Is Now the Best Time to Become a Nurse?
Nursing has always been one of those stable professions that many people gravitate to. But nurses were on the front lines of COVID and you may have read a lot about burnout and the frustrations of nursing teams pushed to their limits during the pandemic. All of this may leave you wondering whether your choice to go into nursing was the right one. We’re here to tell you is was. Here are six reasons there has never been a better time to go into nursing.
Job Stability
The demand for nurses isn’t going away. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says we can expect a 9% increase in demand annually through 2030. This is even if the economy takes a dip during that time. Why? In part because of the Baby Boomers. A massive influx of older Americans will reach retirement age in the coming years. The predictions call for 10,000 people turning 65 every day for the next two decades. This population will need care. In addition, 133 million Americans—nearly one-half of the population—have at least one chronic disease. From diabetes to heart disease to hypertension, Americans are sicker than past populations. These trends call for more nurses—not fewer. These are good arguments for going into the profession and staying there.
Increasing Aid to Support Nursing Students
Make no mistake; the government and private healthcare organizations understand the pressures calling for more nurses. There are more programs than ever from the government to help you get through school with the financial assistance you need. For example, there are:
- The Nurse Corps, is a scholarship for anyone willing to work in a critical shortage area in healthcare after they graduate. This includes tuition, textbooks, uniforms, supplies, and a monthly stipend.
- Nursing student loans have always been around but the difference today is that some healthcare organizations are willing to help pay your loans should you sign on. Still, other organizations offer big signing bonuses that you can apply to anything you want—including your loans. There are also dozens of grants out there.
- The military is looking for nurses, too. Joining up means free education.
- Then there is travel nursing. For nurses willing and able to take on a travel contract, the pay is solid and it often includes paid travel and free housing.
Some organizations are waiving nursing school admission requirements, as well.
Nursing Pays
Finally, we’ve seen incredible financial opportunities for nurses recently. The nursing shortage caused one hospital to pay up to a $40,000 sign-on bonus. Hospitals are struggling to fill thousands of positions, which puts you in the driver’s seat for just about any job you want.
Ready to Be a Nurse?
For all these reasons, take a look at the Custom Group of Companies job board. We have some of the top nursing jobs in the country and would be proud to introduce you to these and other employers. Call on us. We’re here to help.
