When many people think about working in health care, registered nurse is one of the first career options that comes to mind. As with any career choice, it’s important to consider all factors: is it a good fit? Is it rewarding? Is there job security in this field?

Is it a good fit?

Nursing is a great career choice for some people, but it could be a very poor fit for others. To begin with, nursing requires a significant amount of education and training. In addition, a nursing candidate should be a good communicator, emotionally strong, empathetic, patient, calm, attentive to detail, and able to endure long shifts without many breaks.

The strong educational foundation and these qualities are important because nurses use their knowledge, skills, and abilities to care for patients every day. They perform physical examinations, help sick and injured people get better, help healthy people stay healthy, teach and counsel people, and help patients and family members deal with death and dying.

Challenging and rewarding

No job is perfect all the time, but many nurses find that the rewards associated with the job more than make up for its challenges. One nurse said it’s an amazing way to spend her days, while another describes nursing as complex, difficult, and rewarding. One nurse noted that it’s such an honor to spend her life caring for those in need, and another was drawn to nursing by the professionalism, courtesy, and moral integrity he witnessed in the profession.

A nurse can make a difference well beyond providing care. A nurse can make a huge difference in a person’s life; in fact, a caring and compassionate nurse is considered a guardian angel by patients. Families appreciate the care and compassion, too: when a loved one is ill or injured, it can be a scary and overwhelming time for the people who love that person. A nurse can ease fears, provide comfort, and answer questions with care and compassion.

Job security

Nurses are always in demand, and that demand is on the rise because the population is aging, healthcare is more widely available through the Affordable Care Act, and many nurses are nearing retirement age. For people who are already drawn to this field by the chance to make a difference in people’s lives, the notion of job security may be an added incentive: tremendous job growth is expected for registered nurses, with a 19 percent expansion between 2012 and 2022.

In addition, there may be other opportunities within the field. Nurses can also teach future nurses, tutor nursing students who need assistance, and recruit nursing candidates for jobs. In addition, nurses can work for health insurance companies, as medical writers, or for law offices that deal with medical issues.

Is nursing for you?

At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. It takes a special person to be a nurse, but it’s an incredibly rewarding career. When you are ready for a placement, we’d love to work with you. Give us a call at 310.436.3650.