Many Americans choose nursing as their career of choice. It is a way for them to help people when they are at their lowest, connect at a human level, and create lasting relationships with patients.

To become a nurse one needs a nursing degree, and most good universities in the United States offer them in one form or another. Some universities focus on training registered nurses (RNs) while others provide higher education courses for those who would like to climb the career ladder.

For those who know the type of nursing they would like to practice, choosing a course is easy. For those who don’t, there are many considerations to take into account including the type of nursing they want to do, where they would like to work, and even how much they hope to earn.

Choosing a nursing course

It is important to compare degrees to determine which best suits an individual’s needs. For those who are considering higher education in nursing, it is important to consider the differences between ABSN vs BSN degrees. The primary difference is the time it takes to complete the degree. An ABSN, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, can take as little as one and a half years to complete.

Those with a bachelor’s degree can enroll in an ABSN like the one offered by Rockhurst University. The program covers the foundations of professional nursing, including adult health nursing, population-based healthcare, and health assessment across the lifespan.

A BSN, on the other hand, typically takes about four years to complete and is for those who only have a high school diploma. This means that students can enroll in this course right after high school. It covers topics like pharmacology, mental health nursing, holistic nursing care, population-focused care, evidence-based practice, and nursing leadership.

Why undertake a nursing degree?

There are numerous other career choices one can opt for, so why choose to enroll in a nursing degree?

People choose a nursing career for many reasons, not least because it is a way to help the sick and restore them to health and wellness. Additionally, those who undertake nursing education can also look forward to several other benefits.

Cultivation of empathy and compassion

Empathy and compassion are important skills that are necessary for any nurse. While these two qualities cannot be taught in a classroom, nursing courses emphasize their importance and what one can do to become a compassionate, caring, and empathetic nurse.

Students are taught the value of a good bedside manner and how it affects the patients in their care.

Development of communication skills

Communication is an all-important skill for nurses, not just for their relationships with patients but also for cooperation with their colleagues.

A good nurse listens to others without judgment. They are clear in their communication and confident when talking to others. They understand that there are different ways to communicate with different people.

Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills

These are vital skills for any nurse and are covered in most nursing courses. These professionals are faced with many decisions every day, and they are usually under pressure.

A wrong decision can result in the loss of a life or deterioration of a patient’s health so whatever decisions a nurse makes must be sound and backed by solid reasoning.

Development of resilience and adaptability

Nursing is a rewarding career, but it is also a challenging one. Not only do nurses have to deal with patients who are in pain, they also work long hours.

Nursing degrees teach the value of resilience and adaptability, instructing future nurses on how to build physical and emotional stamina so they are not overwhelmed by their jobs.

Diverse career opportunities

One of the best things about a nursing degree is it opens numerous career opportunities. These professionals work in diverse settings depending on their specialization, including hospitals and private clinics, schools and universities, nursing and retirement homes, hospices, or even traveling with people who need medical care as they fly from country to country.

High demand for services

As America’s population grows, the demand for nurses has grown. Each year there are thousands of job opportunities available to those who qualify with nursing degrees. For those who undertake higher education in nursing, many institutions are prepared to pay good salaries and offer excellent benefits for highly qualified nurses.

Job security

Nursing is a career that offers job security; so long as one has the right skills and is competent in their work, they can expect to continue practicing for as long as they want.

Specialization

There are numerous specializations in nursing and students are urged to consider them carefully. Nurses can choose to focus on care for patients of different ages, and patients with different conditions, or become general practitioners who can practice in any setting.

Continuous learning and professional growth

The nursing profession is continually evolving, and nurses are required to undertake continuous learning courses to keep up. The more skills and knowledge they acquire, the easier it is for them to move up the career ladder.

A great career choice

Nursing is a great career choice for those who want to make a positive contribution to their communities. Those who choose it can specialize in whatever field they want, and they can work in different settings. Students looking to enroll in nursing courses should compare different degrees to find one that best suits their passion.

About The Author:

Emma Davis is an enthusiastic writer who focuses on the fascinating realm of health and fitness. She is deeply committed to encouraging people to lead balanced and active lives. Throughout her career, Emma Davis has devoted herself to assisting individuals in attaining optimal well-being through her captivating and enlightening freelance writing.