Top Reasons You Should Become a Nurse: A Laugh (and a Little Real Talk) About Nursing School

 Today, we’re flipping the script.

Last episode? A whole bunch of reasons why you shouldn’t become a nurse (don’t worry, it’s not all bad). But today, I’m all about balance, so let’s dive into some awesome reasons why YOU SHOULD become a nurse!

Trust me, I know nursing isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but let’s focus on the good stuff. The things that make it worth all the hard work, sleepless nights, and caffeine overdoses. So buckle up, because here come the perks of becoming a nurse!

1. It’s Actually Really Interesting

Okay, let’s be real: if you’re here, you’re probably already into the human body. And nursing school? It’s like a deep dive into the fascinating world of how your body works (or sometimes doesn’t work). From the cool (and slightly terrifying) stuff that can go wrong to the steps you’ll take to fix it, nursing school is way more interesting than, say, accounting (no offense to all the accountants out there).

2. You’ll Always Have a Job (Seriously)

Here’s the good news: there’s a shortage of nurses, so finding a job is like shooting fish in a barrel. Sure, you might not get your dream job on day one (a.k.a. that cushy 9-5 office job), but if you’re just looking for a nursing job, you’re golden. Honestly, you’ll probably have a ton of offers to pick from—because, you know, they’re always hiring. And, yes, maybe ask yourself why they’re always hiring. But hey, at least you won’t be stuck on the job search struggle bus like other fields.

3. You Can Work Everywhere. No, Really. Everywhere.

Once you pass the NCLEX, you’re good to go pretty much anywhere in the U.S. Sure, some states may have slightly different rules, but nursing is one of those careers that comes with built-in mobility. If you like to move around, work in different states, or follow your spouse’s job (shoutout to military spouses!), nursing could be your ticket to easy relocation. Want to travel more? Get this—travel nursing. That’s right. You can take your nursing skills on the road and make bank while doing it.

4. Flexibility. Sweet, Sweet Flexibility.

Nursing gives you some serious schedule freedom. While most jobs are stuck in the traditional “9-to-5 grind” (ugh), nursing is pretty much the opposite. You’re in charge of your shifts—meaning you can pick your hours. You want to work at 3 am? Go for it. Prefer days? You got it. Heck, you can even work just a few hours if you need to. Want to make more money? Pick up a night shift. If you have kids or a family, this is a game changer.

5. The Pay (Yes, It’s Pretty Good!)

Nurses get paid well, especially considering how fast you can get into the field. We’re talking 18 months of school to start earning. Compare that to other careers that need 4 years of school (and likely more debt). Sure, the work is tough and sometimes grueling (hello, back pain), but when you factor in the pay, it’s hard to argue. And for those of you thinking about nursing school—you’re gonna be just fine.

6. Benefits That Don’t Suck

It’s not just about the pay; the benefits are on point. Most hospitals offer tuition reimbursement programs, so you can start working with your 2-year degree and then have them pay for your bachelor’s degree. It’s like getting paid to go back to school. Where’s the downside to that?

7. You Make a Difference (Seriously)

It’s one of the best feelings in the world—helping people. Sure, you’ll probably deal with some grumpy patients or folks who aren’t exactly grateful. But overall? You’re making a huge impact. I used to work at a bank, and let me tell you, upselling loans wasn’t nearly as rewarding as helping someone recover and feel better.

8. It’s the Most Respected Profession (Seriously, Again)

You might already know this, but nursing is consistently ranked as one of the most respected professions in the U.S. Everyone knows what a nurse does and has immense respect for the job. Let’s be honest, how cool is it to say, “I’m a nurse” and watch people’s faces light up? It’s not quite like saying, “I’m a data analyst” (no offense to data analysts either), but still.

9. Room to Grow

If you’re someone who craves growth, nursing has that covered too. Whether you start with an associate’s degree, get your bachelor’s, or aim for a master’s, the sky’s the limit. Want to become a nurse practitioner, a nurse anesthetist, or even a nurse educator? The options are endless—and you can increase your salary while you’re at it.

10. You’ll Never Be Bored (Ever)

One of the best parts about being a nurse? Never being bored. The work is fast-paced, always evolving, and full of surprises. Every day is different, and you get to explore multiple specialties if you want to change things up. ER, ICU, pediatrics, you name it—there’s always something to keep you on your toes. Got a wild story? Trust me, you’ll have plenty to share.

11. Telehealth and Working from Home

Nursing doesn’t just mean long shifts at the hospital. Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, you can transition to telehealth or home care. Imagine having a flexible schedule, all while helping people from the comfort of your own home. It’s like getting the best of both worlds!

12. Scrubs Are Basically Pajamas (And Who Doesn’t Love That?)

Let’s talk about your wardrobe—scrubs. They’re comfy, easy to wear, and best of all? They have pockets. Seriously, who knew a pair of pants with pockets could make your day that much better? You can go for stylish, tight-fitting scrubs, or go the pajama route. Either way, you’re winning.

13. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Being a nurse means you’re part of a team—a big team. It’s not just about you. You work alongside doctors, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, and caseworkers to make sure your patients get the best care possible. It’s a group effort, and that makes it so much more fulfilling.

14. Nurses Are Everywhere (Which Means You’ll Never Be Far From a Job)

Because there’s always a hospital nearby, and there are tons of job openings, it’s pretty easy to find a nursing job close to home. You’ll never have to drive far to clock in.

15. Autonomy + Creativity

Nursing allows you to put your own personal stamp on the job. You get to educate patients in your own style, offer empathy, and connect with people in a meaningful way. No one is telling you exactly how to do everything—so get creative and make your day your own!

Bonus Tip: If you're a nursing student or just looking to work smarter, not harder, grab the Picmonic app. This is my secret weapon for studying. It’s full of fun cartoon videos to help you remember those tricky concepts. Check out the link in the show notes for 20% off your subscription!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Nursing is far from perfect, but it’s an incredibly rewarding career. Whether it’s the flexibility, the feeling of making a difference, or the respect you earn, becoming a nurse has some seriously great perks. If you're on the fence, I hope this post helped you see some of the good stuff that comes with the territory.

Until next time, keep up the good work in your nursing school journey. You got this!