[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For many, nursing is a challenging, fulfilling, reliable career option. The profession offers many benefits to people who enjoy helping others, although like other careers there are advantages and disadvantages.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/cdc-nurse-healthcare-worker-burnout/”]Nurse burnout and similar challenges[/hen-ui-link] are part of reality for many nursing professionals. But for most, the pros of a career in nursing outweigh the cons.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here we outline 10 key benefits to a career in nursing. While they may not be for everybody, nursing careers offer a raft of potential advantages for people with the right goals and skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Benefits to Pursuing a Career in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Excellent Security, Salary, and Benefits[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are always in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5% growth rate among [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RN)[/hen-ui-link] between 2024-2034 — higher than the national average.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Further, the nation is experiencing an [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown//”]extended nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link]. While this poses ongoing challenges for patients and providers alike, one silver lining is that nursing jobs are relatively plentiful.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses also receive a competitive salary. According to the most recent BLS data, the average annual salary for RNs is $93,600, which surpasses the median annual salary for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, nurses — particularly the most qualified — are sometimes offered significant [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/registered-nurses-benefits-survey-2020/”]benefits packages and other incentives[/hen-ui-link]. Benefits can include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paid sick time[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paid vacation and holidays[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health and life insurance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tuition reimbursement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wellness programs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paid family leave[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Retirement benefits[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reimbursement for certification fees[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Childcare[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Flexible Schedule[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing positions often have flexible hours and scheduling. This can be an added benefit for parents and guardians. A nurse may have the option of 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts depending on the employer. Working 10- or 12-hour shifts typically decreases the number of days you work each week.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/articles/side-gigs-for-nurses/”]Nurses can also work side gigs[/hen-ui-link] for extra income and experience. A few other examples include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School nurses often have two months off each summer, which coincides with the school schedule.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/travel-nurse/”]Travel nurses[/hen-ui-link] can pick assignments based on location and the shift offered.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Homecare nurses normally work during business hours and only some weekends.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/articles/top-community-health-nursing-jobs/”]Community health nurses[/hen-ui-link] work weekdays during business hours.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Flexibility is key in the healthcare field. Although nurses may need to be flexible on occasion to work overtime or float to another floor, the job also offers flexible scheduling opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some small hospital units also offer self-scheduling. This gives the nurse a greater sense of autonomy and control, improving a nurse’s sense of well-being.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Rewarding Career Path[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Another reason to choose a nursing career is it can provide a great deal of personal fulfillment. Nurses make a difference in the lives of their patients every day. Your knowledge and education also make a difference in the lives of your friends and family.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In a [hen-ui-link href=”https://news.gallup.com/poll/467804/nurses-retain-top-ethics-rating-below-2020-high.aspx” target=”_blank”]2023 Gallup poll[/hen-ui-link], nurses retained the top ethics rating among a long list of professions, with 79% of U.S. adults giving nurses “very high” or “high” ratings on honesty and ethics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Opportunity for Advancement[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A career in nursing offers many opportunities for advancement and the option to work in different fields. Armed with your nursing degree and advanced education, you can move into a managerial or an advanced-practice position.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some nurses progress in their careers by earning [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/best-types-of-nursing-specialties/”]specialized nurse certifications[/hen-ui-link], making them more attractive to employers and raising their potential salaries. Others choose to move out of the clinical field into administrative positions where they can make an impact on the profession or the institution.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The opportunity to advance offers [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/top-challenges-faced-by-working-nurses/”]nurses new challenges[/hen-ui-link], higher salaries, and greater job satisfaction. In pursuit of new job roles, nurses have the option of moving to new areas of the U.S. or even other countries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. Several Ways to Become a Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One of the pros of nursing is the many ways you can enter the workforce. There are three common routes you can take to become an RN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although it does not qualify graduates to beocome RNs, the LPN degree is the quickest way to enter the nursing field. The degree takes one year to complete, including up to 750 clinical hours. According to the BLS, LPNs earn an average annual wage of $60,790 and can work in various kinds of healthcare facilities. Many employers, however, prefer nurses with more extensive training, such as the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically, the fastest option for becoming an RN is to complete an ADN, which takes about two years on average. Have an LPN or ADN and looking to advance your education? [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/nursing-bridge-programs/”]Bridge programs[/hen-ui-link] make it easy, helping you move your career and skillset forward.