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Nurses are the largest workforce in the clinical healthcare industry, and it’s growing.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19 percent job growth for registered nurses between 2012 and 2022, which is faster than average. For licensed practical nurses the projected growth for the same time period is even faster, at 25 percent.
Despite increases in hiring and opportunity, the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) estimates that by 2025, there will be a shortage of nurses, caused by baby-boomer RNs retirement over the next decade and an aging population. The estimated shortfall of 260,000 nurses by 2025 is double what occurred during the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid in the mid-1960s.
Not only is a nursing career emotionally fulfilling and rewarding, there are tangible benefits, too. Opportunities with nursing being the fastest-growing occupation in the US; options with over 100 specialties from which to choose and a number of advanced nursing degrees; and flexibility with various combinations of work schedules depending on the location and specialty you choose.
Also, nursing is a respected career field, with a high level of esteem. According to a Gallup Poll, more than 80% of Americans rated nurses as having “high” or “very high” honesty and ethical standards. Nurses have topped their list every year since 1999, except for 2001 when firefighters were rated higher after their prominent role in 9/11 rescue efforts.
Learn more, and see why a career in nursing might be right for you: Why Become a Nurse.
As a nurse, you will continue to learn and grow every day, not only as a healthcare professional, but as a compassionate human being, affecting the lives of everyone you touch. Nurses have the satisfaction of providing their patients with the highest quality of care, helping to increase their comfort and speed their recovery.
Plus, nurses enjoy high job flexibility – nurses are needed nationwide, so you can choose where you want to work. And with a nationwide shortage, hospitals and other medical facilities are always looking for nurses. This leads to competitive salaries, especially for nurses in advanced practice.
Nurses love helping people. They’re truly passionate about the human spirit, recognizing that a genuine smile can make a patient’s day. They’re able to pay close attention to the details, analyze data, make decisions, stay calm and perform in high-pressure situations.
The best nurses are the ones who possess patience and empathy as it helps them see things from the patients’ perspective. They also have a tremendous work ethic, going above and beyond, not only for their patients but for their colleagues as well.
As a nurse, excellent communication skills are a vital part of the job and essential for your success. You must be able to clearly articulate, both verbally and non-verbally as you will be working with patients, families, doctors and other hospital staff, each with varying educational, cultural and social backgrounds. Of course, you must also be a good listener.
If you think that describes you, you could be an ideal fit for an incredibly rewarding career in nursing.
Galen College of Nursing is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and masters degrees.