Nursing is a career filled with opportunities and benefits, including:

• Being a Helping Hand in People's Lives: As a nurse, you have the chance to positively impact patients' lives every day, providing care and compassion when they need it most.
• Higher Job Security: With a projected growth rate of 6 percent from 2023 to 2033 and about 194,500 openings projected each year, nursing can offer strong job security. More details from BLS.
• Competitive Pay: Nurses enjoy competitive salaries, with a national median annual wage of $86,070 as of May 2023. More details from BLS.
• Flexible Schedule: Whether in hospitals, clinics, or home healthcare, nursing offers the opportunity to pursue various work environments and schedules to fit your lifestyle.
• Room for Advancement: With opportunities in areas like telehealth, rehabilitation, and outpatient care, nursing offers diverse paths for specialization and growth. More details from ANA.
• Transferable Career Skills: The skills you learn in nursing, such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy, are valuable in many other fields.
• Supportive Community: Nurses often work in collaborative environments, and initiatives like the NurseLife campaign at Jersey College foster a sense of community.
• Engaging and Rewarding Career: Nursing allows you to make a real impact on healthcare and society, playing a vital role in patient care and public health. More details from ANA.
•  Career Flexibility: Nursing offers diverse roles, from school nurse to forensic nurse, allowing you to explore different areas while staying within the profession.

These benefits make nursing a compelling and fulfilling career choice, and Jersey College is here to support you on your journey.

While nursing offers many rewards, it also comes with its own set of challenges that may not be suitable for everyone:

• Physical Demands: Nursing often requires standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, and performing other physically demanding tasks. It's a job that can be taxing on the body.
• Long Hours: Nurses often work extended shifts, sometimes 12 hours or more, and may be required to be on call. This can lead to fatigue and burnout if not managed properly.
• Exposure to Germs and Viruses: Working in healthcare can mean being around sick individuals, so proper preventative precautions are essential to minimize risk.
• Stress and Emotional Resiliency: Nurses can be around serious illnesses, trauma, and even death. The ability to manage stress and maintain emotional resiliency is crucial in this profession.
• Non-Traditional Schedule: Nursing doesn't always follow a typical 9-to-5 schedule. Weekend, holiday, and overnight work may be required, which can impact work-life balance.

These challenges are part and parcel of the nursing profession and should be carefully considered before pursuing this career path. Understanding both the benefits and challenges will help you make an informed decision about whether nursing is the right fit for you.

Entering the nursing profession requires specific education and certifications. Here are the most common paths to become a nurse:

• PN (Practical Nursing) Diploma: Upon successful completion of the LPN Program at Jersey College, students earn a Practical Nursing Diploma. They can then take the NCLEX-PN exam, and after passing, become eligible for licensure. The median salary for an LPN is $48,070 as of May 2021.
• ADN (Associate's Degree in Nursing): Jersey College offers an Associate's Degree in Nursing, which qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Once passed, they may become licensed as Registered Nurses. The median salary for an RN with an Associate's Degree is $66,504 as of June 2022.
• Bridge Program: For LPNs looking to become RNs, Jersey College offers an "LPN to RN Bridge" program, providing a seamless pathway to career advancement.

You can compare these nursing degree options and decide which path is right for you by visiting the Jersey College Nursing Degree Guide.

Related Resources

These paths offer various options to suit your career goals and interests in the nursing field. Explore the links to learn more and find the program that's right for you:

• How to Become an LPN
• How to Become an RN
• Nursing Degree Options & Career Paths
• How to Get into Nursing School
• LPN vs. RN

Are you still wondering if nursing is the right career path for you? Take this brief quiz to help you decide. Answer the following questions honestly, and see if nursing aligns with your interests and abilities.

1. Do you have a genuine passion for helping others and making a positive impact on people's lives?

• Yes
• No
   

2. Are you comfortable working in a physically demanding environment and able to handle long hours and potential exposure to germs and viruses?

• Yes
• No
   

3. Do you find the idea of continuous learning, specialization, and working in various healthcare settings appealing?

• Yes
• No
   

Results:

• If you answered 'Yes' to all three questions: Nursing might be the perfect career move for you! Your passion for helping others, resilience in a demanding work environment, and interest in continuous growth align well with the nursing profession. Explore the nursing programs at Jersey College to take the next step in your career.
• If you answered 'No' to one or more questions: Nursing is a rewarding but challenging profession. It may be beneficial to further explore the pros and cons, speak with current nurses, or even shadow a nurse to gain a better understanding of the field. Jersey College is here to help you make an informed decision, so don't hesitate to contact us for more information.

Based on the success of our programs, we have grown to serve communities in 7 states (and counting!). Find a campus near you to start your NurseLife.