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-masters-in-nursing-without-bsn-programs/”]ADN-to-MSN Bridge Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN nurse may also bypass completing their BSN and earn their [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree through an ADN-to-MSN bridge program. These programs allow you to complete the education needed for an [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice RN[/hen-ui-link] role or move into [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurse-exec-vs-admin-vs-manager/”]nurse leader[/hen-ui-link] or administrative role.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bridge programs help you apply your existing education and skills to a new educational program. Many programs are fully online, which may help candidates continue to work while completing their education.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]6. Learn Transferable Career Skills[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses pick up a host of clinical and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//soft-skills-for-successful-nurses/”]”soft” skills[/hen-ui-link] that they can transfer to different professions, including as part of a [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/career-change-options-for-nurses/”]nurse career change[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, nurses are experienced in calming agitated patients. This level of communication is rare and valued by many employers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses must also be excellent time managers and know how to work effectively in teams. This is a necessary skill for employees in large companies and beyond.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, nurses must have strong [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-value-of-critical-thinking-in-nursing//”]critical-thinking skills[/hen-ui-link]. They must consider recommendations or evaluate orders written by physicians for their patients. Asking “what if” questions and analyzing the possible outcomes help nurses reach informed decisions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]7. Freedom to Pursue Your Specialty[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There is a need for nurses across the care delivery system, including in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/labor-and-delivery-nurse/”]labor and delivery[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/geriatric-nurse/”]geriatrics[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/nursing-shortage-er-nurses/”]emergency care[/hen-ui-link], to name a few. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-administrator/”]Nurse administrators[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/nursing-educators-navigate-the-nursing-shortage/”]nurse educators[/hen-ui-link] also are in short supply.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Simply put, no matter which speciality interests you, there is a good chance that specialty may be in need of nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It doesn’t happen overnight, of course. Nursing students learn foundational skills, which are enhanced by on-the-job training and experience. If a given specialty no longer feels like a fit, nurses are typically able to change specialties without going back to school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Do your research on the specialty and get some hands-on experience. Ask to shadow a nurse, or try [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//networking-in-nursing/”]networking with nurses[/hen-ui-link] in your field or workplace.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If the switch you are making is a drastic change, such as public health to cardiology, you may need additional education. This can involve a day-long workshop or a more in-depth [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-certifications/”]nursing certification course[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]8. Travel Opportunities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming an RN gives you a unique opportunity to travel. Travel nurses are in demand as they help fill gaps in [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/why-is-there-a-nursing-shortage//”]nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link] areas. As a result, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/salary/”]travel nurses earn competitive salaries[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nurses often live away from home for weeks or months at a time. On the other hand, they may gain fulfilling life experiences as a result of traveling.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best choice for you will depend on your unique goals and situation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]9. Change Your Job but Not Your Career[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/work-settings-for-nurses/”]Nurses can work in a variety of settings[/hen-ui-link] outside the familiar hospital or doctor’s office setting. This may be one way to address burnout or pursue a new professional calling.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Just a few of the possibilities include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/school-nurse/how-to-become/”]School Nurse[/hen-ui-link]: Nurses are needed in school systems, colleges, and universities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/correctional-nurse/”]Correctional Nurse[/hen-ui-link]: If you are interested in criminal justice, prisons and jails also have nurses to help care for inmates.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/home-healthcare-nurse//”]Home Health Nurse[/hen-ui-link]: Since there is a growing aging population who want to stay home, the need for homecare nurses who can ensure that people are safe in their homes is rising.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/forensic-nurse/”]Forensic Nurse[/hen-ui-link]: Forensic nurses work with the court system to collect evidence.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/holistic-nursing/”]Holistic Nurse[/hen-ui-link]: Holistic nurses generally take a “whole body” approach to health care, which takes into account considering the mind and spirit as well as the body, , as well as their social environment and spiritual beliefs, often incorporating complementary and alternative therapies.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other possibilities include [hen-ui-link href=”/clinical-nurse-specialist/”]nurse researcher[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-informatics/”]informatics nurse[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/legal-nurse/”]legal nurse consultant[/hen-ui-link], among many others.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]10. Simple Wardrobe[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It may not be the first benefit on anyone’s list, and it may not be glamorous, but the tried-and-true nursing work uniform provides a deceptive benefit. You don’t have to think about what you’re wearing to work. You don’t spend hundreds of dollars on new clothes every season, and your profession demands that you wear comfortable shoes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can wear the same color scrubs every day, and no one will make fun of you. In fact, everyone wears essentially the same [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/national-nurses-week-discounts/”]nurse uniform[/hen-ui-link], which is cost-effective and washes easily. The most expensive piece of clothing you’ll buy for work may be your shoes. Nurses should invest in footwear, as many nurses routinely walk several miles in a single 12-hour shift.[/hen-ui-text]