by Cup Of Nurses | Jul 28, 2023 | Podcast
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing Practice: Real-Life Scenarios
Nurses play a critical role in patient care, advocating for their well-being and ensuring ethical standards are upheld. However, the complex nature of healthcare often presents nurses with challenging ethical dilemmas. In this blog post, we will explore real-life scenarios where nurses encounter ethical challenges, ranging from respecting patient autonomy to navigating conflicts of interest. Let’s delve into these thought-provoking scenarios and discuss how nurses can navigate these ethical dilemmas while prioritizing patient safety and care.
Patient Autonomy vs. Beneficence:
Scenario: A pregnant patient with a life-threatening medical condition insists on continuing with a treatment that poses serious risks to her and the unborn child. The medical team believes that the treatment should be postponed until after childbirth to maximize chances of survival for both, but the patient is adamant about proceeding with the treatment. How can the nurse respect the patient’s autonomy while also ensuring the best outcome for both the patient and her baby?
End-of-Life Care:
Scenario: A patient’s advanced directive states they do not want to be kept on life support if they become terminally ill. However, the patient’s family disagrees with this decision and insists on pursuing all available life-sustaining treatments. The patient is unable to communicate due to their condition. How can the nurse advocate for the patient’s end-of-life wishes while balancing the family’s desires and emotions?
Resource Allocation:
Scenario: A hospital is dealing with a surge of patients, and there is a shortage of ventilators in the intensive care unit (ICU). Nurses must decide which patients should receive the limited number of ventilators, knowing that some patients may not survive without this life-saving equipment. Additionally, some patients may have pre-existing health conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications.
Confidentiality and Privacy:
Scenario: A nurse discovers that a prominent public figure has been admitted to the hospital for a sensitive medical issue. The nurse faces pressure from the media and public to disclose the patient’s condition, but doing so would breach patient confidentiality. How can the nurse uphold patient privacy and confidentiality in the face of external pressures?
Informed Consent:
Scenario: A patient is admitted to the hospital with a life-threatening condition, and urgent surgery is recommended. However, the patient is in a state of confusion and is unable to provide informed consent. The patient’s family is unavailable, and the medical team must make a rapid decision. How can the nurse ensure the patient’s best interests are served while acting in the patient’s best interest under emergent circumstances?
Cultural and Religious Beliefs:
Scenario: A young patient’s parents belong to a religious group that rejects modern medical interventions. The child has a treatable condition, but the parents insist on using only prayer and faith-based remedies. The medical team believes the child’s life could be saved with medical intervention. How can the nurse navigate this ethically challenging situation that involves potentially life-saving medical treatment and respecting the parents’ religious beliefs?
Refusal of Treatment:
Scenario: An adult patient with a severe psychiatric condition refuses to take essential medications, which have previously been effective in managing their symptoms. The patient’s condition worsens significantly, and they pose a danger to themselves and others. The patient’s refusal raises ethical concerns, as they are unable to make rational decisions in their current state. How can the nurse balance respecting the patient’s autonomy with ensuring their safety and well-being?
Whistleblowing:
Scenario: A nurse working in a prestigious hospital discovers that some physicians and surgeons are engaging in unethical practices to manipulate patient data, including falsifying medical records and test results. The purpose of these actions is to move certain patients higher up on transplant lists and make them appear more eligible for specific surgeries, even when other patients may have a more urgent medical need. The nurse is deeply troubled by these manipulations, as they compromise the integrity of patient care, prioritize certain individuals over others unfairly, and potentially put lives at risk. However, the nurse fears the repercussions of reporting this misconduct, knowing that the involved physicians are influential within the hospital and may have strong connections with hospital administrators.
Conflict of Interest:
Scenario: A nurse working in a pharmaceutical company is asked to participate in a research study evaluating a medication produced by the company. The nurse is aware that the medication has potentially serious side effects that are not adequately disclosed to study participants. How can the nurse navigate the conflict between professional obligations and the company’s interests?
