Changing the course of your career midway is quite daunting. After many years of pursuing something different, changing courses isn't something everyone would imagine. However, you should consider changing your career if the current trajectory isn't what you were looking for. A career change to nursing can fulfill your needs, be it a lack of advancement opportunities, the need for new challenges, if you recently lost your job, or want something that gives you the opportunity to make a major impact.

Fortunately, you can get into nursing through several entry points. For instance, the online direct entry MSN programs best benefit bachelor's degrees graduates who want to switch to nursing. Below are some compelling reasons for becoming a nurse.

1.  Growing Job Opportunities

While the demand for healthcare jobs is rising, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing positions have been in high demand even before the pandemic. The U.S has been dealing with a shortage of nursing professionals for decades. Increasing life expectancy, aging baby boomers, and a growing percentage of nurses retiring contribute to an increased need for healthcare service providers.

Unlike other fields, the demand for qualified nurses cuts across all cadres. Qualified persons with entry-level and advanced degrees are being sought after. According to the BLS, nursing positions will likely increase by 2028 as follows:

• Registered nurse position by 12%

• Licensed practical nurse positions by 11%

• Advanced practice registered nurse positions by 26%

These percentile increases can't be compared to the national average for other occupations, which is 5%. Nursing has a very promising future.

2.  Versatility and Professional Growth

Versatility and professional advancement opportunities are the other benefits of switching to nursing. Nurses can begin their career path in one aspect and retire working in a different specialty. Unlike what most people believe, nurses aren't localized to hospital settings, like operating rooms, medical or surgical units, and emergency departments.

Nurses can manage medical offices, work at children's hospitals, administer vaccines in mobile clinics, and offer physical and psychological coaching. They can also advance their careers by furthering their education to become nurse administrators, researchers, and advanced practice registered nurses.

3.  Job Satisfaction

Most people quit their jobs because they lack job satisfaction, which is an important determinant of productivity at the workplace. According to a Medscape Nurse Career Satisfaction Report, 40% of registered nurses said making a difference in the community is the most rewarding aspect of their career. Similarly, 94% to 96% of the surveyed nurses were content with their careers.

Nurses also find job satisfaction in meeting other healthcare demands, such as rural travel nursing, education, and policy reforms. However, recent healthcare challenges, such as the pandemic, certainly exposed the resilience of nurses to test. Bedside nurses shifted their careers to support the nation with their expertise.

Endnote

Less than 50% of working Americans are happy in their current positions. However, before considering changing your career, you should evaluate your options carefully. Identify the benefits of your new preferred field to ensure that you don't encounter elements you disliked in your current career.