6 Good Reasons to Become a Nurse Today

6 Good Reasons to Become a Nurse Today

by | Feb 11, 2023 | Nursing Student

6 Good Reasons to Become a Nurse Today

There are many reasons why one should become a nurse. Besides answering the demand of nursing shortage, you also get to experience many things that other jobs don’t have.

If you are working your way up to earning your degree in nursing, these top # good reasons to become a nurse will encourage you more to get that degree! Here’s what you need to know. 

 

Good Reasons to Become a Nurse

 

Nursing jobs have a steady growth

Registered nurses are among the most sought-after occupation in many states all over the country. It belongs to the top 50 in-demand jobs and answers the country’s nursing shortage.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that there would be a growth in nursing jobs and will continue to do so until 2030. As the number of aging and retiring nurses increases, nursing jobs will always be in demand. 

Solid earning potential

Nurses are one of the top-paying professions in the world. You indeed handle many responsibilities but are also well-compensated for the job. A registered nurse has a median salary of $48,000 to $75,000 and is as high as $145,000 annually.

If you have an MSN and other nursing degrees, expect to earn more in this field. It’s not so bad, either. 

Expanding career

Your job as a nurse is not limited to bedside care. You can also be an administrator, entrepreneur, doctor, or policymaker. Take Cup of Nurses, for example; they’re bloggers and nurses; now that’s something exciting! 

You can be anyone you want to be, even as a nurse. As long as you take classes to take classes that pertain to more than just patient care, you can achieve anything. 

As nurses become more available throughout healthcare, politics, and business, their jobs will expand to more areas. You will always have a choice to choose a career path without leaving the nursing field entirely.

Pick a specialty you like

When it comes to career versatility, nursing is one of the best. You can choose any specialty that interests you. If you love psychology, you can try psychiatric nursing.

If being in action is your thing, emergency room nurses will suit your taste. Be a forensic nurse if you are passionate about working with victims and helping them with their cases. You can even become a nurse anesthetist if you wish to join the operating room team. 

With a nursing degree, you’re qualified with just about any specialty in nursing. Plus, you can constantly shift careers until you find one that you want to pursue. 

The nursing community is vibrant

Nurses may work a lot, but they have a community that helps and supports each other. There are organizations, boards, bloggers, and interactive blogs where nurses can talk about anything and socialize.

More significant associations like American Nursing Association is also a big part of the nursing community that supports nurses. 

Be part of a respected profession.

Nurses are among the most respected professionals in the country. It is a career that cares for the sick and dying, so you must be proud to be part of it.

People have high respect for nurses, and while this is not the first job that people look into in the medical field, it is the first one they think about when it comes to honest and ethical work.

You are also working and making a difference in people’s lives. It is something to be proud of. 

 

Your takeaway

If you are a student nurse having thoughts about being a nurse, it’s time you stay put. Don’t quit yet! Nursing is a rewarding career that touches people’s lives and creates a good path for yourself. There is financial stability and career growth for you that not many jobs can give. 

We understand how tough nursing school is; we’ve been there ourselves. But if you keep pushing towards your goals, you’ll see it’s all worth it.

Trust the process, and trust us when we say you can do it. We need more frontline warriors, and we believe you are called to be one. We are rooting for you; good luck!

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10 Skills Nursing Students Must Have to Succeed as a Nurse

10 Skills Nursing Students Must Have to Succeed as a Nurse

by | Jan 16, 2023 | Nursing Student

10 Skills Nursing Students Must Have to Succeed as a Nurse

So, you chose to be a nurse? Excellent choice! But do you have the skills to succeed in nursing school? To be successful, you must have innate qualities and skills to help you through studying and succeed as a nurse in the future.

Here’s what you need to have.

 

1. You must have confidence. 

Being a nurse requires you to meet and communicate with people from all walks of life. If you are not confident with yourself or have the confidence to talk to patients, how can you provide quality care? Not only that, but you will make decisions for your patient’s care and needs.. 

