Nursing is a challenging career field with many paths to success. This highly respected and patient-oriented role offers flexibility, diverse settings, and plenty of room to grow. Learn more facts about nursing while considering this career path.
From nursing school to the day-to-day realities of a nursing career, this field can initially seem intimidating. Having a clear understanding of what it involves can make all the difference. There’s a lot of information out there, but it’s important to make sure you have the facts.
One of the beautiful truths about nursing is that while demanding, it offers profound rewards to those who are dedicated. If you’re considering a career change or looking to accelerate your path into nursing, programs like Pacific Lutheran University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) offer a great way to earn your nursing degree in a condensed timeframe, all while receiving the comprehensive education and hands-on experience needed to succeed. With a better understanding of the truth about nursing, those interested in nursing can gain a more accurate view of the profession.
Fact 1: Nursing School is a Worthwhile Challenge
Nursing school is by no means easy, but the rewards are worth the effort. Nurses receive the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in the lives of each of their patients. A good nurse shows compassion, perseverance, hard work, and passion.
With the proper support and environment, nursing school is a place where anyone can thrive personally and professionally. Pacific Lutheran University’s ABSN program teaches an accelerated curriculum combining:
- Online-based nursing coursework that provides a foundation in key nursing concepts
- On-site skills and nursing simulation labs that teach essential nursing techniques
- Clinical placements treating patients at top area health care facilities
Our ABSN program provides an environment focused on teaching technical skills, caring for the individual, and preparing students to enter the nursing world confidently.
See the benefits of nursing in the Seattle, Washington area.
Fact 2: You Can Become a Nurse Later in Life
It is never too late to pursue a career in nursing. Life experience can be a valuable asset to a nursing career, making it a viable option at any age.
Nursing requires hard work, compassion, and the willingness to learn, qualities found in people at any stage of life. Whether transitioning from another field or starting fresh, your life experiences can make you a better nurse. Dedication opens doors to nursing at any age. PLU's program builds the skills and confidence for success.
Whether or not you have health care experience, PLU’s nursing program will prepare you for success. We focus on building your skills and confidence so you can achieve your nursing career goals.
Fact 3: Accelerated Nursing Programs Offer a Faster Route to Becoming a Nurse
The path to becoming a nurse can look different for everyone. Some choose an associate’s program, which typically takes two to three years, while others go for a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes about four years.
However, if you’re looking to fast-track your education without sacrificing quality, Pacific Lutheran University’s ABSN program allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in as few as 16 months. Each path is unique, and this curriculum means you can pursue your dream of becoming a nurse in a way that fits your timeline and goals.
See Pacific Lutheran’s 16-month curriculum.
Fact 4: Nursing Covers a Diverse Array of Responsibilities
Nursing is a multifaceted career where skilled professionals make a profound impact. While providing essential personal care is one aspect, nurses are also at the forefront of delivering complex medical treatments and offering emotional support.
Nurses are responsible for most frontline patient care in many health care settings.
Their days include:
- Evaluating patients
- Coordinating care plans
- Administering life-saving treatments
- Operating medical equipment
- Maintaining medical records
- Conducting diagnostic tests
Understanding the full breadth of nursing responsibilities helps underline nurses’ vital roles in health care.
Fact 5: Nurses Work in a Variety of Settings Beyond Hospitals
While hospitals are the first place many think of when it comes to medical care, nurses work in diverse settings. The profession offers variability, allowing nurses to work in outpatient clinics, specialized facilities, patients’ homes, and in emergency settings like helicopters and planes.
Whether in a hospital or the field, nurses are everywhere, using their skills to provide care in many environments. This variety in work settings means nurses can find a path that suits their interests and lifestyles far beyond the hospital walls.
Fact 6: Nursing Requires Lifelong Learning and Professional Development
As with any profession, it would be great if nursing school could teach you everything you’ll need for your career, but some lessons can only be learned on the job. Nursing school provides the foundational knowledge and tools to start your career, but you will continue gaining expertise and improving professionally through hands-on experience. You will learn new things every day, fresh out of school or decades into your career. Nursing is dynamic, and hands-on experience is key to mastering the role.
Fact 7: Nursing School Provides Opportunities to Explore Various Specialties
It’s not necessary to have your nursing specialty figured out before you start school. Most nurses don’t know exactly where they want to focus until they’ve had some hands-on experience. Nursing school allows you to explore different practice areas through clinical rotations, helping you discover what truly interests you. Even after graduation, most nursing specialties require experience as a licensed RN, so you have plenty of time to narrow your focus as you learn more about the field.
Fact 8: Building a Strong Resume is Key to Nursing Job Success
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job opportunities for nurses will grow by six percent by 2033, that doesn’t mean jobs are simply handed out. A strong resume is still essential to stand out in the job market. Hiring managers are looking for candidates with a solid educational background from an accredited school, like Pacific Lutheran University, and experience through program aspects like clinicals can help communicate your competence and readiness. The more experience you have, the more appealing you become as a candidate.
Take the First Step with Pacific Lutheran University
There is so much more to nursing than meets the eye. The facts about nursing highlight a profession rooted in hard work, compassion, and a genuine desire to give back to the community.
If a nursing career sounds right for you, contact an admissions representative today to start your journey.