The Profession for Caring: How Do You Know if a Nursing Degree is Best for You

If you’re considering pursuing a nursing degree in college, it’s important for you to know beforehand the various factors that will affect your chances of graduating with the said degree and getting the job you want. Take the time to explore these factors and consider what its impacts are on your life before making this monumental decision.

ACADEMIC FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURSUING A NURSING DEGREE
Contrary to popular opinion, a nursing degree isn’t universal. It can be divided into various levels and vary according to the requirements and type of education provided.

Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse – This is the most basic of all nursing degrees and requires only 1 year for completion. Nurses of this ilk will simply provide general care to patients. Studies have revealed that overall demand for such nurses is predicted to go down.

Registered Nurse – You have several academic paths to choose from if you desire to obtain the necessary qualifications for this job. You may choose to take a four year course in this particular field of study, a vocational course offered by any accredited healthcare institution, or study for an associate degree in the same field. Be aware that you may also be required to take other tests before you can get your license.

PHYSICAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURSUING A NURSING DEGREE
Similar to pursuing a medical degree albeit to a lesser extent, you will have to put in long hours during and after obtaining a nursing degree. You will be mostly studying what future doctors are also studying because nurses are expected to act as emergency doctors as well. You will also have to expect to be on call 24/7 even if it’s your birthday or Christmas.

EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURSUING A NURSING DEGREE
Nurses are the first point of contact between the hospital staff and the patient. As such, they are mostly the first to get lashed out on when patients are having trouble coping with their conditions. Nurses however are expected to take this in stride because it’s their job to care for their patients. Also, nurses, like doctors, will be exposed to the absence of mercy of death once in a while. If you don’t believe you can handle this, then you might not be suitable to having a nursing degree.

To end on a better note, however, if you believe that you have what it takes to become a nurse then you should be happy to know that the financial benefits associated with your chosen degree are very much rewarding!