Confidence is not only about being able to carry yourself but also about being optimistic, assertive, and independent. It is about your enthusiasm for your work and emotional maturity to help you do your job at a higher level.

 

2. You must have communication skills.

Communication is the number one skill you must have as a nurse. You will always be talking to people in the hospital. Proper communication also helps in giving quality care to patients.

Remember that you will also be talking to doctors and other medical professionals. Good communication skills also foster meaningful workplace relationships with your peers. It will also aid you and your group in studying for nursing school. 

 

3. You must have leadership skills.

As a future nurse, one of your roles is to handle patients and families looking to you for guidance and updates. You will also work with your fellow nurses that may require your leadership.

You must know how to manage your time, especially when you have projects, emergencies, and conflicts in school or your future job. You have to be able to advocate for others as well as advocating for yourself. 

 

4. You must have critical thinking skills.

As a student nurse, you will constantly face situations that require you to observe, think critically, and make the right decisions. You must also remember that nursing students are often exposed to high-stressed situations like demonstrating procedures at school. 

You may have the skills to do the procedure, but the ability to think and make a decision in high-stressed situations quickly will bring you great success. Thus having critical thinking skills are vital.

 

5. You have a passion for nursing.

Besides your critical thinking and leadership skills, you must also have a passion for nursing. There has to be a passion for helping others. Otherwise, you won’t be happy with your career. 

As a student nurse, you’ll be constantly challenged to learn new skills. You will also study for exams. And if you are truly ready to become a nurse, your hard work and passion for this profession will be worth it. 

 

6. You have the drive to learn.

The learning is still ongoing once you have earned your degree. As you prepare for your job and even as a nurse, your learning does not end. You will constantly explore, develop your critical thinking skills, and question things you encounter at work. 

The healthcare field is always changing, just like a nurse’s role evolves. You must be ready, and having the desire to learn and adapt is essential. Whether a student nurse or a professional nurse, you’ll always have something to discover and learn about. 

 

7. You must have teamwork skills.

As a student nurse, you’ll meet different people from different places and with whom you’ll study. There will be situations where you will work together in class or hospital exposures. Without cooperation, you will fail nursing school. Understand that nursing and nursing school are collaborative fields. 

Working together as a team to accomplish goals is essential. You will also need this skill to succeed as a nurse and as you work with doctors, health aids, lab techs, and other healthcare team members. 

 

8. You know how to handle high-stress situations.

Nursing school can become stressful, especially in the months leading to your graduation. You will be dealing with a lot of exams, papers, projects, and a whole lot of requirements to pass and graduate. 

Not only that but as you become a professional nurse, you will also be constantly on the go and face stressful situations. You will deal with patients, their families, as well as other members of the healthcare team. 

When your patient is in critical condition, that stressful time is when you are needed the most. Being able to manage these situations and keep a clear head will help you become a great student nurse and future nurse. 

 

9. You must have the skills to ask for constructive criticism and feedback.

As a student nurse, you are there to learn everything in your school’s textbooks. You’ll probably feel clueless when you start, so be ready to seek guidance. Ask questions and accept constructive criticism from your mentors or instructors.

Remember, everyone, has been in your shoes, but it’s time you filled theirs. Seeking humility and accepting advice will help you become the best nurse you can be. 

 

10. You must be an advocate for patients.

As a nurse, you will be your patient’s advocate. Learning this skill will help you better assist a patient and become the person to debrief team members or interpret tests.

You’ll also explain procedures and instructions for patients and families. All of these are vital as you become a patient advocate. 

 

Your Takeaway

Nursing is a wonderful profession, and if you want to succeed as a nurse, you must train yourself to be the best while still in nursing school. And the more you adapt to that mindset, the easier it will be for you to handle any difficulties you’ll encounter in this job.

Start now; you’ll be glad that you did! 