Social Media and Privacy:
Scenario: A nurse posts a photo on social media, inadvertently capturing a patient’s face in the background. Despite not identifying the patient by name, the post leads to the patient’s identity being revealed in the comments section, breaching their privacy. How can the nurse address the inadvertent violation of the patient’s privacy and take appropriate measures to rectify the situation?
As healthcare professionals, nurses face complex ethical dilemmas that require critical thinking, compassion, and a commitment to patient advocacy. By exploring these real-life scenarios, we have gained insight into the challenges nurses may encounter and the importance of upholding ethical principles in providing quality patient care. Through continued education, open communication, and support from colleagues and institutions, nurses can navigate these ethical dilemmas while remaining steadfast in their commitment to patient well-being and safety.
Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/GFYVgduFV_k
by Cup Of Nurses | Jul 21, 2023 | Podcast
2023 Nursing Strikes and Their Outcomes
Nurses are a crucial part of the healthcare industry, playing a vital role in patient care and well-being. However, in recent years, the United States has witnessed an increase in nurse strikes, which serve as a means for nurses to demand better working conditions and advocate for their rights.
First, we will go over what a strike means and then the nursing strikes we’ve had in 2023.
Understanding Nurse Strikes
A nurse strike is a labor action where nurses refuse to work as a form of protest against their employer. It is a response to various issues such as poor working conditions, inadequate staffing, low wages, and lack of benefits. Nurse strikes aim to bring attention to these concerns and prompt employers to address them by disrupting the provision of healthcare services.
Consequences and Risks of Nurse Strikes
Nurse strikes can have both immediate and long-term consequences for nurses and patients alike. Patients may experience:
- Delays in receiving care
- Potential lack of attention during the strike
Nurses who participate in strikes face:
- Financial loss
- Potential damage to their professional standing
- Disruptions to their personal and family lives
However, nurses typically view strikes as a last resort after exhausting other communication and negotiation channels.
Reasons for Nurse Strikes
Nurses engage in strikes due to several underlying issues, including:
- Poor working conditions
- Low wages
- Inadequate staffing
- Lack of benefits
Increasing demands placed on nurses include:
- Additional roles
- Extra shifts
- Heavier patient loads, contribute to stress, burnout, and compromised patient care.
Impact of Nurse Strikes on Patients
Nurse strikes have a significant impact on patients, affecting their access to quality healthcare. This can result in:
- Increased risks of medical errors, infections, and complications
- Challenges for patients requiring specialized treatment or 24-hour care
- Exacerbation of existing staffing issues, compromising patient safety
Expectations During Nurse Strikes
When nurse strikes are anticipated, several key actions and measures are typically implemented, including:
- Striking nurses providing advance notice
- Employment of temporary replacements, such as travel nurses, to fill staffing gaps
- Transfer of patients to adjacent healthcare institutions
- Hiring temporary employees to assist during the strike
However, the presence of unfamiliar staff and protocols can result in potential inconsistencies in patient care and lower-quality service.
The Future of Nurse Strikes
Given the ongoing challenges faced by nurses, including staffing shortages and inadequate working conditions, nurse strikes are expected to continue in the coming years. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, with a significant reduction in the nursing workforce. Nurses will likely persist in their demands for:
- Better wages
- Improved working conditions
- Adequate staffing ratios to ensure safe and effective patient care.
Nurse Strikes in 2023
The following are notable nurse strikes that occurred in the year 2023:
January 2023: Seven Hospitals in New York City
Who: 12,000 nurses at seven hospitals in New York City, including:
- Health System of BronxCare
- Hospital Medical Center of Flushing
- Medical Center of Maimonides
- Mount Sinai Bronx
- Mt. Sinai Medical Center
- Mount Sinai West and Morningside
- University Medical Center of Richmond
Reason: The strike was in response to:
- Inadequate staff members
- Frequent staff turnover
- Fatigue
Outcome: After a three-day strike, the parties reached an agreement on a three-year contract. The contract included the following provisions:
- Introduction of enhanced staffing standards and enforcement
- Improvement in healthcare benefits
- Salary increases of 7%, 6%, and 5% over the three-year contract period
January 9-11, 2023: Montefiore Medical Center and Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
Who: 7,000 nurses at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, New York
Reason: The strike was in response to:
- Numerous staffing shortages
- Fatigued nurses from pandemic-related overwork
- Inadequate training process for new nurses
- Nurses managing dangerously high caseloads
Outcome: After coming to tentative deals with management on better staffing and pay, the strike was ended by thousands of New York City nurses. The tentative agreements at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan involve raises totaling 19% over three years.
