Even before the foundation of modern nursing was built in Europe, the military, Catholic nuns, and high-ranking members of other religions would provide services similar to what nurses perform today to care for those in need. When pondering a decision, one of the quickest and easiest decision-making tools you can utilize is creating a pros and cons list. Tips for dealing with difficult patients: Many difficult patients are scared or worried, which makes them lash out at nurses. Nurses can enjoy a high degree of flexibility with their schedules. You might start your career as an RN in several thousand dollars of student debt, but it might also be one of the best decisions that you ever make in your life. Conclusions: Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited. Get the latest trends regarding male nurses. Then youll need to obtain a state license. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. In this medical field as a registered nurse their, Bureau). Many people who wish to help others in need, and to find meaning and fulfillment in their careers, will pursue the nursing path. If you do not, I guess you will have to consider student loans that can land you in a reasonable amount of debt. If you want to work in the suburbs, then you can do it. These nurses work with people who are in pain. This growth is also one of the top benefits of travel nursing, with jobs plentiful across the country. Once you become a nurse, University of Phoenix can help registered nurses enhance their careers with an. You do not have to worry about not finding a job as a nurse. Registered nurses are in demand in places that fall outside of the hospital or medical clinic environment. Its not an easy job but I know i can do it an stick through it. Highlights the advantages and disadvantages of this extended scope of practice. Some patients are easy to work with, but others arent, and dealing with difficult or unpleasant patients and their families can be an everyday reality in the nursing profession. My mom was my number one supporter, and always told everyone how excited she was for me to fulfill my dreams of becoming a nurse. The personal care that I am able to give to a resident is rewarding. 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). RNPs describe how to overcome some of the barriers they have encountered with useful suggestions being made for practice development and further research. 3. These moments of crisis create bonding experiences that can help you build friendships while making the job a lot more enjoyable. There are many benefits that come with this career that have nothing to do with money or vacation time too. I understand these messages will be to the email or phone number provided, and will be about employment opportunities, positions in which Ive been placed, and my employment with AMN companies. There are many characteristics and personality traits that play a role in a specific jobs. So, feel free to add your pro and con arguments to the list. Nursing is filled with surprises and challenges that will help you grow. However, the path towards deciding what that job is, which academic major you should pursue, finding out what you want, and more importantly, what you would be good at, can feel daunting. Those factors can vary widely daily. 1 The prevalence of psychological distress among these patients is higher than in the general population, and it increases the risk of developing clinical . Many of the people that you will encounter during your career will be in extreme pain. Releases. Lastly, focusing on the simple joys, getting ready for your shift as a nurse is as easy as pie. Some settings have more flexibility than a traditional 9-to-5 job. This translates into a high patient load and long working hours. Saudi Pharm J. No professor can teach you how to find dignity in giving someone a bed bath. Hopefully, the list of pros and cons of being a nurse that we provided can help make the decision an easy one. Dealing with the administrative and procedural overhang, whether from business or government reasons unrelated to care, says Katz, often holds up what nurses do best.. Depending on your choice of study and your interests, you may be drawn to a specific type of nursing. 8600 Rockville Pike Not all patients want or outwardly appreciate your help and dedication to their health. Nursing shortages are prevalent across the country. See privacy policy or cookie policy for more details. This means that demand will be high and supply for registered nurses will be low. When your experience increases, then your earning potential typically will at the same time. Luckily, many of your patients will be friendly and express their gratitude. You can choose to work in critical care, as a cardiac nurse, in neonatal care, or in nephrology. The advantages of being a nurse include: caring for other people; good salary; high job demand; good prospects of advancement; a lot of specialties to choose from; Step 2 2 of 2. Here is an overview of a few steps to take. There are many different activities that happen while being a critical care nurse, for example checking a patient's pain level, monitoring a patient for changes on their current status, and being an advocate for the patient's family. 