Looking for more student resources? Check out these helpful links!

10 Best Jobs for Nursing Students in Need of Extra Income

10 Best Jobs for Nursing Students in Need of Extra Income

by | Nov 19, 2022 | Nursing Student

10 Best Jobs for Nursing Students in Need of Extra Income

Nursing students can get a job even while they are still studying. And in this post, we compiled the best jobs for nursing students. 

The pandemic has affected many nurses and health care facilities. Because of Covid-19, many hospitals are experiencing a shortage of nurses. Thankfully, nursing students help out with other jobs that hospitals need.

 

Why Should Nursing Students Get a Job?

Having a part-time job as a student nurse is helpful in your career. For one, it enhances your skills as a future nurse. It also allows you to work alongside actual healthcare workers and get first-hand experience on what it’s like to work like a pro.

Your work experience is also valuable once you apply for nursing jobs in the future. So, what kind of jobs can you work for as a nursing student? Here are a few:

 

1. Phlebotomist

A phlebotomist is a person who draws blood from patients that need to be tested for donations or procedures. As a student nurse, you can work as one. Blood is collected from patients to be analyzed for illnesses, the effectiveness of medication dosage, and evaluate nutritional levels in the body. 

Nursing students can work in this position and gain valuable healthcare experience while interacting with patients. A phlebotomist can earn around $12.50 to $17.70 per hour, which is very helpful as a college student who wants extra spending money. 

 

2. Orderly

One of the best jobs for nursing students is being an orderly. An orderly is someone who helps sanitize various rooms and equipment used. They also provide help for patients who need wheelchairs and other equipment required for mobility.

An orderly also helps transport patients or escorts them to various treatment rooms like X-rays or wheel them in for surgeries. According to PayScale, orderlies make around $8.96 to $16.81 per hour if you want to work in a part-time position. 

 

3. Certified Nurse Assistant or CNA

Nurse assistants provide help for nurses during critical situations [1]. Usually, nurse assistants can work in healthcare facilities, camps, schools, hospitals, etc.

Most of the time, this job involves working with young children and are often offered in pediatric facilities. Depending on their working facility,  CNAs can earn around $13.00 to $16.00 per hour. 

 

4. Home Health Aide

A home health aide is an essential job for nursing students interested in working as private nurses in the future. This job allows nursing students to work with patients within their homes and provide assistance. Usually, patients are disabled, injured, mentally or physically ill, and confined at home.

One of the main jobs for nursing students working in this position is to work with a nurse who supervises the patient’s care. Home health aides can help you hone your nursing skills, and you can earn around $9.00 to $12.00 per hour. 

 

5. Monitor Technician

As monitor techs, you get to work within the Intensive Care Unit and monitor patients’ heart rates. Your job is to watch for irregularities or patterns and alert the nurse or physician on duty.

This job is an excellent opportunity for nursing students interested in cardiac care or planning to work as cardiac care nurses. Monitor technicians can make $16.00 to $20.00 per hour. 

 

6. Transporter

Another job that nursing students can apply for is being a transporter. A transporter gets to see the logistics of transporting patients from one part of the facility to another.

To qualify, all you need are excellent communication skills, being personable, and being someone who enjoys interacting with patients receiving care. 

One of your primary responsibilities includes working with other nurses and physicians to help transport patients to their procedures or examinations. A transporter typically earns around $9.00 to $15.00 per hour, not bad if you are a student looking for part-time work. 

 

7. Hospital Clerical Worker

As a hospital clerical worker, your job is to work with different healthcare officials, patients, and healthcare providers. One of your jobs is to encode doctor’s orders in the electronic system, answer patient questions, answer phone calls, and provide other secretarial duties.

A hospital clerical worker earns $11.00 to $19.00 per hour if you are interested in working as one. 

 

8. Caregivers

One of the best jobs nursing students can try is being a caregiver. A caregiver is someone who assists patients who need a companion. Their job is to help patients go to their appointments, report changes in their condition, and assist with their medication and meals.