January 2023: MyMichigan Alma and McLaren Central in Michigan
Who: 150 nurses work at MyMichigan Alma and 100 at McLaren Central in Michigan
Reason: Nurses at MyMichigan Alma and McLaren Central had been working under expired contracts since November 2022.
They claimed that hospitals engaged in unfair labor practices, such as bad faith negotiating.
Outcome: A strike was averted as agreements were reached before a settlement.
- Agreements were reached, preventing the need for a work stoppage.
- A new three-year contract was approved by the nurses at McLaren Central Hospital in Mount Pleasant, and nurses at MyMichigan Alma endorsed their tentative deal.
- Both contracts were immediately implemented upon ratification.
February 27, 2023: South Shore University Hospital Northwell Health (SSUH) in Bay Shore, New York
Who: 800 employees at South Shore University Hospital Northwell Health (SSUH) in Bay Shore, New York
Reason: The strike was in response to:
- Better salaries
- Safe staffing ratios
Outcome: A strike was averted as a tentative deal was struck. The tentative agreement includes provisions for:
- Wage increase
- Improved compensation to retain nurses
- Enforcement of safe staffing standards
- Enhancements to retiree health benefits
March 20, 2023: Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Valencia, California
Who: 700 employees at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
Reason: The strike was in response to:
- Unfair contract
- Retaliation threats against workers’ rights to engage in concerted union activity
- Interference with union bargaining committee member’s participation in contract negotiations
- Failure to provide timely information requested for negotiations
- Refusal to address low wages in negotiations
Outcome: This one-day strike marked the first strike in the union’s 19-year history. The purpose of the strike was to pressure the hospital’s management to cease illegal bargaining strategies and engage in sincere talks to address high employee turnover. Discussions for a new collective bargaining agreement are underway between employees and Henry Mayo.
March 28, 2023: MarinHealth Medical Center in Greenbrae, California
Who: Nearly 600 nurses at MarinHealth Medical Center
Reason: The strike was in response to:
- Alleged hospital administration’s refusal to address nurses’ concerns regarding patient care, safe staffing, nurse retention, and recruitment
Outcome: A strike was averted as registered nurses tentatively agreed to a three-year contract on March 21, 2023. The contract includes provisions for:
- Health and safety measures
- Provision of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Establishment of an Infectious Disease Subcommittee
- Implementation of safe staffing provisions
- Health benefits improvements
- Measures to enhance nurse retention and recruitment
- A 16.5% wage increase over three years
May 2-4, 2023: St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, California, and John Muir Behavioral Health Center in Concord, California
Who: 200 registered nurses at St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, California, and 78 registered nurses at John Muir Behavioral Health Center in Concord, California
Reason: The strike was in response to:
- Hazardous staffing levels
- Poor working conditions
- Inadequate pay
- Management’s refusal to respond to nurses’ requests for fair contracts
Outcome: At the last minute, a two-day nurses’ strike at St. Rose Hospital in Hayward was called off due to progress in contract negotiations. The contract negotiated by the John Muir nurses and the union after 30 bargaining sessions may be put to a vote if the union leaders agree or permit a vote.
May: PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital (PIH GSH) in Los Angeles, California
Who: Registered nurses at PIH Health-Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, California
Reason: The registered nurses at PIH Health-Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, California had concerns regarding patient safety due to management actions, including:
- Understaffing
- Inadequate supervision of safe meals and rest breaks by RNs
- Poor patient outcomes
Outcome: Strike averted
- A one-day strike scheduled to start on May 11 was avoided.
- Registered nurses reached a tentative deal on May 6, 2023.
- The agreement will be in effect until November 2025.
