For healthcare to thrive and grow consistently, a multidisciplinary team is necessary. Each individual is integral to this collaborative association, including patients, counselors, laboratory workers, researchers, and physicians. As each team member has a specific role, they must perform to the best of their abilities to provide the best medical care possible. Nurses play a critical role in this team; without them, the healthcare system would crumble.
Nursing strives to serve humanity with kindness, empathy, and tolerance. In any medical institution, they form the backbone. Their responsibilities are constantly changing, and their support is essential to maintaining a healthy doctor-patient relationship. Consequently, many students pursue higher education in nursing after high school because of its several benefits. So, let’s determine why it is a worthwhile career path in this post.
Accessibility Boost with Online Programs
As the pandemic unfolded, more schools recognized the importance of offering hybrid and online degree programs — coursework online and some on campus. Nurses, for example, are in demand in these fields. Whether students choose a BSN, a master’s degree (MSN) in nursing, or a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP), they will find high flexibility. Online schools, such as https://
Many options are available to nurses who wish to advance their careers. Online schools provide training for this purpose. With online learning, students don’t have to disrupt their regular schedules to study. It is possible to take asynchronous and self-paced courses outside of regular office hours, which allows students to balance work, family, and personal responsibilities. Furthermore, they can complement their studies with extra materials like this nursing document to enhance their learning.
Provides Independent Access
The more power you have, the more autonomous you become. Unlike RNs, nurse practitioners do not have to report to another doctor or physician for supervision. Depending on the locality, they can work independently.
They can open private practices, diagnose illnesses, run tests, administer essential treatments, and prescribe medications. Nurse practitioners possess expert clinical judgment, experience, and the freedom to practice without barriers. It enables them to influence healthcare positively.
Promotes Positive Financial Growth
Nurses are in high demand, with the industry growing every year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nursing job opportunities will increase by 52% between 2020 and 2030. Higher education enables nurses to become qualified for more advanced roles in the medical field, resulting in tremendous financial success.
The role of nurse practitioners is quite challenging and demands appropriate compensation. Compared to registered nurses, practitioners make an average of $114,510 per year, nearly double that of a registered nurse.
Provides Flexible Work Hours
Registered nurses’ work schedules vary daily. During their shifts, they work nine to twelve-hour shifts in the morning, evening, and night. On the other hand, a practitioner can choose their working hours, shift timings, and length based on the work environment. It is common for NPs to work weekend shifts and don’t have to work overtime at clinics or hospitals.
This advantage allows nurses to maintain a healthy work-life balance and develop wholesome routines. Nurse practitioners do not spend most of the day physically standing up and exerting themselves like registered nurses. Instead, they deal primarily with individual clients, administrative duties, and office work, which cannot be as strenuous as a nurse practitioner’s physical and mental health.
Enhances Personal Development
Become a nurse practitioner, and you will have the chance to connect meaningfully and authentically with various people. Higher education in nursing will give you diverse experiences and enable you to see life from a different perspective than most people. You will deal with people suffering from chronic and terminal diseases, addictions, mental health disorders, and victims of abuse and harassment.
Being part of their journey and hearing about their experiences will give you a more holistic view of life and medicine. You will provide better patient care if you have a greater sense of compassion and empathy. Your work will help many people regain strength, recover, and get their lives back on track, which not everyone does. It is indeed a very fulfilling and rewarding profession.
Conclusion
You can open new career opportunities with higher education in most industries. But higher nursing education benefits you, your employer, and the community. As a nursing leader, you can improve your facility’s nursing practices and gain leadership positions.
It allows you to make vital decisions for your colleagues and patients. Therefore, academic advancement also benefits individuals and the healthcare sector.
