Fulfilling, exciting, rewarding, in demand, and ever-changing. These are just a few of the words to describe a nursing career. Nursing may be the perfect choice for those looking not only for a stable and well-paid profession but also a great career to serve others.
For those with a passion for helping in a rewarding environment, keep reading to learn what might be in your future as well as some other aspects of the job to consider.
Will nursing jobs be available in the future?
There seems to be no slowing down the need for nurses including in places like Santa Fe, New Mexico. In fact, the demand for nurses may have never been higher.
“For years, experts in the healthcare field have sounded the alarm on the high demand for nurses nationwide,” Marquette University notes. “Based on projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the country will need an additional 203,200 registered nurses (RNs) each year from now through 2031.”
How long does it take to go through nursing school?
There are generally a couple of options for those considering becoming a nurse. Most students attend nursing school for two years to receive an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or four years for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
These programs can be demanding, but a nursing career at facilities like Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe can definitely be worth the hard work. The company has been offering hospital and outpatient clinics to north-central New Mexico since 1865 and features 39 services and lines of specialty care.
Which nursing degrees are in the most demand?
RNs are in high demand, but ADNs usually have no problem finding jobs as well. Some of the most in-demand nursing jobs are in the areas of neonatal care, surgical nursing, critical care, oncology, pediatrics, public health, and more.
CHRISTUS St. Vincent has a high demand for nurses, especially RNs, and offers a great place to start a nursing career or transition to a new environment.
What are nursing career options?
There is a wide range of nursing options and specialties. However, nursing can be emotionally and physically taxing. As with many careers, those choosing nursing should focus on an area that interests them and offers rewards for their time and effort.
For those considering a career at CHRISTUS St. Vincent, make sure the company aligns with your own values and work style. The company puts a major focus on community needs, so it’s important to understand the environment and culture at CHRISTUS St. Vincent.
Are nursing jobs flexible?
This is actually a major benefit of choosing a nursing career. These jobs are so in demand that flexible schedules have become a major part of the job. Many companies offer a three-day weekly schedule with additional shifts also regularly available for those who desire.
That flexibility also goes beyond schedules, and a nursing career can also include flexibility on the job as well. Nurses can usually find jobs at locations across the country and around the world.
“No matter the reason, all nurses enjoy a perk that most professional careers can’t offer: job flexibility,” Duquesne University reports. “Nursing is one of the few professions that offer multiple opportunities for flexibility in scheduling, work settings, and specialization.”
Does nursing pay well?
A nursing career not only offers some excellent emotional rewards but also significant salaries. The BLS reports that the average salary for RNs in the U.S. is now $82,750.
Some in the industry are even making six figures with the American Nursing Association reporting that 39% of more than 4,500 nurses surveyed earned between $80,000 and $139,000 per year in the last few years.
Salaries look to show no signs of slowing down considering the demand for the profession. The BLS reports that the RN workforce is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade – from 3.1 million in 2021 to 3.3 million in 2031.
Which nursing job is the best?
That may depend on the person, but according to One Staff Medical, some of the most popular areas of 2022 were cardiovascular, intensive care, neonatal intensive care, operating room nurses, and emergency room nurses.
What kinds of hours/shifts do nurses put in?
The flexibility that comes with a nursing career often means you’ll have some options to choose from. Many full-time nurses work five eight-hour shifts, four 10-hour shifts, or three 12-hour shifts per week.
In general, most full-time nurses work 36 – 40 hours a week. Part-time options are often available for nurses as well.
Deciding if nursing is the right career option for you is a personal decision, but if you enjoy a challenge, helping others, and want a flexible career with good earning opportunities, it may be just the job you’re seeking.
Find out about job opportunities at CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center here.
Read more about how CHRISTUS St. Vincent has a positive impact on the Santa Fe community here.
Story by Sean Chaffin
Story sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Vincent
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