May 22, 2023: HCA Healthcare
Who: 3,000 healthcare workers at HCA Healthcare
Reason: The healthcare workers at HCA Healthcare had concerns regarding:
- Staff shortage
- Nurse retention
- Poor working conditions
Outcome: Strike averted
- Five HCA hospitals in California were at risk of being impacted by the strike.
- Negotiations between the parties resulted in the cancellation of the strike.
- A tentative agreement was reached on the new contract.
- The agreement includes significant investments in the workforce and salary increases to retain experienced healthcare workers.
- Over a period of three years, a raise of 15% will be implemented.
- The agreement also ensures the protection of healthcare and education benefits for workers.
June 12, 2023: St. Charles Health System’s Bend in Central Oregon
Who: Nearly 1,000 nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association at St. Charles Health System’s Bend in Central Oregon
Reason: The nurses at St. Charles Health System’s Bend had concerns regarding:
- Inadequate staffing to meet patient demand
- Better pay
- Nurse retention issues
Outcome: Strike averted
- After over 40 hours of negotiations, the Oregon Nurses Association and St. Charles Bend reached a tentative contract early on Thursday.
- The tentative agreement addresses several key issues, including:
- Guaranteed meal breaks
- Increased compensation
- Security of employment in the event of a change in hospital ownership
- The agreement is subject to the approval of the nearly 1,000 nurses represented by the nurses’ union, who must vote on the tentative agreement.
June 12, 2023: NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
Who: About 1,250 nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
Reason: The nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital had concerns regarding:
- Staffing cuts leading to unsafe patient care
Outcome: Strike averted
- Nurses were initially scheduled to go on an indefinite strike on June 12.
- However, a new contract has been approved by members of the New York State Nurses Association, allowing them to avoid the strike.
- The agreement includes the following provisions:
- Full retroactive pay for the nurses
- Three years’ worth of pay increases totaling 18%.
- These terms ensure that nurses will receive fair compensation for their work.
June 19, 2023, Providence Portland Medical Center, Providence Seaside Hospital, and Providence Home Health and Hospice
Who: Roughly 1,800 nurses at Providence Portland Medical Center, Providence Seaside Hospital, and Providence Home Health and Hospice
Reason: The nurses at these facilities have raised concerns about:
- Unfair labor practices
- Failing practice standards
- Overuse of temporary nurses
- Unsafe nurse-to-patient ratios
- Failed nurse retention
- In late May and early June, union members voted to approve strikes.
- Contract talks between nurses, clinicians, and management began in the fall of 2022.
- The most recent contract expired in 2022.
Outcome: Current negotiations and bargaining are ongoing.
Looking at the financials for Providence in Oregon
1st quarter numbers of 2023
- Total hospital value of assets: $28,806,511,000
- Net assets (assets – liabilities): $17,224,530,000
- Cash and Cash equivalents on hand: $1,233,382,000
- From 2019-2022 total salaries and benefits went up 15%
- This doesn’t mean RNs got paid 15% more, the total of all employees, CEOs, Managers, administrators, and benefits
- Operating expenses Q1 2023: -$345,000,000 (-$510,000,000 in 2022)
- Keep in mind hospitals lost millions to billions of dollars in 2021 and 2022 but it looks like they are slowly making it back
https://www.providence.org/about/financial-statements
June 27, 2023: Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin (ASMCA)
Who: 900 registered nurses at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin (ASMCA)
Reason: The registered nurses at ASMCA have cited concerns related to:
- Unsafe staffing levels
- Alleged mismanagement of resources by hospital administrators
Outcome: Current negotiations and bargaining are ongoing. Historic one-day strike at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin (ASMCA), the largest nurse strike in Texas history.
- Nurses were locked out until July 1st as the hospital hired temp nurses to fill the strike.
- Nurses will not be sharing details of negotiations publicly, out of respect for the process and to ensure Ascension will settle strong contracts as soon as possible.
https://www.nursetogether.com/nurse-strikes/
Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/250grmnCPXM
by Cup Of Nurses | Jul 14, 2023 | Podcast
Becoming a Nurse Practitioner
Are you a registered nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) looking to take your career to the next level? If so, becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) might be the ideal path for you. In this blog post, we will explore the journey of becoming a nurse practitioner, comparing the different routes available, discussing the financial aspects, and highlighting the increased autonomy that comes with this advanced nursing role.