4. TV medical shows dont show the stiff hierarchy of who actually does what jobs.. As Baby Boomers continue to age and Gen Xers begin to reach senior status, there will be lots of new opportunities to provide care for people who need it. After all, nurses care for real patients with health concerns, and patients can become unstable and change suddenly. The impact of nurse prescribing on the clinical setting. 2. When youre an RN, there are plenty of new challenges that you can conquer to build a better life for yourself. Knowing the disadvantages of the job can help you determine whether it's worth pursuing. Lastly, remember how we mentioned that you would have to wear proper equipment to avoid exposure to germs and viruses? The important thing is that you weigh each argument against one another and use the ultimate winning side as a constant reminder of why you decided to pursue nursing or not. Deciding whether you want to be a nurse or not should ultimately be up to you, and you only. You will always encounter people at work that get on your nerves. One disadvantage of being a registered nurse is related to the fact that there are many vacant nursing jobs. Some people will not appreciate or understand your dedication and hard work. It can be a challenge to manage these personal interactions, especially if you tend to have an introverted personality. Nurses are expected to be more than just a nurse, but rather an advocate, caregiver, support system and professional. "Providing a complete episode of care": A survey of registered nurse and registered midwife prescribing behaviours and practices. While its 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. Nurses' readiness to prescribe under supervision in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study. Registered nurses are in demand in almost every community around the world today. If your stomach turns when you smell vomit or you feel faint at the sight of blood, then you might want to question whether or not this profession is the best fit. extended practice; medications; nurse prescriber; prescribing rights; registered nurse prescribers; safety. It would eventually turn into a secular profession in the 1800s. Emotionally draining. Sorry, respiratory therapists you can have one of my tote bags.. Additionally, nurses often encounter emotionally heavy days when they must care for patients in pain or who have a terminal diagnosis. If you want to become a registered nurse, then you must first obtain a two-year or a four-year degree in nursing or a directly-related field in the United States. Nurses often care for multiple patients at a time, and need to be organized to provide quality patient care. Each characteristic I 'm going to talk about are traits that I have that I think are strong/fitting qualities of a travel nurse. Epub 2023 May 26. 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. The following arguments aim to convince you that following a path toward nursing is the right choice. You may need to complete an extensive background check. Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images. If youre thinking about becoming a registered nurse, then here are some of the pros and cons to review before finalizing your decision. Pioneers like Linda Richards and Agnes Elizabeth Jones helped to shape the idea that registered nurses could come from a working-class background. Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Bachelor's Degrees in Health Administration & Management, Doctoral Degrees in Health Administration, Bachelor's Degrees in Information Technology, Information Technology Direct-Assessment, Master's Degrees in Information Technology, Associate Degrees in Information Technology, the salary range for registered nurses was $59,450 to $120,250, RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 10. I also know that being a Critical Care Nurse can be a very emotional job with some of the patients that come in. When you start to consider your future, then the pros and cons of being a registered nurse can help you to see if this option is right for you. Being a registered nurse comes with a high degree of respect from a societal perspective. There is a lot of variety that youll encounter when you work as a registered nurse. Many APRNs that work in a practitioner role can even authorize prescriptions. 2020 Jan;29(1-2):152-162. doi: 10.1111/jocn.15073. Some places allow you to work 12-hour days, alternating between 3-day and 4-day weeks, to give you some extra days off. The job of a travel nurse can be highly gratifying. They have to pack up and move from location to location as well as being away from home for a while. Exposure to viruses and illnesses WHAT DOES A REGISTERED NURSE CASE MANAGER DO? Most of your shift is decided by the ailments and personalities of your patients. Epub 2022 Jul 19. Many states are experiencing a nursing shortage, meaning lots of job opportunities. Some patients might not even want your help even though they need it. Receiving licensure requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Pacific College Here are five wonderful advantages of being a nurse. Gallup conducts a poll each year to determine which careers generate the most trust in the general population, and the 2016 version of this survey found that RNs were the most trusted for the 15th consecutive year. She is also affiliated with Murse World, where they created a page dedicated to what male nurses love most about their jobs. Some disadvantages include working at least 40 hours a week