And if you are interested in working as one, a caregiver can earn around $9.00 to $15.00 per hour, depending on the client. 

 

9. Dietitian Aide

Another exciting job for nursing students is being a dietitian aide. If you are interested in preparing meals for patients, this is an excellent way to learn about it.

Patient meals often come with physicians’ orders, and dietitians prepare them. Your job is to ensure that patients follow the guidelines as ordered by their doctors. Dietitian aides make about $8.00 to $12.00 per hour.

 

10. EMTs or Emergency Medical Technicians 

Nursing students seeking an exciting job can work as emergency medical technicians [2]. They are the first to respond to emergencies and evaluate and treat patients as they are transported to hospitals.

Among your responsibilities include administering oxygen, CPR, or providing interventions to sick and injured people. As EMTs, you can earn around $16.80 to $21.00 per hour. 

 

Your Takeaway

Nurses and nursing students alike do not stop learning. There is always something new to do and situations to gather experience from. And if you are a nursing student, the chance to learn different skills from these jobs can help you.

Now that you know what the best jobs for nursing students are, choose the one you want to pursue. We hope that our list has helped. Good luck!

Looking for more student resources? Check out these helpful links!

5 NCLEX Myths That Are Holding You Back

5 NCLEX Myths That Are Holding You Back

by | Jul 23, 2022 | Nursing Student

5 NCLEX Myths That Are Holding You Back

Are you planning to take the NCLEX but there are NCLEX myths that are holding you back? If this is the case you are facing right now, this post will help debunk their reasons.

Here are the most common NCLEX myths that you’ve probably heard of.

 

5 Myths About NCLEX

 

Myth 1. The length of the NCLEX exams matters.

Many test-takers believe that the more questions you answer, the more likely you are to pass the exams. However, this is not always the case. 

The NCLEX has a maximum of 265 questions [1], and if you get to answer them all, the myth says you’ve failed. On the contrary, reaching only around 75 questions means you’ve passed. 

While this may sound believable, NCLEX does not work that way. The length of the exams has nothing to do with you passing it. Instead, the length of your exam is based on how you answer the questions.

If you have answered correctly, the test presents you with more complex questions. The easier the questions, means you have answered incorrectly. Your exam will only stop when the computer has determined your competency level. 

 

Myth 2. You have to be computer savvy to take the NCLEX.

Even if you don’t have computer skills, you can still take the exams. The test administrator will brief the test-takers on how they can answer the exams on the computer and work through a tutorial. In this tutorial, you are taught how to use the keys and record your answers.

Administrators will also teach you how you can answer test questions that do not require multiple choice. So, don’t worry; the main thing you need to use during this exam is the space bar and cursor to highlight your answers and lock them. It will be a piece of cake!

 

Myth 3. NLCEX in other states is easier.

One of the many NCLEX myths that are holding you back is the idea that NCLEX examinations vary from state to state. In case you are planning to take this exam in a different state because it’s “easier”, stop right now!

It is not true though, keep in mind that this exam is a national exam. It means that the one you are taking is the same as other nursing students in other states. NCLEX is used nationwide, so it doesn’t matter where you take it. It is still the same exams wherever you choose to take it. 

 

Myth 4. The “select all that applies” answer shows that you are doing well in the examination. 

Among NCLEX myths, this one is probably my favorite. According to gossip, the more “select all that applies” or SATA choices given to you mean you are passing the exam. But are you, though? 

Again, this is not true as it could be subjective. Some may have ten SATA answers, while others may have more.  However, the best thing to do is focus on how you answer the examination and not on the types of questions you are getting.

Do your best and answer all questions to the best of your ability. 

 

Myth 5. It will take a long time before you can reapply for an NCLEX exam.