Exploring Specializations: Different Types of Nurse Practitioners
As a nurse practitioner, you have the opportunity to specialize in various areas of healthcare, tailoring your expertise to specific patient populations and healthcare needs. Here are some common types of nurse practitioners:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP):
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- FNPs provide primary care across the lifespan, from newborns to older adults. They diagnose and treat common acute and chronic conditions, offer preventive care, perform routine check-ups, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to promote overall wellness.
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP):
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- AGNPs specialize in the care of adults, including young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults. They manage acute and chronic illnesses, conduct health assessments, and focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and management of age-related conditions.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP):
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- PNPs focus on delivering primary care to infants, children, and adolescents. They provide well-child exams, immunizations, and developmental screenings, and manage common pediatric illnesses and conditions. PNPs play a crucial role in promoting children’s health and supporting families.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP):
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- PMHNPs specialize in mental health and psychiatric care across the lifespan. They assess, diagnose, and manage mental health disorders, prescribe medications, provide therapy, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to promote mental well-being.
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP):
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- WHNPs specialize in women’s health, including reproductive health, gynecological care, prenatal care, family planning, and menopausal management. They conduct screenings, offer health education, and provide comprehensive care to women throughout their lifespan.
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP):
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- ACNPs are trained to manage acute and critical illnesses in various settings, such as emergency departments, intensive care units, and specialty clinics. They provide complex care, perform procedures, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals in emergency situations.
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP):
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- NNPs specialize in the care of newborn infants, particularly those who are premature, critically ill, or have complex medical conditions. They provide comprehensive care, perform procedures, monitor growth and development, and support families in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and other neonatal settings.
- Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (GNP):
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- GNPs focus on the specialized needs of older adults, including managing chronic illnesses, promoting healthy aging, and addressing age-related issues. They work in various settings, including long-term care facilities, assisted living centers, and geriatric clinics.
Different Routes to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner
Aspiring nurse practitioners have multiple paths to choose from based on their prior education and experience. The two main routes are:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): This is the most common and traditional path for becoming an NP. It typically requires two to three years of additional education beyond the BSN degree. MSN programs offer specialized tracks such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), and more.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): This is a terminal degree in nursing and provides the highest level of education for NPs. DNP programs typically take three to four years to complete, with an emphasis on advanced clinical skills, leadership, and evidence-based practice.
Financial Considerations
When considering the financial aspect of becoming a nurse practitioner, it’s important to factor in the cost of tuition and the potential pay increase. The average tuition for an MSN program ranges from $20,000 to $60,000, depending on the institution and location. On the other hand, DNP programs can cost between $30,000 and $100,000. While these figures may seem significant, it’s essential to remember that many nurses qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and loan forgiveness programs.
Pay Increase and Professional Growth
One of the most compelling reasons to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner is the potential for a substantial pay increase compared to an RN with a BSN. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners was between $115,890 and $135,677 significantly higher than the median wage for registered nurses. Moreover, NPs have greater opportunities for advancement, specialization, and leadership roles within the healthcare system.
Autonomy and Expanded Scope of Practice
Transitioning from an RN to an NP brings an increase in autonomy and a broader scope of practice. NPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and provide comprehensive care. While they work collaboratively with physicians, NPs often have more independence in managing patient care, particularly in primary care settings and underserved areas where access to physicians may be limited.
Duration of Schooling
The length of time required to become a nurse practitioner depends on the educational path chosen. MSN programs generally range from two to three years, while DNP programs typically require three to four years. It’s important to consider personal circumstances, such as work commitments and family obligations, when deciding which path is most feasible.
Conclusion
Becoming a nurse practitioner is an excellent way to advance your nursing career, enhance your earning potential, and gain more autonomy in patient care. Whether you choose the MSN or DNP route, embarking on this journey will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact on the lives of your patients. By exploring the various types of nurse practitioners, you can find a specialized area that aligns with your passion and contributes to the health and well-being of individuals and communities. So, if you’re ready to embrace the challenges of an advanced nursing role and make a significant difference in the world of healthcare, becoming a nurse practitioner may be the right path for you.
