I am exploring the reasons that would make an individual study for 3-4 or more years to finish nursing. What do you think are the reasons to pursue this career?
Thank you Javad Shaabanzadeh . My question would go towards... Why choose nursing and not other healthcare training? What could motivate a candidate to choose nursing?
If I have understood your point about choosing nursing, my opinion is that nursing offers a higher social prestige, takes less time (compared to other academic fields) to obtain a degree, provides faster job promotion, and offers the possibility of choosing clinical work or university education for a future career.
Coming from the Philippines, Nursing is one of the prestige courses that offers high quality of progress in terms of income, genuine human experience, nobility of the profession and opportunity to help others.
My main reason was money. I wanted a profession in medical field with more money then I used to make. After I failed my previous studies I stayed working in a hospital as a caregiver. I enjoyed working with people, the system, illnesses, the position in society, the presence of other professions, the "hospital secrets"... But my position is in general terribly underpaid, I couldn't afford even a small flat. So I wanted to step up while staying in medicine.
I think there are multiple reasons to study nursing.
Some that I came across are:
Passion for Helping Others: Many individuals are drawn to nursing because of their innate desire to care for and support others during times of illness, injury, or vulnerability. Nursing offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families by providing compassionate and holistic care.
Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment: Nursing is often described as a highly rewarding and fulfilling profession that provides a sense of purpose and meaning. Nurses have the opportunity to alleviate suffering, promote healing, and improve the quality of life for individuals across the lifespan, from birth to end-of-life care.
Diverse Career Opportunities: Nursing offers a wide range of career opportunities and specializations, allowing individuals to pursue their interests and passions within the healthcare field. From acute care settings to community health, psychiatric nursing, research, education, and leadership roles, there are numerous career pathways available to nurses.
Job Stability and Security: Nursing is a profession with strong job stability and demand, particularly in light of ongoing healthcare needs and workforce shortages. Nurses are essential members of the healthcare team, and there is a consistent demand for skilled nursing professionals in various healthcare settings.
Professional Growth and Development: Nursing offers opportunities for continuous learning, growth, and development throughout one's career. Nurses can pursue advanced degrees, specialty certifications, and professional development opportunities to expand their knowledge, skills, and career prospects.
Finally, I also think other reasons to study nursing could be:
Impact on Public Health and Policy: Nurses play a crucial role in shaping public health initiatives, healthcare policies, and advocacy efforts at local, national, and global levels. By advocating for patient rights, promoting health equity, and addressing social determinants of health, nurses can influence positive change in healthcare systems and communities.
Financial Reward and Compensation: Nursing is often associated with competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for advancement, particularly for those with advanced degrees or specialized certifications. Nursing offers a stable and financially rewarding career path for individuals seeking financial security and stability.
Personal and Professional Challenges: Nursing can be a challenging and demanding profession, requiring resilience, adaptability, and critical thinking skills. Individuals who thrive in dynamic and fast-paced environments may find nursing to be intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling.
Respect and Recognition: Nurses are highly respected members of the healthcare team and are recognized for their expertise, dedication, and contributions to patient care. Nursing is a profession that commands respect and admiration from colleagues, patients, and the community.
Legacy of Florence Nightingale: The legacy of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, continues to inspire individuals to pursue careers in nursing and uphold the principles of compassion, integrity, and excellence in nursing practice.
As a current nursing student, I agree with these reasons. Another reason I would add is the pressure to follow social trends. This may be more relevant for younger nursing students who admire the flexible nurse schedule and the excitement of the typical shift through the glamour of social media.