Why This Is A Good Time To Become A Nurse

Are you wondering if it’s the right time to take a leap to become a nurse?

As the stress and fear of COVID-19 continue to loom over the world and healthcare workers struggle to care for patients, this may not seem like the best time to become a nurse, but it is. Now more than ever, there is a high demand for healthcare professionals. If you’ve ever thought about a career in healthcare, wondered how you could be of service to those in need, or felt a call to action, maybe now is the time to pursue nursing.

Help Wanted: Nurses are in demand

Schools and facilities have scrambled to recruit nurses even before COVID-19. Due to the increase in cases, pressure, and health effects, many nurses have quit; leaving several facilities understaffed and looking to hire. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has predicted that there will be a need for 203,700 new RNs each year through 2026. This means that there are vacant nursing positions around the country and will continue even after the pandemic.

Increased Incentives and Pay  

With facilities understaffed, many are offering pay incentives and training for nursing students, recent graduates, and experienced nurses. Staffing nursing agencies are offering quarantine pay, stipends for emergency or at-risk areas, sign-on bonuses. Many facilities need caring nurses and will give incentives to their employees. Remember to ask the staffing agency about their incentive programs, i.e crisis pay, and concerns you may have.

Question: Am I able to become a nurse with a bachelor’s degree in another field?

Yes, there are many one-year accelerated programs for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in another field; includes a Masters in Nursing.

Stable Income

The profession offers a sense of financial security and the industry is overflowing with opportunities and room to grow. One of the highest pay for nurses is around $167,950 a year (for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists). Not encouraging you to apply for nursing just for a stable income or because of the employment rates, but nursing has always been a profession with a stable income.

Healthcare Training and Aid

With an increasing number of government-funded training, nursing has become inclusive and inviting to individuals who want to train and serve. Organizations and governmental officials are working together to help hire and train new healthcare workers. This includes various specialties of nursing, from pediatrics to mental health, officials are working on bills and incentives which would ease the shortage of nurses and attract individual interest in nursing.

Note: Some nursing programs waive testing and certain requirements when applying for nursing programs i.e. Concordia University in Texas. 

Specialties 

Nursing has about 100 nursing specialties, from pediatrics to oncology, there is a specialty for everyone. Here are some examples:

•  Registered nurse (RN)
•  Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
• Travel nurse
• Nurse practitioner (NP)
•  Intensive care unit (ICU) registered nurse

Check out Rasmussen College’s, Top 25 Types of Nurses Employers Are Looking to Hire for a complete list of specialties, relevant nursing information i.e certification, education, and pay.

Moving Forward: Telehealth and Nursing

As the country quarantines, healthcare workers and officials continue to navigate through telehealth. With virtual appointments and communication becoming the norm, facilities will train healthcare workers to incorporate technology into patient care. This new specialty will increase demand for nurses who have direct patient care but can incorporate indirect care.

What’s Next?

First, research programs and specialties to see what interests you. If you’re new to nursing, have a degree in another discipline, or interested in a BSN, LVN, or any other specialty, it’s best to connect with schools about their programs. You can also connect with nursing associations to learn more about learning, specialties, and ask general nursing questions.

• The American Association of Colleges of Nurses, Finding A Program
• The Pros To Second Degree Nursing Programs
• Nursing Association of Research Guides

While nurses experience many stressful situations, especially during the pandemic, they still make a difference in patients’ lives. Nursing allows you to care and advocate for others, which is why it’s one of the most rewarding careers in the world. It’s a good time to join the healthcare profession and become a nurse if you’re looking to make a difference and care for those in need.

.