Nursing is a noble profession that offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As a nurse, you have the unique ability to provide care, comfort, and support to people during some of their most vulnerable moments. Nurses are known for their empathy, compassion, and deep commitment to helping others. If you are looking for a career that is both rewarding and challenging, and allows you to make a difference in your community, then nursing may be the perfect choice for you. In this blog, we explore the statement “why I want to be a nurse,” share personal stories from Rockhurst University’s ABSN students, and list the many reasons why becoming a nurse is an inspiring and fulfilling career path.

• 1. Helping Others
• 2. Diverse Opportunities
• 3. Job Stability
• 4. Flexibility
• 5. Multiple Education Options
• 6. Personal Growth
• 7. Community Impact

1. Helping Others

“There's just something so special about taking care of other people, and for me personally, it makes me feel very fulfilled and like I have a purpose… there's really nothing greater than caring for somebody and helping them improve their quality of life and seeing that process unfold in front of you.” – Daly Sullivan, ABSN student, Rockhurst University

Nursing is a profession that allows you to make a real difference in people's lives. Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients and can provide emotional support, patient education, and advocacy for their patients. They also work alongside other health care professionals, including doctors, to ensure patients receive the best possible care. The nursing profession is incredibly rewarding, as nurses witness the positive impact they have on patient's’ lives, making it an ideal career for those seeking a vocation, not just a job.

2. Diverse Opportunities

“I've always known that I wanted to do something in the medical field... Originally I thought it would be medical lab science, but I wanted more people interactions, so nursing was just the way for me to go.” – Caitlin Cole, ABSN student, Rockhurst University

Nursing is a diverse field that offers a multitude of specialties and career paths. With options such as pediatrics, emergency medicine, critical care and more, nurses can find an area of practice that aligns with their interests and passions. This allows them to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career in the healthcare industry. The variety of specialties also ensures that there is a need for nurses in many areas, providing job security and opportunities for growth and advancement.

3. Job Stability

“As I got older, I realized… I wanted to have a more solid career. And [with] nursing, you can't go wrong with it. You can go and move to any state and you'll have job security..” – Lydia Stephens, ABSN student, Rockhurst University

In the United States, nursing is considered a highly in-demand profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the essential role of nurses in health care, further increasing the demand for nursing professionals. This positive outlook provides opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career in nursing to have long-term job security and stability.

4. Flexibility and Competitive Salary

“I like the flexibility. I like that you can do bedside or you can be a school nurse. You can work five days a week. You can work three days a week... You can do community nursing, bedside and school, and public health. There's just so many different opportunities and you can cater it to your wants and needs.” – Abbey Clark, ABSN student, Rockhurst University

Nurses often enjoy the flexibility of their job, including the ability to tailor their work week. This allows them to better balance their work and personal lives while also accommodating their individual preferences and needs. Additionally, the nursing profession offers a variety of work settings and specialties, providing nurses with opportunities to explore and grow in their careers.

In addition, Nurses nurses are well-compensated for their work. Nurses of different levels can earn competitive and favorable salaries based on their education, experience, and specialty. Registered nurses, for example, earn a median annual salary of $77,600, while nurse practitioners can earn over $123,780 per year. Additionally, nurses who specialize in areas such as critical care or oncology tend to earn higher salaries. With a growing demand for health care services, nurses are in high demand and can expect to receive competitive compensation packages that include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

5. Multiple Education Options

“What was most appealing is that there was an online portion… and you could do [the ABSN program] from just about anywhere. We have people in the program from all over the place. So, that's what attracted me to it.” – Carly Tomlin, ABSN student, Rockhurst University

There are several educational pathways available for individuals interested in becoming a nurse. These include associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs. Each pathway offers unique benefits and allows individuals to choose a program that best fits their career goals and lifestyle. The Hybrid Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and are ready to begin a career as a nurse. This full-time program prepares students to become skilled nurses in just 16 months. Rockhurst University’s Hybrid ABSN program also allows nursing students to complete 100% of their coursework online for the utmost convenience, with clinical experiences in their own region. Whether you’re interested in a shorter program that provides basic nursing skills or a more advanced program that offers additional opportunities for specialization, there is an educational pathway available for everyone.

6. Personal Growth

“No matter what comes your way or what challenges happen, you can keep going. And you can find the strength within yourself, as well as knowing that you have a support system, a community, that will be there with you, that will help cheer you on ... And that what you do impacts the world so much, even if you don't realize it. It makes me want to be the best nurse that I possibly can be.” – Alexus Dieckmann-Dean, ABSN student, Rockhurst University

Nursing is a career that demands both personal and professional growth. Not only do nurses need to have a wealth of medical knowledge and technical skills, but they must also possess strong communication and leadership abilities. Nurses learn how to manage stress, communicate effectively, and make critical decisions in high-pressure situations. As they work closely with patients and their families, nurses are challenged to be empathetic, patient, and compassionate. The nursing field is constantly evolving, with new technologies and treatments emerging all the time. This means that nurses must be lifelong learners, committed to staying up-to-dateup to date with the latest advancements in their field. Overall, nursing is a challenging and rewarding career that pushes individuals to grow in multiple areas of their lives.

7. Community Impact

“Originally, growing up, I just thought that they took blood pressure and handed the chart over to the doctors. And getting to actually work in the medical field, you get to see how hands-on they are and how much of an impact they can have on just one, single patient's life. And whether the patient knows it or not, the way that you treat someone really does change their time in the hospital and how everything goes for them. I like the way that they're just hands-on with the patients.” – Alexus Dieckmann-Dean, ABSN student, Rockhurst University

Nurses play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of their communities. By providing compassionate care, educating patients and families, and advocating for public health initiatives, nurses can make a significant impact on the health outcomes of the people they serve. Whether working in hospitals, clinics, schools, or community settings, nurses have the opportunity to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve access to quality health care. Through their dedication and expertise, nurses can help to create healthier, happier communities for all.

Start Changing Lives – Become a Nurse

There are many reasons to become a nurse in the United States. From job stability to personal growth, nursing offers a variety of benefits that make for a rewarding and fulfilling career path. As a nurse, your contribution to health care will be significant. The American Nursing Association (ANA) has been advocating for a month-long celebration for the past three years to provide more opportunities to recognize and appreciate the valuable work of nurses. As a nurse, you can make an impact by shaping health policy decisions that guarantee quality and affordable health care for all. This year’s Nurses Month theme, "You Make a Difference," acknowledges the various roles nurses play and the positive influence they have on people's lives.

Celebrate Nurses Month and learn more about how you can make a difference and become a nurse in Rockhurst University’s Online ABSN program.