and launching innovative curriculum.
This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
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