Written by Claire O'Brien
This article was reviewed by Raelene Brooks, Dean, College of Nursing.
Written by Claire O'Brien
This article was reviewed by Raelene Brooks, Dean, College of Nursing.
Nursing has long been an attractive career path due to its traditionally stable job market, competitive wages and opportunity to serve in a caring and people-centered human services career.
Becoming a registered nurse means taking one of several pathways. You can earn a diploma from an approved nursing program. You can also pursue an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). From there, you must pass the NCLEX and get licensed. (And you can always go back to school after becoming a licensed RN to earn your degree if you pursued a career first.)
On the tail of the 2020 COVID pandemic, however, you might wonder if a career in nursing is still a good idea. After all, the past few years have put the healthcare industry under tremendous strain with nurses on the front lines of the fight against the virus. Their sacrifice and dedication have come at a high price: America’s nurses are burned out.
A recent white paper published by University of Phoenix (UOPX) noted that more than 50% of registered nurses (RNs) experienced worsening physical and mental health related to their pandemic workloads.
The situation is serious, but if your heart set on a nursing career path, don’t give up that dream just yet. Indeed, nursing remains a rewarding career choice in spite of the challenges and especially for those who want to make a difference in people’s lives.
Nursing isn’t for everyone, but it may be for you. Here’s why.
Undoubtedly, few careers compare to nursing in terms of positively impacting people’s lives. RNs provide compassionate care, advocate for patient needs, and support patients and their families, friends and communities through difficult times.
Many nurses report that the most rewarding part of the job is going to bed knowing they made a difference. Their dedication is recognized and appreciated: Nurses continually top Gallup’s annual poll of the most trusted professions by the American public.
During uncertain economic times, a career with job stability is hard to come by — but the demand for nurses remains steady.
Sun Jones, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, Systematic Plan of Program and Curriculum evaluator for the University of Phoenix College of Nursing, explains: “Even before the pandemic, there have been persistent staff shortages in all nursing fields. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the nursing shortage and is challenging the current workforce due to increased demand for healthcare-related services.”
From 2022 to 2032, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth rate for registered nurses, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations, and a 38% growth rate for advanced practice registered nurse careers such as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
Nursing is a well-compensated profession. As of May 2023, registered nurses earned between $63,720 and $132,680, with a median wage of $86,070, according to BLS. Although experience, specializations and location can greatly impact a nurse’s salary.
Jones adds that many companies offer certain benefits to attract nurses. Typical benefit packages for nurses can include paid sick time, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and health and life insurance.
*Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
One of the most appealing aspects of nursing may just be the variety of nursing jobs available. Depending on your nursing education level, experience and additional certifications, careers such as direct patient care, research, nurse practitioner, administration and nursing education are available. An RN can work for hospitals, schools, clinics, community health sites, and government and private agencies. Different specialties include oncology, pediatrics, hospice, emergency and more. Options for an RN with the proper education and experience are extensive.
Flexible schedules are also a huge perk for nurses. Shift work often ranges between eight and 12 hours and is not limited to business hours, which can be beneficial for parents and caregivers. Some hospital units even offer their employees the ability to self-schedule. And as advanced technology continues to evolve our workplaces, nurses can now join the remote workforce. Practically unheard of a decade ago, remote telehealth nursing is now a viable option.
Nursing is much more than a job, so it’s important that this field offers career enhancement and professional development opportunities.
After earning their stripes, many nurses specialize or go after additional qualifications. Nurses can pursue advanced degrees or specialized certifications in areas such as pediatrics, oncology or critical care.
University of Phoenix, for example, offers a variety of online nursing degree programs. The RN to BSN degree program is ideal for registered nurses looking to solidify and enhance skills like health information technology and research management outcomes. Nurse practitioner programs include the Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner and Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. A Doctor of Nursing Practice option is available to those looking to earn their terminal degree in nursing.
While the emotional and physical demands of a career in nursing are a potential source of stress and burnout, they don’t have to lead to frustration.
One option is to pursue a nontraditional nursing job, so you can enjoy the benefits of a stable career with less stress.
Another is to embrace the growing awareness of the importance of nurses’ mental health and well-being. “National organizations are calling for changes in working conditions and providing help to nurses who are faced with those emotional challenges,” says Jones.
As you embark on your career in nursing, remember to prioritize self-care along the way. “Many nurses are caregivers to their patients and family members,” Jones observes. “When you are in situations to provide care, sometimes you forget to take care of yourself. Nurses must learn to take care of themselves while caring for others.”
Registered nurses who have earned a BSN may choose to explore leadership roles, like being a charge nurse or nursing instructor. Or they may pursue further specialization with a master’s degree or doctorate.
University of Phoenix offers several degree programs for registered nurses who have their BSN degrees and are looking for the next step. These are:
Claire O’Brien has led copywriting teams for Hilton Worldwide Corporate’s creative studio and advertising agencies specializing in the real estate, hospitality, education and travel industries. In 2020, she founded More Better Words, a boutique copywriting agency that taps into her global connections. She lives in Costa Rica with her husband and six rescue dogs.
Dr. Raelene Brooks, dean of the College of Nursing, has been a registered nurse for more than 25 years and practiced extensively in the areas of ICU, trauma and critical care. Her publications include a focus on nursing education, critical care and diversity, equity and inclusion. She is a leader in creating, guiding and launching innovative curriculum.
This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
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