Nursing is ranked one of the best jobs you can pursue in healthcare, and with good reason. Registered nurses have the unique opportunity to make an impact on others’ lives. In addition, they have the potential to make a very comfortable living, with high earning and advancement potential. Within the nursing profession, the options are limitless.

There are many reasons why you might become a nurse, which we list below. Ultimately, though, this decision is personal. For many people, nursing is a calling. Those who become nurses are often those who are compassionate, who wish to care for people in need, who desire a career of lifelong learning, and who enjoy the fast-paced, exciting environment that healthcare offers. And those who do become nurses will agree: This career is incredibly gratifying.

Why become a nurse, exactly? Well, consider this. Why have over three million people chosen to work in the nursing field? Here are some of the most common reasons why.

The top reasons to become a nurse today

1. Rewarding and meaningful work

There is one, primary reason that drives people to the nursing field in the first place, and that is the meaningful, impactful work. Nurses have the unique ability to help people in need—and that role is core to everything they do. Nurses help people who are sick, injured, and struggling with disability. They also help families overcome and navigate health challenges. Nurses have the opportunity to save lives and make a difference in the lives of others. And to many individuals, that is the most special part of the job. Nursing is an incredibly rewarding profession, with the ability to make a positive impact and provide first-line support for people in need.

2. High salary potential

On top of the personal reward, nursing offers great financial reward to those working in the field. In fact, nursing salaries have been steadily rising in recent years to account for the growing need for, and importance of, registered nurses in our healthcare system. As of the latest data available, registered nurses earn an average salary of just over $86,000 per year.

Depending on your place of work, though, the salary potential can vary. Registered nurses in hospitals, for example, earn an average of $96,830 per year across the United States. Those in specialty hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient care centers have the opportunity to earn even more. And, compensation can also vary by state. In Connecticut, for example, the RN salary exceeds $101,000 annually. These figures do not include bonus pay or overtime.

3. Job security and growth

As a healthcare professional, you can always rely on job security. The demand for healthcare services is ever-present, and increasing in recent years. With the large number of older adults requiring healthcare, the continuing rise of medical technology, and the greater attention to preventative care, mental health care, and chronic conditions, nurses are needed everywhere.

The job stability and security are another key reason to become a nurse. Nursing offers a solid career, no matter where you take it. In fact, more and more jobs are becoming available to nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 194,500 job openings are expected for RNs annually between 2023 and 2033. These jobs can be found across hospitals, outpatient care clinics, rehabilitation services, residential care settings, and more.

4. Diverse job opportunities

Nurses are not just limited to bedside care; they have the opportunity to work in a number of different environments. Essentially, they are needed in every type of healthcare facility and every place that runs the risk of illness and injury. For example, in addition to hospitals and doctor’s offices, nurses have the opportunity to work in:

• Schools
• Government agencies
• Military
• Emergency medical transport
• Correctional facilities
• Health insurance companies
• Research laboratories
• Patients’ homes
• Nursing homes
• Substance abuse rehabilitation centers
• Remotely, as a telehealth nurse
• Cruise ships

And more! On top of the workplace options available, registered nurses can also specialize in various areas of healthcare. For example, common specializations for nurses include (but are not limited to):

• Oncology
• Women’s health
• Neonatal care
• Critical care
• Public health
• Mental health
• Cardiovascular nursing
• Substance abuse and addiction

These various pathways allow nurses to choose a career path that specifically aligns with their interests, talents, and goals.

Learn more about different nursing specializations here!

5. Exciting day-to-day job

A lot of jobs are predictable. Many people might go to work, log on to a computer, complete their tasks, and leave. Nursing is far different than this scenario because no two days are the same for registered nurses. There is a ton of variety in a nurse’s day-to-day role, whether they are conducting patient exams, performing diagnostic tests in the lab, talking to families about care plans, operating new equipment, or collaborating with doctors on treatment options. While some nurses might see the same patients regularly, such as in a long-term care setting, nurses also have the benefit of working with a diversity of patients and cases. Every patient has their own story, their own circumstances, and their own conditions that require a fresh perspective and a caring, empathetic nurse.

6. Fast track into a healthcare job

Many careers in the medical field require years of schooling and training experiences, such as residencies. One of the benefits of nursing is that you can accomplish a career relatively quickly, about three years or less. Registered nurses need at least an associate degree in Nursing, combined with a state license (earned by examination) in order to start practicing in the field. In just a few years, though, they can launch a successful, fulfilling career and start making a difference in the lives of others.

For those who are considering a career change into nursing, and who have a bachelor’s degree in another major, an accelerated nursing program might be an option. Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing (ABSN) programs allow people who already have a bachelor’s degree to accomplish their nursing education quickly, by applying already-earned credits along the way. At Goodwin, the ABSN program can be completed in as few as 16 months full-time.

7. Upward mobility in the field

While an associate or bachelor’s degree in Nursing provides entry into the field, your learning—and your career—do not need to halt there. The beauty of nursing is that there is always room for advancement. You can advance your skills, your knowledge, and your position in the nursing field, in bedside care, and well beyond it.

For example, if you explore the different rankings of nurses, you’ll see that there are opportunities for registered nurses to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), specialized Nurse Practitioners, and Nurse Administrators, among other leadership titles. APRNs and Nurse Practitioners provide advanced care to patients in need, while Nurse Administrators direct nursing staff and departments at a higher level.

Nurses who earn a bachelor’s degree (at the entry-level, or after their associate degree program) also can qualify for a range of managerial positions, military jobs, and specialized positions in areas like oncology or pediatrics. Learn what you can do with a BSN here.

Even with an associate degree and RN license, though, you can still qualify for a range of advancement opportunities! For example, you might pursue a specialization or voluntary certification that will enhance your practice and knowledge base.

Ultimately, if you are interested in lifelong learning and growth, that’s a great reason to become a nurse. Nursing school will kickstart your journey, but the learning process can continue through on-the-job experiences, professional certifications, career promotions, further college degrees, continuing education courses, and more.

Do you want to become a nurse?

Remember, choosing a career path is a deeply personal choice. If you are thinking about becoming a nurse, but are still unsure if it’s right for you, try asking yourself the below questions.

Are you passionate about helping others in need?

• Are you seeking a career that’s exciting and fast-paced?
• Do you want to work with people?
• Do you desire job security and a comfortable salary?
• Do you wish for growth opportunities and high earning potential?
• Do you have a passion for science, medicine, and/or patient care?
• Do you want to be respected and valued in your career?
• Do you want a career with flexibility, in terms of hours and workplace?

If you’ve answered “yes” to the above, these are reasons to consider becoming a nurse.

Why become a nurse today?

Those who are preparing for a career in nursing now have a bright future ahead, one that is full of opportunity, job security, and rewarding work that involves helping patients every day they are on shift. This is exactly why so many nurses choose to do what they do. They love the:

• Growing need for nurses in a variety of environments
• Unsurmountable value and respect held for nurses as healthcare heroes
• Ability to make a difference in the lives of others, who need it most
• Countless job opportunities and workplaces available to nurses
• Growth opportunities to advance education, job title, credentials, specializations, and more all within the nursing field

Rather than asking, “Why become a nurse?” Consider asking yourself: “Why not?”

If you are ready to jump into this meaningful career, you can contact Goodwin University to learn more. Goodwin offers various nursing degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level. You may request information at that link, or call 800-889-3282 to learn more.