There are so many reasons why I want to be a nurse! As a nurse, I will get to help other people while enjoying a good salary and a steady paycheck. Because healthcare is always evolving, I will never get bored and can learn new skills whenever I choose. Nursing will also allow me the flexibility to work only three days a week or I can choose to travel to an exotic destination as a travel nurse.

A Career in Nursing

Many people choose to become a nurse to help others. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team and are responsible for the day to day care of the patient. Nurses can make all the difference in whether a patient has a good hospital experience. As a nurse, I want to be able to help improve the lives of patients and their families.
A career in nursing also offers opportunity for intellectual challenge and personal growth. There are a number of advanced certification and educational opportunities available to nurses. With virtually unlimited possibilities for professional growth, I can look forward to a fulfilling career as a nurse.

Job Opportunities

A top reason why I want to be a nurse is the job opportunities. As a nurse, I can choose to work in a hospital, in a community clinic or at a physician's office. There are also more unconventional nursing jobs such as flight nursing, legal nursing and forensic nursing. With so many different nursing jobs to choose from, I can pick what piques my interest most. I'll also have the opportunity change my career path should I decide I want to pursue a different career focus down the road.
According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nursing field is expected to add more jobs than average in the next ten years. As a new graduate nurse, that means I will likely have multiple job prospects to choose from. Once I am working as a nurse, I will enjoy more job security and stability since my nursing services will remain in high demand.

Salary and Benefits

Nurses are well compensated for their services. As a new graduate nurse, I can expect to make a good salary, with the median national average base pay being $67,187 per year. As I earn more experience and add new skills to my repertoire, I can expect to be compensated at an even higher rate.
In addition to my salary, I can expect job benefits including health care, paid vacation and sick time, and tuition assistance. Some employers offer nurses reimbursement for uniforms, supplies such as stethoscopes and bandage scissors, and reference books. I will also have the opportunity to take part in a retirement savings plan and take advantage of matching contributions made by my employer.

Schedule and Flexibility

Other great reasons to be a nurse are the work schedule and flexibility. Nurses working in the hospital setting often work 12 hour shifts, 3 days a week. This means I will have 4 days a week off! However, as a nurse I will most likely be working night shifts or weekends at times.
As healthcare is a 24 hour business, nursing services are needed around the clock. This actually gives nurses more job flexibility as they can choose to work day shift, swing shift or night shift depending on their needs. Some people prefer to work weekends to be off in the middle of the week. Others might want to work the first half of the week or vice versa. All this flexibility is possible with a nursing career!
There are many reasons to become a nurse. Some people choose nursing as a career to help people who are sick or hurt. Others may be attracted to the science aspect of the job and find fulfillment in learning something new every
day. Whatever the reason, people who choose to become nurses are well rewarded and compensated for their skills and time. With new nursing jobs being added every day, now is a great time to pursue a career in nursing!