With the talk of nursing shortages and such great complaints about working in the medical field, it may seem difficult to find a bright side to it all. However, there are some advantages of being a nurse that cannot be found in all careers.

The first is location. Every city of every state in the United States needs nurses. The nursing shortage has also made it easier and more convenient to obtain the education that is needed to become licensed. Once a student has taken their state boards in one state, they can seek reciprocity in any other state by simply feeling out some forms. This means that a nursing student does not have to fear being tied down to one place; nursing jobs are available and needed everywhere.

Despite the complaints of long and irregular hours, nurses have a relatively flexible schedule. Because hospitals do not close, there are a large variety of shifts and number of hours to be worked. Many nurses choose to work 12 hour shifts for fewer days per week while others opt to work 6 or 8 hour shifts for more days. Days, evenings, and nights all need to be covered. For those without other obligations, nurses have ample opportunity to pick up extra shifts for an extremely pleasing pay check at the end of the period. However, for those who wish for a more traditional schedule, clinic or school nursing positions generally follow a 9-5 work pattern.

The variety and challenge of being a nurse ensure that the job will never get boring. Nurses are needed in hospitals, clinics, schools, and more. Within those areas there are specialized fields: pediatrics, oncology, neurology, and many more. This makes it possible for a nurse to pick the specialization they will enjoy the most, and also provides the option of switching once in the field. Nursing is also a challenge, but the education ensures that its graduates are entirely prepared. However, no day will ever be the same or contain a dull moment no matter which specialization is chosen. While this may sound like a struggle, it has great potential to be exciting and encourages the time to simply escape during the shift.

Even though these benefits to being a nurse are all enticing, the most alluring is the fact that nurses help people. Nursing is a career that each can be proud to be a part of. They make a difference in people’s lives by providing hope and attention in areas where no one else can. While nurses receive their pay check just like any other occupation, the pay they receive in gratitude is far more valuable.