All About Nursing: Career Paths, Side Jobs, and More
The nursing profession continues to be a popular career path. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “approximately 27 million men and women make up the global nursing and midwifery workforce.“ Nurses are an essential part of our healthcare system, as they take on numerous responsibilities and create valuable relationships with their patients, healthcare organizations, and communities.
What Is Nursing?
Nurses work to provide direct patient care, assessing individuals’ conditions, recording symptoms, and taking the time to perform various interventions, including answering questions, running diagnostic tests, treating wounds, and more. They are also responsible for collaborating with other healthcare providers to create care plans specially designed for each patient’s well-being. In addition to these day-to-day activities, nurses abide by general best practices or a “scope of practice”, which include the services a specific medical professional is qualified to complete. Each nurse’s scope of practice will vary based on credentials, education, and licensure. Failure to act within the scope of practice comes with serious consequences; healthcare professionals are liable for confidentiality, malpractice, and negligence, meaning they could lose their roles and even their licenses.
Requirements to Become A Nurse
In most cases, aspiring nurses will pursue an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. However, to become a nursing assistant who works in long-term care facilities and other spaces, you need a high school diploma or GED. Should a prospective nurse choose to pursue an associate of science in nursing (ASN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), they can select from the nation’s dozens of nursing programs.
Upon completing a bachelor’s master’s degree, nurses are ready to pursue an entry-level position and provide care. Nurses also have the opportunity to continue their education and earn a master of science in nursing (MSN) and even work toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
After graduating from a nursing program, the next step is to obtain licensure and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Upon passing this exam, nurses can choose from in-hospital and outpatient nursing jobs as well as begin pursuing their desired specialization. Examples of specializations are:
- Geriatric nursing
- Neonatal nursing
- Oncology nursing
- Pediatric nursing
- Rehabilitation nursing
- Aesthetic/cosmetic nursing
- Public health nursing or community health nursing
To even begin going after a specialization, keep in mind that there are a few different types of nurses. The most common are:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Working under physicians and RNs, LPNs are generally responsible for basic patient care, ensuring patients stay comfortable through their treatment. They can carry out treatment plans and accomplish tasks such as bathing and feeding patients, checking vital signs, and dressing wounds. LPNs work in various atmospheres such as correctional facilities, mental health facilities, hospice care, private home settings, and other environments.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Similar to LPNs, a RN is responsible for administration and care; however, they are more involved in administering medications and ideating healthcare strategies. Additionally, RNs have a more expansive scope of practice and can work in a wider range of settings. For instance, they can become an ambulatory nurse, nurse educator, or another more specialized role.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
NPs hold higher credentials than RNs and LPNs, and they can work independently in private practice, as well as in more demanding settings such as military and urgent care environments. Through becoming a NP, it’s also possible to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). APRNs can complete more complex tasks and share many of the same responsibilities as doctors. For example, they can diagnose patients, order tests, and prescribe medications. Many APRNs will become clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and certified nurse midwives (CNMs). In the future, they can also consider becoming a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), who oversees a nursing team.
Qualities and Skills of Nurses
Nurses possess a myriad of exceptional qualities and skills, which include (but are not limited to):
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Attention to detail
- The ability to work within a healthcare team
- Compassion and empathy for patients and their families
- Confidence
- Critical thinking skills
- Excellent communication skills for optimal patient advocacy
- Intuition to anticipate needs and develop individualized treatment plans
- Organization and time management skills
- Professionalism
- Willingness to learn
Reasons To Be A Nurse
Reasons to pursue a nursing career include:
- Accessible nursing education and training
- Active work with variety every single day
- Job security and competitive wages
- Meaningful, rewarding work that allows you to make a difference in others’ lives
- Nursing roles are in high demand
- Nurses have a solid reputation and are trusted by many
Challenges Nurses May Face
No matter the career you choose, you will likely face a unique set of challenges, and nurses encounter various obstacles throughout their time in the profession. Over the years, there have been shortages of healthcare workers, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses can also face a stressful work environment, enduring exposure to bodily fluids and illnesses, long hours, schedule changes, technological advancements, and more. Plus, because of the emotional investment nurses place in patient outcomes, they may notice significant changes in their mental health. As such, it’s vital that healthcare organizations promote a supportive atmosphere for their staff. Learn more about helping nurses combat compassion fatigue with our #EmpowerNursesChallenge.
How to Make Extra Income As A Nurse
Though nurses can earn modest or even generous salaries, it can be beneficial for both nursing students and current nurses to earn more if they choose. To do so, they can consider acquiring additional nursing degrees or prioritizing professional development initiatives. Organizations such as American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National League for Nursing (NLN) offer abundant resources for professional development, including online courses, webinars, workshops, and other opportunities.
If schooling isn’t within the realm of possibilities, another option is to administer immunizations in clinics and pharmacies (think CVS and Walgreens) on a part-time or seasonal basis. Additionally, nurses can utilize their medical background by teaching others. Some options are becoming an adjunct professor or health interpreter, creating online courses for fellow nurses, freelance writing for healthcare blogs and publications, and participating in paid surveys for healthcare companies. Similarly, given their expertise, nurses can consider becoming health coaches, helping clients to achieve their lifestyle goals. Other opportunities for extra income for nurses can look like providing childcare and, if exploring new places is of interest, becoming a travel nurse.
Surrogacy and the Nursing Community
For many nurses, surrogacy makes sense as a way to continue helping others within their communities—and, as a bonus, earn compensation for doing so. For one thing, nurses already have an understanding of the bodily changes and medical procedures associated with the process. Further, they are already dedicated to caring for people during their working hours and may be interested in connecting with other women and assisting families through surrogacy. At ConceiveAbilities, we are so grateful for the nurses who selflessly serve others and are ready to pursue their own surrogacy journeys. Want to learn more about the process? Register today!