The nursing profession we know today has existed since the 18th century. Nurses can be found everywhere, from hospitals and clinics to physician offices and schools. Nursing remains the largest healthcare profession, with about 4.2 million registered nurses (RNs) in the nation. With this number in mind, it brings me to the question: Why nursing? Why is it that nursing is a field that people want to join?

Nursing is often considered one of the best careers for several reasons. For one, it provides the opportunity to help people. Being a nurse means providing care and support to patients during a vulnerable time. Second, patients and nurses often create a more trusting bond than patients with their doctors because of the time nurses spend with them. Third, it allows the opportunity to connect with individuals from all backgrounds. Finally, assisting individuals in regaining their health is an extremely rewarding experience.

Nursing is also a growing field that is in high demand. Even though there are not enough nurses at the moment, the demand for nurses will continue to increase. This helps create job security for nurses. As the population grows, more individuals will need healthcare assistance that requires skilled nurses. High demand translates to good job security and a wide range of career opportunities.

Nursing offers diverse career options. When one thinks of nursing, the first image that might come to mind is a nurse assisting patients in a hospital. However, there are many choices for nurses, not just hospitals. Nurses can choose to work in any hospital unit, which offers many diverse options. Even then, nurses can work outside of hospitals in schools as school nurse or even become a nursing teacher. Nurses can also work in an outpatient setting, such as a doctor’s office or a rehabilitation center. There is also the option to be a travel nurse who goes to multiple high-need areas. Different areas will require other skills and traits, so there will always be an area that fits your personality and aspirations. Nursing also offers numerous specialties, including nurse practitioners, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, and more.

Nursing is also one of the few professions that offer extreme flexibility regarding scheduling, work settings, and specialties. This is extremely important as it allows most nurses to have an extremely good work-life balance necessary to maintain a happy life. Nursing offers diverse work schedules, and although most nurses work full-time, part-time and per diem options are available. This can be particularly beneficial to nurses who have other commitments. In addition to the variation in shift type, nurses can also advocate for what time they would like to work as nursing is a round-the-clock job, so individuals can choose to work in the mornings or evenings. Combined with all these things, it is a highly flexible career choice.

While nursing has numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider every career’s challenges and considerations. Evaluating your interests, skills, and personal values is necessary to determine if nursing aligns with your goals and aspirations.