The Pros and Cons of a Career in Nursing

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Overview

There is a serious shortage of nurses in the UK, resulting in the NHS recruiting staff from overseas. Dr Peter Carter, chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, said:“It is certainly positive that NHS organisations are now acknowledging the need for more nurses, but urgent action must be taken to address the current shortfalls in the nursing workforce.”

Disadvantages of a career in nursing

Unsociable hours:It is not a nine-to-five job. Nurses often cover the ‘graveyard shift’, weekends and bank holidays. They usually work at short notice, for relatively low rates of pay.

Emotional effects:Nursing can be stressful and tiring. You will be on your feet all day. You are likely to experience tragic and sad situations which can take their toll, mentally. Patients may be difficult and uncooperative, some even violent. Nurses must follow strict guidelines to guard against dangers such as needle-stick infection and radiation.

Physical effects:Nurses have to lift and handle patients, which can be physically demanding. They are exposed to germs, viruses and patients with infectious diseases. Nurses deal with blood and bodily fluids, so it is not a job for the faint-hearted. It’s certainly not as glamorous as some television dramas portray it to be.

The Present Situation

However, to encourage careers in nursing, the RCN promote ‘International Nurses’ Day.’ This annual event falls on 12 May (Florence Nightingale’s birthday) and is a chance for patients and nurses to share their stories. You can find 2015s activities at: www.rcn.org.uk/nursesday

‘Nursing is an art: and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation as any painter’s or sculptor’s work; for what is the having to do with dead canvas or dead marble, compared with having to do with the living body, the temple of God’s spirit? It is one of the Fine Arts: I had almost said, the finest of Fine Arts,’ (Florence Nightingale)

Benefits of a career in nursing

Flexibility:There are opportunities for part-time work and different shifts to fit around family life. Nurses are encouraged to return to work after a career break and to be ‘on-call’.

Diversity:After qualifying in one of the four branches in nursing – adult, child, learning disability or mental health, there is scope to progress and specialise further. Outside of the NHS, opportunities exist within private clinics, nursing homes and Macmillan Cancer Support amongst other areas.

Job Satisfaction:Nurses can bond when saving a life or delivering a baby, which can be extremely satisfying and rewarding.

Further information on Nursing as a career

If you are interested in a career in nursing, www.rcn.org.uk/nursing will provide all the information you need to follow your chosen path.

Information on nursing and statutory nurse training from www.wordsworthreading.co.uk

BibliographyFlorence Nightingale (1820-1910) www.goodreads.com/author/quotes

Dr Peter Carter – Chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing – Nursing in Practice – online 10 May 2014