Remember, your journey as a nurse practitioner is not just a step forward; it’s a leap toward making a significant difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Ad4ffRlvIac
by Cup Of Nurses | Jul 7, 2023 | Podcast
Is Nursing a Good Career Choice?
The short answer is yes for new nurses joining the field and current nurses. Nursing is still worth it and is a great career choice. It’s easy for us to look back and think, has nursing been the right choice? I’ll offer you some insight, everyone has those thoughts at some point in their career. Everyone eventually asks themselves the same question because the expectations don’t always meet the realities. What you thought you signed up for is there but with a lot of extras and long hard hours. No matter what field you enter you’re going to have to work hard to make something of it, there isn’t a perfect professional where you do everything you like. Nursing adds a very unique perspective to almost everything in life from relationships to finance. Below are some of the reasons I entered nursing and the benefits it brought me.
Financial Benefits of Nursing
Nursing can bring you anywhere from $65,000 to $110,000 depending on state and experience. To be honest, that doesn’t seem like a lot but at the same time, it does. When you compare it to the median middle-class household income in the US is about $70,000, it is a very good career choice. The higher pay lies in staff nursing as it is in the highest demand and most abundant position. The most money in nursing is travel nursing but that requires moving around from place to place which is a little more stressful and harder.
From a financial standpoint of you get your BSN or currently have it, you are in a good place in life. You are automatically positioned in the middle class right out of school and you have a really good cushion if you don’t make a series of bad choices. The financial beauty of nursing is you have a middle-class cushion, which means even if you don’t pursue anything else you will be well off but also if you do try something different and it doesn’t work out you can still fall back on nursing.
Overtime and shift differentials
What’s really nice about nursing is that you get paid based on shifts and also hourly. Some jobs do have salaries but it doesn’t always equate to the time you put in. For nursing, the time you put in is the time you get paid for, you can view it as a pro or con but I see it as the best for nurses to get paid.
That being said, you can maximize your pay if you are ok with working the night or evening shift. It is a little rough but if you get used to it, you can make a couple hundred dollars more a week. Weekends are also paid more which is nice because you have to work every other.
Overtime is always an option in nursing because in most places it it offered every day of the week This is nice because you can pick up whenever you want. If you want to make some more money you can pick up an extra day every month. In your typical job this would be hard because most have a 40hr week where it’s 9-5, but nurses have the luxury of 3×12 which makes for a long shift but also a longer week. You have about 4 days off, if you are complaining about money there is no reason you cannot pick up 1 or 2 days a month.
One thing to watch out for is tax. You need to pay attention to how your income gets taxed because it might not be financially worth it to jump to the next tax bracket. Income tax levels can change every year so always keep an eye because it looks nice making more money but if a good chunk of that will be going to the taxman you’re better off spending time doing something else. As a nurse, you’re most likely going to get taxed at the 22% level and it would take you quite a bit of work to get to the 24% level and even more to get higher.
Job Security
Nursing is a healthcare field people will be getting sick forever. One financial benefit of this is that no matter where the economy goes no matter how many banks fail you will always have a job. No matter what happens you can always make an income. People will always be going to the hospital, people will always die, and people will always be born. In emergent times like we’ve seen over the last couple of years your job is in even higher demand. The unfortunate but positive thing is that nurses make more during emergencies.
Career Advancement
There are a handful of administrator roles in nursing, nursing educator, assistant manager, and Clinical nurse specialist are just a few. They do require a graduate degree which has 2+ years of added school but it is worth it if you are trying to move up into a nurse leadership position.
Nurse practitioners and Nurse anesthetists are also very popular fields to enter. They are the most-paid positions when it comes to being more hands-on in the clinical setting. With these careers, you are in over the $100,000 range when it comes to income.
Going to school for an extra 2 to 3 years is worth it because it can bring you anywhere from $20,000 to$100,000 more a year. I understand this isn’t for everyone and it is completely fine if you just want to get your BSN. Regardless of what you choose, just having the BSN sets you up for success.
Watch the full episode
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