Nursing is a highly significant profession that offers a rewarding career path for those with a strong desire to give patient care. However, it is critical to understand the route before embarking on this career. Like any other profession, it has advantages and downsides that should be carefully considered before proceeding with your career.
In this blog, we will discuss the RN job outlook. Before you decide to pursue this career path, lets consider the pros and cons of being a registered nurse.
Pros and cons of registered nurse
Pros to become an RN
1- RN makes a huge difference
Few jobs for registered nurses have a significant influence on nursing. Seeing patients heal, leading families through tough times, and easing pain provides enormous gratification and a feeling of purpose. Your activities directly improve people’s lives, resulting in a positive ripple effect and one of the perks of being a registered nurse.
2- High job security and improving demand
One of the pros of becoming an RN is job security. Post Covid-19, every industry has laid off thousands of employees. But in the healthcare industry, your job is always secured. The population is increasing day by day, and so is the disease rate. The healthcare industry is expanding, and so is the demand for RNs. This creates various career opportunities for nurses across different healthcare settings.
3- RNs are financially stable and have good salaries
Compared to other healthcare providers, RNs are paid competitive salaries. Registered nurses work round the clock and also do overtime. RNs’ salaries do not vary with location or healthcare settings and get paid professionally. When you upskill yourself, the chances of a salary increment are high. You can fulfill your personal and loved one’s necessities with competitive salaries.
4- Flexible work environment and different areas to operate
The healthcare industry is diverse, with a wide range of opportunities. RNs have the flexibility to pursue their career according to their interests. There are a lot of specialization departments in pediatrics, cancer, critical care, and emergency medicine. RNs have the flexibility to choose the department to enhance their career. Additionally, RNs have time flexibility, including part-time scheduling, per diem shifts, and travel nursing. With this flexibility, RNs can manage their personal lives without professional interruption.
5- Chance to learn more things that help in career growth
To enhance the RN career, healthcare facilities often hold various industry knowledge sessions to keep up with evolving technology, treatments, and best practices. These sessions assist the nurses in learning more about the latest industry updates and methodologies.
6- Personal growth along with professional growth
Nursing is about providing patient care with compassion, empathy, and problem-solving skills. You will learn effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, empathy, compassion, and teamwork. These vital talents apply not only to your profession but also to your personal life.
7- Strong community with high support
The nursing community is renowned for its strong sense of community and support, which is one of the biggest perks of being a registered nurse. You will connect with a network of peers who understand the profession’s unique challenges and benefits and who will encourage, mentor, and provide useful guidance along the way.
What are the downsides to becoming an RN?
1- Demanding working hours
The healthcare industry is diverse and unpredictable. In some seasons, facilities experience a high patient ratio and are unable to manage the workforce on the floor. To meet the patient count, nurses may sometimes be required to go beyond their working hours, leading to irregular shifts. Overtime may drain you physically, which happens very often. Always be flexible to changing conditions.
2- Emotional breakdown during high time
Healthcare professionals are the frontliners in saving the lives of patients. However, at times, the outcome may not be positive. Nurses have to witness human suffering and mental depression. Working on yourself and networking with support is the key here.
3- Have to take care of high expectations
Nurses are the bridge between patients and their families. RNs act as a crucial point of contact. During peak periods, there might be a chance of complicated medical errors, which can lead to disappointments. Being patient and communicating effectively is crucial in this situation.
4- Bureaucracy and documentation
Professional relationships lead to great success and, at times, to conflicts. RNs have to communicate and work alongside every other healthcare professional to improve patient care. However, miscommunication can lead to arguments and may disturb the workflow. Always be diplomatic and communicate effectively to avoid such circumstances.
5- Sometimes working politics are high
Nursing, like every other industry, deals with relationships and the possibility of conflict. To properly navigate these circumstances, you must be diplomatic, communicate clearly, and be able to advocate for yourself and your patients.
6- Social life is limited and find it difficult to balance work and life
Nursing’s demanding nature might make it difficult to strike a healthy work-life balance. Long hours and inconsistent schedules might influence personal relationships and recreational activities. However, with efficient time management and boundary setting, you can strike a satisfactory balance.
Conclusion
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) provides a rewarding job with the ability to positively touch patients’ lives. The blog has already highlighted the pros and cons of being a registered nurse. The field offers employment security, competitive remuneration, and a wide range of specializations. Still, it comes with drawbacks such as long work hours, emotional stress, and accountability.
If you have been looking for an RN job with better pay, work hours, shift flexibility, and benefits, send us your resume, and our team of healthcare recruiters will get you the best RN job based on your past work experience. You can also explore a range of open RN positions on our website and apply to your preferred role.
At some point, the decision to become an RN is personal, and it needs to weigh pros and cons of registered nurse. Nursing can be a fulfilling career if you have empathy, resilience, and a desire for positive change. Yet certain demanding factors must be carefully considered.
