The nursing field is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers in the world: Nurses provide frontline healthcare to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities around the globe, and the career tends to be the most rewarding towards the most compassionate and caring individuals.
This quality of care, however, must be balanced between the stress of the job and the communication skills required to get the job done the right way, the first time.
If this sounds like you, then there are several considerations you should take into account while researching the nursing career path. These include which university to attend, the perks and benefits that come with the job, how auto insurance for nurses works, and some often overlooked obstacles that come with a career in nursing.
Let’s dive in.
The Best Universities to Attend for Nursing
There are many universities around the world offering great nursing programs. However, some institutions stand out above the rest.
A few of the best universities to consider for your nursing career include:
- Duke University in Durham, North Carolina: Duke University offers a world-renowned nursing program that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field.
- Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland: This is one of the top medical schools in the country, and their nursing program is no different. If you want to receive a high-quality, hands-on education in nursing, then Johns Hopkins may be the place for you.
- The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: They offer a nursing program ranked among the best in the country. Penn is a perfect choice if you want to be a part of a highly respected institution.
These are just a few of the many great universities offering nursing programs.
Choosing Which Nursing School to Attend
When choosing which school to attend, be sure to research each one thoroughly to find the best fit for you. Things to consider when choosing a university include the curriculum, the location, the cost of attendance, and university accreditation.
It can also be helpful to talk to current students or recent graduates of the program to get their insights.
Choosing a university is a big step on your way to becoming a nurse, so take the time to find the one right for you.
How Auto Insurance for Nurses Works
As a nurse, you’ll have to be insured in order to drive to and from your job. Auto insurance for nurses is not only legally required, but it’s also very important: Auto insurance works to protect you and your finances in the event of an accident or a related claim.
There are several insurance companies offering car insurance for healthcare professionals, so shop around. Once you’ve found the right insurance company, be sure to get a policy that covers you for all of the potential risks involved with being a nurse.
Since nurses tend to work long and abnormal shifts, driving to and from work may be slightly less normal of a task than that of your average worker: You may find yourself driving home in a groggy haze or rushing to work while on call, increasing your chances of an accident.
The good news is some insurance companies will offer discounts for nurses so you can stay covered at an affordable rate. Be sure to ask about this when you are getting your quote to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
The Perks of Being a Nurse
On top of some of the liabilities, there are also many perks to being a nurse. For one, you’ll have the opportunity to help people in need. You’ll also likely enjoy flexible (yet somewhat abnormal) hours, good pay, and great benefits.
Another perk of being a nurse is having the opportunity to work in many different places. Nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and even schools, so it’s likely you’ll never find yourself bored at work.
Travel Opportunities, Pay, and Making a Difference
In fact, over the last several years, becoming a travel nurse has increased in popularity. A great way to make the most money as a travel nurse is by using your skills in overlooked areas, like rural locations where folks have decreased access to a standard clinic or hospital.
Salary is another perk of being a nurse. A nurse’s salary averages $60,000 per year, but can range from $40,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience and location.
Lastly, being a nurse gives you the chance to make a difference in people’s lives. You’ll be able to help patients in their time of need and see them recover and return to their normal lives, creating incredibly rewarding experiences you’ll likely remember forever.
Obstacles You May Encounter While Pursuing a Career in Nursing
The downside of being a nurse is the career can be very demanding and sometimes damaging to your social life. You’ll often have to work long hours away from your friends and family and deal with sick patients.
It’s also important to note that being a nurse is not always glamorous: As is the case with most careers, there are guts to the glory, almost literally. You may find yourself cleaning up bodily fluids, handling messy emergencies, and conducting very intimate examinations of your patients on a daily basis.
Another obstacle you’ll encounter while pursuing a nursing career is the high cost of education: Getting a degree in nursing can cost anywhere between $40,000 and $80,000. However, the average starting salary for a nurse may help you compensate for this inflated cost of entry.
The Challenges of Nursing School
While earning your degree, you may find nursing school is more challenging than you might have anticipated, so keep that in mind when starting your classes. Nursing school tends to carry itself at a faster pace, and there’s a lot of technical material to cover and retain.
Additionally, nurses have to deal with a lot of paperwork. You’ll have to keep track of patient’s medical records and fill out insurance forms. This can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Take the time to compare the benefits and obstacles of this career so you can make the choice that’s right for you.
Is nursing the right career path for you?
Becoming a nurse is a rewarding and challenging career path that comes with many benefits. If you’re passionate about helping others and want to make a difference in the world, then becoming a nurse may be the right choice for you.
Weigh the pros and cons, do your research, and believe in yourself.
Luke Williams writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. His passions include insurance and helping new healthcare workers thrive in their careers.
