Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare industry. This role centers around the opportunity of making a positive impact on the lives of many people. The pursuit of a nursing degree is a career choice that is filled with variety, reward, and accomplishment. In this blog post, we will highlight the plethora of benefits associated with attaining a nursing degree, such as a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
- Job Security
There is a consistently high demand for nurses in healthcare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is an expected employment growth of 12% for RNs between 2019 and 2029. This growth rate for employment is higher than many other occupations due to the increase in the aging population, and increased demand for attention on preventive care. Nurses are, thus, less likely to experience the plight of unemployment and job insecurity as compared to other professions. Similarly, the demand for LPNs is also relatively high with an expected job growth rate of over 11% between 2019 and 2029.
- Versatility
The nursing profession is very versatile with a large number of different practices. Nurses can choose to work in a variety of settings in the healthcare system, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and private practices. Moreover, they can also specialize in areas such as pediatrics, gerontology, oncology, and critical care. This versatility allows nurses to find work in a setting that aligns with their interests and goals. Per their inclinations, nurses can choose to work full-time or part-time in their area of interest.
- Good Salary and Benefits
With an increase in demand, nurses earn a competitive salary. According to the BLS, the reported median annual wage that RNs earned in 2020 was $73,300. Similarly, LPNs were also reported to have earned a median annual wage of $47,480. Additionally, many other incentives are often attached to these market-competitive salaries including health insurance, paid leave, time off, and health insurance.
- Opportunities For Advancement
Nurses have the opportunity to advance their careers by pursuing additional education and certification related to their field of practice and specialization, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. This improves their job security, leads to higher salaries, and opens the door for advanced roles such as nurse practitioner or nursing manager.
- Personal Fulfillment
Many nurses, despite the hectic schedules associated with their careers, report higher job satisfaction compared to other jobs. This is majorly related to the satisfaction obtained from helping people live more fulfilling lives and making a positive difference in society. It is a rewarding experience for nurses to care for patients and help them through difficult times.
Registered Nurse
The advanced level of training and education places RNs in a more complicated and responsible role than LPNs. RNs are tasked with a variety of administrative, and patient care roles in a healthcare setting.
Following are some of the responsibilities of an RN:
- Providing Patient Care
RNs are responsible for assessing patients’ health, administering medication and treatments, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans.
- Educating Patients and Families
RNs also have the responsibility of educating patients and their families about the patient’s health conditions, treatment options, disease prognosis, and self-care strategies.
- Continuing Education
Continuing Education (CE) is also a requirement for nurses. They must complete CE units to maintain their licensure. This allows them to stay up to date on the guidelines and developments in the healthcare field.
- Coordinating Care
RNs coordinate patient care with other healthcare professionals. They ensure that patients are receiving the essential treatments and facilities, and effectively communicate any updates and changes related to the patient’s health status.
- Supervising LPNs and Nursing Assistants
RNs may be responsible for supervising and directing the work of LPNs and nursing assistants. Since they are more experienced, they can guide other nursing staff.
- Leading Patient Care Teams
In many settings, where RNs are the more experienced healthcare professional in the team, they are responsible to lead the patient care team. They coordinate the tasks and efforts of other professionals on the team to ensure that the patient receives high-quality care.
- Potential For Leadership Roles
A benefit for nurses who advance their education and experience is that they are employed in leadership roles that can impact the healthcare system. In this role, as supervisors or managers, they can take up and discuss issues and policies for patient care with other higher-ups. As healthcare professionals who interact with patients more often than others, they can make a positive impact.
- Assessing Patient Health and Needs
On a regular, RNs evaluate the patient’s condition and health status by conducting a physical examination and reviewing medical history. Based on the information, they also develop care plans and implement treatment programs.
- Administering Medication
RNs are responsible for administering medication to patients as prescribed by doctors. This includes preparing and administering medication, monitoring patient reactions, and documenting treatment.
- Performing Diagnostic Tests
RNs may be responsible for performing diagnostic tests, such as taking blood samples or administering electrocardiograms (EKGs).
- Administering Treatments
RNs may administer treatments, such as dressing wounds or administering IV fluids, as prescribed by doctors.
Conclusions
RNs play a dynamic role in the healthcare industry and system. They are responsible for assessing patient health and needs, monitoring vital signs, providing support and comfort, performing diagnostic tests, administering treatments and medication, managing patient care, providing education, coordinating care, supervising other healthcare staff, and advocating for their patients. In conclusion, a nursing degree can provide a secure and fulfilling career with good pay and benefits, as well as opportunities for advancement.
If you are looking for a nursing school in Miami, FL Sovereign School of Nursing is here to make it happen. Sovereign School of Nursing effectively prepares our nursing school students with all of the tools necessary to competently and confidently pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. If you are ready to start a career in the fast-growing field of nursing and possess the ambition and commitment to succeed, we invite you to see if you meet the criteria for admission to our programs. Contact us at 305-945-5677.
