The chance to make a difference in the lives of others.
Competitive salaries.
Recession-Proof Career - By study estimates, there is a shortage of about 50,000 nurses nationwide and over 300,000 worldwide. Add to that the unlimited employment opportunities in different fields and the fact that layoffs are infrequent, and you have one of the most important reasons why this career is a popular choice.
Variety of Career Choices – Few careers offer the diversity than nursing does. Nurses can work inphysician's offices, schools, private homes, insurance companies, and educational institutions. They can be legal and forensic consultants, clinical researchers, sales reps for drug companies, and military members of staffs. The choices are truly limitless.
The Disadvantages
While there are many positives about a nursing career, there are also negative issues that should be taken into account. Some of these include:
The hazards of contagious diseases (such as hepatitis and AIDS), accidental needle sticks, direct contact with radiation and chemicals, and back injury from dealing with heavy equipment.
The commitment to working around the clock, including weekends and holidays.
The fact that a high level of education and experience does not necessarily guarantee a higher salary –This is especially true of staff nurses, who may get stuck on assisting positions where there's little chance for advancement.
For those working in mental healthcare facilities, there is also the threat of unstable patients, including the ever present danger of bodily harm.
Regular exposure to dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, loud noises, etc.
Many nurses cite frustration of not being able to "help" everyone as one of the major drawbacks of the profession –This comes as a result of healthcare politics, bad nurse to patient ratios, and the reality of having to face their own mortality.
To Sum It Up
Nursing has become one of the most sought-after professions of the past decade and will continue to grow as the years go by.