5 Reasons Why Nursing is Different Than Any Other Career

While being a nurse is a rewarding career, it is also a very unique one by nature. There are certain job demands, duties and responsibilities in health care, especially in nursing that aren’t common or found among other professions. It takes a special kind of person to be able to perform under pressure and thrive as a nurse.

For those who do choose this path, they often form a special bond and friendship with fellow nursing program students or co-workers, as they too understand the quirks and perks associated with the job.

Here are 5 reasons why nursing is unlike any other career:

Unpredictable Hours

Unlike the traditional 9 to 5 associated with many careers, nurses often work long or unusual shifts, sometimes working as much as 36 hours in a 3 day period. Often overtime is required, and having weekends and holidays off isn’t always a given.

Nurses are pretty much always on call and learn to expect the unexpected and to always be ready to work at a moment’s notice.

Comfortable Attire

Let’s face it; the wardrobe of a nurse is pretty amazing and a dream come true for most. Forget about trying to survive a long shift wearing painful high heels that pinch your toes, or stiff, unbendable suits and itchy button up shirts that are dry-clean only.

A nurse’s wardrobe usually consists of ultra comfortable shoes and scrubs. It’s basically like being able to wear your pajamas to work!

Advice Requests

From the second you enroll into a nursing program, to beginning your nursing career, suddenly your phone is ringing off the hook from long lost friends and family wanting you to answer their urgent and sometimes embarrassing medical questions and give advice, like "What do you think this rash could be?"

It’s not just friends and family either. Just being in scrubs while standing in line at the bank or coffee shop can warrant some interesting and sometimes TMI conversations with well meaning strangers.

Special Bond

Given everything that is expected and required of nursing program students or nurses, there is a unique camaraderie between those who devote their lives to caring for and helping others. It takes a certain drive and passion to become a nurse and what is taught in a nursing program or even on the job far extends the reach of any classroom or textbook. The skills and dedication are something that only a fellow student or nurse can understand and relate to, making friendships and bonds rock solid and everlasting.

Highly Rewarding

While many careers can be rewarding, the feelings of pride and accomplishment associated with nursing are amplified when saving lives and facing serious, life threatening decisions and challenges on a regular basis. While these daily dilemmas and stressful situations can sometimes take a toll on a nurse’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being, the positives and benefits of the job just can’t be beat.

Nurses are highly respected in their field because of their extraordinary skills, knowledge, and selfless care they provide to others and deserve every penny of their higher than average earnings. For the majority of most nurses though, it’s much more than a paycheck, it’s a calling. Start your path to a rewarding nursing career today with Athena Career Academy.