which may sometime include weekends and constantly being on call, long hours could have a small effect on the nurses' family and life outside the job. Whether you're doing great work with your patients and not getting a simple "thank you" for it or not getting any support from your team, there are many instances when you might feel underappreciated throughout your nursing career. Her volunteer experience includes AmeriCorps service and wellness ministry work. Some nurses have a set schedule that includes nights or one week on, one week off. Emotional burnout is common with registered nurses. This bonus can be contingent on other factors such as the length of time the position is held. People with cancer often experience emotional distress as a result of the diagnosis of a life-threatening disease, the effects of the tumour and treatments, the changes in life style that occur, and concerns about its possible recurrence. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! I started my health care career as a nursing assistant at the young age of 16 years-old perusing the dream of one day becoming a nurse. To be a nurse, you must earn at least a diploma from an approved nursing program and be licensed in your state. Knowing you have helped someone is a grand thing. All of which can be very challenging. Advantages 1. 1. Because you have to spend so much time on your feet, help lift and move patients, as well as carry other things, as a nurse, you will be more prone to suffer from foot and back injuries. Nursing, the one job everyone says that is so fulling, and will change your perspective on the world forever. All, Paying A patient and family member can be difficult because they feel that their situation is out of their control. Keywords: Even a warm hug of thanks can help you to know that youre in the right career. There is a high degree of personal satisfaction that comes with your work as a nurse, but these moments can sometimes be few and far between. It goes beyond the meaning of a profession and the stereotypical definition of treating the ill. PMC It is also possible that you might learn something from training someone else, too. They need to have bedside manner, and be able to prepare patients for surgery. Although patients can sometimes be frustrating and exhausting, its important to remain calm and treat them with respect and dignity. There are requirements to lift patients sometimes in this career as well. BLS data is geographically based. There will be around 194,500 job openings during this decade as nurses are in high demand and will continue to be so for a while. Increased job satisfaction was also important to those interviewed as identified in previous studies pertaining to prescriptive authority. Its about being able to love people when they are at their weakest moments. It is beneficial for you to be informed of the opportunities and advantages you will have if you decide to pursue this profession. Assisted living facilities offer similar opportunities to put your nursing degree to use. 17 Major Pros and Cons of Being a Psychiatrist, 19 Biggest Pros and Cons of Being a Truck Driver, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. Learn from our students and alumni who pursued their educational goals at University of Phoenix while balancing school, work and life. There are expedited options at some schools that can help you obtain this education faster, but you cannot proceed with your licensing without coursework that includes physiology, chemistry, patient care, and what the law expects of you while working. This can be exhausting, especially when youre not accustomed to it. You are going to encounter something new every day. To enhance your opportunities, you may want to consider pursuing an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and then potentially a masters degree in nursing (MSN). Schools began to appear in the United States and Japan that built upon the influences of Florence Nightingale. Experiences of registered nurse prescribers; a qualitative study. 1. There may not be a Hippocratic Oath for nurses, but that doesn't mean new graduates are completely without a shared moral compass. The lowest paying state is South Dakota, with an annual average wage of $59,540. Step 1 1 of 2. This was a unique finding, not described by other research. 5. 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. for School, Ways Its good exercise!, The Patient Experience Journal argues that marketing that models patients as traditional customers is ill-conceived and doesnt fit because healthcare isnt like other businesses and patients arent like other customers.Due to the history of nursing, I'm expected to act like this is a customer service job like being a waiter, says Angelis. Ability to work with children Pediatric nurses work closely with children to provide them with comprehensive medical care. The shift schedules for a nurse can be taxing. They often work with patients at various points in their development and can watch them grow into healthy young adults. Pediatric nurses provide care for patients ranging from toddlers to teenagers, and some possible job titles include pediatric registered nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. Katrina was the managing editor of a major website's fitness channel and has over 10 years of professional experience including clinical exercise testing. While the role of an FNP comes with several benefits, the job still has plenty of cons to consider. Nursing can both be a fulfilling and demanding field, so its important to consider this career choice carefully. Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Galician Version of the Nurse Prescribing Self-Efficacy Scale. Test preparation for the exams includes reviewing the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN test plans. Before A nurse is not about the pills or the charting. The advantage here is that you can perform a variety of tasks that are not part of the standard RN license. It is also very common for nurses to not actually report to work at a specific time but work what is referred to as "on call". A nurse must always be the one that has their life together, especially when others do not. Other perks can stem from National Nurses Week, according to Nick Angelis, MSN, CRNA, and author of How to Succeed in Anesthesia School (And RN, PA, or Med School). Let us help you jumpstart your goals. They say that monotonous work is the enemy of work happiness. Patients can expect better outcomes when nurses job satisfaction goes up, according to ANAs NDNQI and other data sources. and transmitted securely. They make up the biggest health care occupation in the United States. If you hate picking out clothes to wear in the morning, then youre going to enjoy working as a registered nurse. 1 INTRODUCTION. When youre considering becoming a nurse, realize that not every moment is exciting and not every patient encounter will be rewarding. May 12, 2022 11 minutes At a glance Nursing can both be a fulfilling and demanding field, so it's important to consider this career choice carefully. Of course, this can take a toll on you and make you lose the motivation and passion you have for the job, so it is vital to differentiate this lack of appreciation from the thought that you are not doing well enough. Cons: Responsibility You've heard the horror stories of patients waking up during complicated and painful procedures. But there are ways to boost your mental health, such as through exercise, meditation and a support system. They may work night, weekends, and holidays. Supporting patients from birth through the end of life, nursing specialties can broaden your knowledge and improve your life through new experiences. Fox A, Crawford-Williams F, Ria J, Lynda C, Debra T, Patsy Y, Lisa N, Chan RJ. Whether youre working 8, 12, 16, or even more hours during the day, you might find that there is limited time to take a lunch break during your shift. To specialize in a particular area of nursing practice, research your desired area and the requirements. When Im sick goes to the doctor or hospital I always ask my nurse what shes doing next because i want to know and I know I will be doing it soon. The highest paying is California, with an average yearly salary of $113,240. Although some RNs dont have much of a say with their schedule when they first start working, this advantage will slowly evolve as your experience increases. Another great advantage correlated with the fact that nursing is an in-demand field is the job security it provides. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a registered nurse? Click here for more information! You will see or witness tragic situations. As minimal as this risk is nowadays, especially when the facilities have frequent cleansing and testing procedures to avoid such incidents, it is still something you should keep in mind when becoming a nurse. Some days will be overwhelming and stressful on a physical and an emotional level. If you are flexible you have many choices and locations and careers open to you. Cons of being an FNP. Nursing, and everything that it entails, cannot be easily described in just one simple word or phrase. However, we want to highlight both the pros and cons. Methods: That means you can build a career that follows all of your passions. This may include additional certifications such as those required to be a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. When considering the disadvantages of being a nurse, the presence of stress is one to keep in mind. Nurses often feel undervalued by the very people theyre serving. They can develop worsening symptoms, need to be . My intent was to become a registered nurse someday, although now I am making other considerations. Several different industries, including law firms and insurance companies, offer employment to RNs. Every shift offers something different that will come your way. No class can teach you how to tell their family that their parent has died or is dying. Highlights the advantages and disadvantages of this extended scope of practice. 4. Unhappy nurse practitioners may experience burnout and dissatisfaction with their career choice. They are vulnerable to back injuries, because they often must lift and move patients. There are top-rated city hospitals that will pay excellent wages for RNs. Here are five unfortunate disadvantages of being a nurse. Registered nurses are in demand in almost every community around the world today. 9. Updated July 05, 2017 careertrend A nurse practitioner is someone who has received advanced training in a nursing specialty. Every territory, district, and state in the United States requires registered nurses to have licensure, but the mandates can be variable. