Is Nursing For Me? 8 Signs Nursing Might Be Your Calling
“How do I know if nursing is the right career for me?”
If you’re in nursing school, or are considering it, you’ve probably asked yourself that question many times. There are many factors to consider when making this decision, but here are 8 signs that nursing may be the right fit for you:
1. You’re interested in healthcare.
If you’re interested in healthcare and how the human body works, nursing might be the perfect field for you. As a nurse, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about various medical conditions and diseases, as well as how to treat them effectively.¹ You’ll also gain firsthand experience working with patients and see the impact of your care on their overall health and well-being.
2. You’re good with people.
If you enjoy interacting with others and helping them in their time of need, nursing might be the perfect career for you. As a nurse, you’ll be providing care and support to patients on a daily basis. This includes everything from answering their questions and ensuring they’re comfortable to administering medication and treatments. Excellent bedside manner is essential for nurses, so proper communication skills are a must-have.
As a nurse, you’ll also need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, family members, and other healthcare professionals. If you’re a good listener and can easily explain things, you could be on the right track.
3. You’re a natural caregiver.
In addition to being good with people, nurses also need to be natural caregivers. This means having the patience and compassion to care for those who are sick or injured. If you have a natural inclination to take care of others and want to make a difference in the lives of those who are sick or injured, nursing could be the right choice for you. It won’t always be easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding.
4. You’re detail oriented.
As stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, detail-orientation is an important trait for nurses, as they need to be able to keep track of patients’ medications, treatments, and vital signs. Nurses also need to be able to quickly assess patients’ symptoms and determine the best course of action.¹ If you’re someone who pays close attention to detail and enjoys keeping things organized, nursing could be a great fit for you.
5. You’re adaptable.
As a nurse, you’ll need to be adaptable in order to provide the best possible care for your patients. This means being able to adjust to changes in their condition as well as changes in procedures and protocols. Being adaptable requires being able to think on your feet and being comfortable with change.
6. You work well under pressure.
Being a nurse is not for the faint of heart. It takes a special kind of person to be able to maintain their composure in the face of chaos and stress. From hectic patient schedules to chaotic workplace environments, nurses must be able to take everything in stride and keep on going. If you don’t mind a little bit of pressure (or even thrive under it!), then nursing could be the right path for you.
7. You’re a lifelong learner.
Nursing is an ever-changing field, and to be a good nurse, you must be a lifelong learner. New technologies, treatments, and medications are constantly being developed, and it’s essential to stay up to date on the latest advances in order to provide the best possible care for your patients.
If you enjoy learning new things and keeping up with the latest developments in your field, then you and nursing may be a good match. There are always new challenges to face and new things to learn, so whether you’re just starting out in nursing or you’re a seasoned veteran, lifelong learning is essential.
8. You’re looking for a stable career.
Finally, let’s not forget about the practical side of things – after all, we all need to make a living! Nursing is an extremely stable career with very good job prospects both now and in the future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job demand for registered nurses is expected to grow nationally by 6 percent from 2026 to 2036.1 In California alone, demand for registered nurses is projected to grow by 16.7 percent from 2018-2028.² This growth is due to several factors, including an aging population that will need more medical care, an increase in chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, and a greater focus on preventative care.
Additionally, because nursing offers a variety of specialties and settings, there are many nursing jobs to suit various interests or lifestyles.1 So whether you’re looking for a fast-paced hospital setting or a more relaxed outpatient clinic, there’s likely a nursing job out there that’s right for you.
The nursing profession is full of dedicated and passionate people who make a real difference in the lives of their patients. If you are looking for a stable career with opportunities to continue learning and growing, nursing may be your calling.
Nursing Programs at Stanbridge University
Learn more about Stanbridge’s LVN and BSN programs.
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm. As viewed on October 20, 2022.
²Source: Employment Development Department, State of California, Occupation Profile, Registered Nurses, at https://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/occExplorerQSDetails.asp?searchCriteria=Registered+Nurse&careerID=&menuChoice=&geogArea=0601000000&soccode=291141&search=Explore+Occupation. As viewed on November 1, 2022.