Absolutely not; you have 45 days till you can apply for another NCLEX examination [2]. And this is enough time for you to study for the tests again. If you failed on your first try, the nursing board would send you a CPR or Candidate Performance Report. 

This report will show you which exam areas you should focus on more so you don’t have to repeat the same mistakes. It shows your strengths and weaknesses as well, which helps assess yourself.

CPR also breaks down your performance and shows if you are above or below the passing competency level. 

 

Don’t Let the Myths Take You Down

Now that you know five of the NCLEX myths that are holding you back, go ahead and sign up for the examination. Don’t just believe the myths. Give it a try and see how you do.

If you fail, do not worry, you can always try again. You just have to figure out if you are on the right track or not. We hope that our list helped you identify these myths so that you can take the next step toward your RN license. Good luck! 

 

Looking for more student resources? Check out these helpful links!

Preparing for the Future: 4 Educational Paths for Nursing Professionals

Preparing for the Future: 4 Educational Paths for Nursing Professionals

by | Jul 8, 2022 | Nursing Student

Preparing for the Future: 4 Educational Paths for Nursing Professionals

The educational paths for nursing have improved over the years. Pursuing a nursing education can lead you to a lucrative and rewarding career. According to the BLS, there are about 194,500 job openings for registered nurses every year.

That number is expected to increase by 9% between 2020 and 2030, making it easy for aspiring nurses to find work. The median salary for registered nurses is $77,600, higher than the national average.

To prepare for a career in nursing, there are many educational paths to choose from. Most nurses start out with a bachelor’s degree, but those that seek higher positions can pursue a master’s or doctoral degree. Below, we’ve outlined four educational paths nursing professionals can pursue.

 

Associate Degree In Nursing

The fastest way to open doors to nursing roles is to take an associate degree in nursing (ADN). ADNs are undergraduate degree programs that focus on the technical and practical, teaching core nursing knowledge and clinical nursing skills.

Shorter ADN programs take 18 months to complete, but the average ADN program will run for 2 years. ADN graduates can pursue a number of basic nursing roles, such as personal care nursing, care facility nursing, rehabilitation nursing, and public health nursing.

The average ADN graduate earns $70,000 annually.

 

Bachelor Of Science In Nursing

Aspiring nurses that want to pursue more in-depth educational programs can take a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Whereas ADNs last two years, BSNs last four. BSNs go beyond the technical to teach the theoretical.

On top of honing clinical skills, the most comprehensive BSN programs provide training in administrative roles, leadership roles, and management roles. Naturally, BSN graduates have more career options than ADN graduates to become nurse practitioners. The average annual salary of a BSN graduate is $84,000.

Master Of Science In Nursing

After completing your BSN, you can pursue a Master of Science In Nursing (MSN). Applicants of MSN programs are required to first earn a bachelor’s degree, though that degree does not have to be related to nursing. The main difference between a BSN and an MSN is specialization.

BSN programs cover broader nursing topics, while MSN programs require each student to select a specific nurse practitioner concentration. MSN graduates typically go on to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or clinical nurse specialists. Experienced MSN graduates can make up to $110,000.

Doctor Of Nursing Practice

The highest level of education a nurse can attain is a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). To qualify for a DNP, applicants must first complete an MSN or a master’s degree in a health-related field. DNP programs typically take two to three years to complete.

The goal of a DNP program is to train students for high-level healthcare positions by teaching them advanced theory and healthcare procedures. DNP graduates can take roles in research, academia, policy management, and healthcare management. The average yearly income of a DNP graduate is $126,000.

Furthermore, nurses have a wide range of choices when it comes to concentration. Some of the most in-demand nurses today include nurse advocates, nurse educators, nurse researchers, and travel nurses.

Nurses have a lot of flexibility when it comes to the kind of work they can do, and how they can attain the education they need to qualify for their target roles. That level of flexibility is one of the many things that make nursing such an attractive career.

Post solely for the use of cupofnurses.com By Roxanne Brent

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