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. The government pays $72,100 a year(U.S. Bureau). Depending on your work environment and interests, you should consider choosing a specialty that fits your personality and needs. Kids will often create thank you cards that you can display at home or in an office area. Most cultures provided nurses as a way to care for those in need because of the religious practices of their era. A significant aspect of nursing is the profession's evolving nature, filled with opportunities for advancement as long as you are willing to work for them. A larger study into the experiences of nurse and midwife prescribers is also required, to promote and maintain this practice and to ensure future prescribers embrace this extended scope of practice. There are more steps to follow to even start practicing as an RN compared to other career opportunities, but not everyone understands this work. Dont downplay their concerns or anger; acknowledge their feelings. Some people cannot handle the 12-hour shifts that some RNs work. They are there to be the ones to hold and care for others in desperate times of need. Careers. The days I questioned myself, and thought to myself is nursing really for me, I always thought of those exact. 1. They help to decide the patients medicine, treatment, recovery, and educate the them and their families on post-medical treatment. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. I would like to start by sharing a quote from an unknown author: Being a nurse isnt about grades, its about being who we are. Instead, you will be engaging with different people almost daily and encountering patient cases that push you to seek solutions and try things you might not have had the opportunity to do before. Nurse advantages can include intangible benefits, such as warm hugs from appreciative family members or handmade thank you cards or gifts from children. ECPI University points out that you may lose a patient youve grown fond of, which can take a major toll on you. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies 2020 Aug;56(4):388-399. doi: 10.1080/10376178.2020.1813044. What you might encounter with the 8-hour shifts is that last-second call-offs can leave you short-handed at your facility, forcing a double shift when you might have other responsibilities to manage. Furthermore, concentrating in a specific area of nursing may enhance your earning ability. When you become a nurse, you can make changes in your patients lives and the community surrounding them. Canet-Vlez O, Jodar-Sol G, Martn-Royo J, Mateo E, Casaas R, Galbany-Estragus P. Front Public Health. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Contemp Nurse. Related: How To Become a Nurse Practitioner. I believe I am a person who welcomes, enjoys and would embrace this challenge. Being the face of healthcare, during Nurses Week, we get more (useless) gifts than anyone else in the hospital, says Angelis. Even if you havent started your education yet, there are going to be jobs in this profession after you graduate. Nursing is a tough profession; however, between the working conditions, education required, and salary, nursing is well worth the time and money. After you become a registered nurse, there is an opportunity for you to pursue becoming an APRN an advanced practice registered nurse. Both options for becoming a nurse can have advantages and disadvantages, so let's walk through some of the key comparison points you'll want to consider. Anyone can enter the field with an Associate 's degree. According to 2021 data from BLS, the salary range for registered nurses was $59,450 to $120,250 a year. 5. In accordance with your other responsibilities, you can agree on a specific schedule that fits both you and your employer. Nursing Shortage is a problem we all should be aware of. The program you attend must also be accredited for nursing. Since patient care needs to occur around the clock, many nurses may work several twelve hour shifts per week. We all seek to find a job that does not feel like a job but rather something we enjoy doing. However, some employers may require RNs to have a bachelors degree in nursing. Graduate degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing are required for advanced nursing roles, such as nurse practitioners. While maintaining a commitment to delivering stellar patient care, nurses face continuing challenges, which they will face head on in 2023. Feeling a Sense of Pride Nurses have earned the rating of "Most Trusted Profession" for 15 years straight, according to the 2016 Gallup poll. There are several different ways that you can serve as a registered nurse. Some nurses say that they dont even worry about hair, makeup, or similar elements as part of their morning routine because of the scrub hats and other protective apparel that youll need to wear over the course of your duties. . The nursing profession has long been a well-respected career, which can instill a deep sense of pride. 2023 Jul;31(7):1294-1305. doi: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.05.019. This is something that I have an abundance of, which is why nursing is the career field I will be entering. The higher end signing bonuses are not unusual to military nursing positions. Since the median salary in this career is $63,000, that means you can find a decent-paying job when you get out of school and first earn your license as well.