Being a nurse is a calling. It takes intellect, a fierce work ethic and great desire to help others to become a good nurse. Despite the fulfillment that comes with being a nurse and helping others, the job isn’t easy. According to the annual Gallup poll, nursing has been ranked as the most trusted profession for 15 years, consecutively.
Although nursing has evolved over the years, it’s still surrounded by many myths and stereotypes, including what’s known historically about Florence Nightingale. A nurse is a caregiver, a teacher, a doctor, a janitor and a psychiatrist, among other roles.
Before you enroll for a nursing course to embark on your journey of becoming a nurse, there are things you need to know. Here are the 5 things you should know being a nurse:
Top 5 Things to Know About Nursing Before Becoming a Nurse
- Nursing is a Calling
Have you been called to be a nurse? A nurse is called to do the job and thus the paycheck that comes with it is just a bonus. Are you motivated by the paycheck or the job description? Although nursing is one of the top-paying careers, the job itself isn’t pleasant. A nurse can be unappreciated, underpaid and overworked.
Nursing involves lots of dirty work and nurses often miss meals to attend to important parts of their jobs such as attending to patients during emergencies. Patients are often in pain (emotionally and physically), and thus demanding, making nursing a tiresome profession.
Despite most patients nagging, a nurse is expected to help them feel better. Although some patients can be unappreciative, most are forever grateful. Therefore, it takes a big heart, one called to the service, to become a good nurse.
- A Clinical Experience is as Good as a Job Interview
The number of nurses in practice is always increasing, despite the imminent shortage in nurses across the nation. With nursing, you can easily get a job placement where you do your training. Volunteering for new experiences, helping out whenever you can and networking with other staff workers, including being friendly to those around you can go a long way in getting you placed for a job.
Working hard, showing genuine interest in whatever you do and creating a good impression can open doors for job placements, increasing your odds of getting hired in the future. Do you know anybody? Getting a nursing job is all about your connections and who know in places that matter.
It’s also important to know the wages nurses receive on a monthly basis before enrolling for a nursing program. Although the nursing profession is dominated by females, it faces the gender pay gap. The pay gap averages $5,000. However, nurses earn an average annual salary of $64,000.
- Nursing is Meaningful and Fulfils
Nurses are aware of the impact their jobs have on others’ lives. Compared to registered nurses, surgeons and doctors have slightly more meaningful jobs. However, nurses earn less than their physician counterparts.
- Nurses Work long Hours & Get Tired Physically
Nurses work in shifts that often last 12 hours. They’re always on their feet, moving from one point of a clinic to another. They work overtime and are often overworked. As a result, they work for many hours and get exhausted physically.
Whether you aren’t sure of taking up a career in nursing or have made up your mind, these are just a few of the many things you should know about the job industry. Do some research and find out how the industry has evolved and what to expect once you become a nurse.
Find out more about nurse wages and salaries to help you make an informed decision.
