Nursing

Have you ever thought about becoming a nurse? Well, there are some really good reasons why nursing can be a fantastic career path. Let’s take a look.

Helping People Every Day: One of the most rewarding things about being a nurse is that you get to help people all the time. When someone is sick or hurt, you’re there to take care of them and make them feel better. It’s a job that gives you a lot of satisfaction because you’re making a real difference in people’s lives.

Job Security: Nurses are always in demand. That means you’re likely to find a job easily and keep it, even when the job market is tough. People always need medical care, so nurses have job security.

Many Paths to Choose From: Nursing is not just one job; it’s like a big tree with many branches. You can specialize in different areas like taking care of babies, working in an emergency room, or helping older folks. This means you can find a nursing path that matches what you love to do.

Good Pay and Benefits: Nurses usually get paid well. As you get more experience and become an expert in your field, you can earn even more.

Flexible Hours: Nursing jobs can fit into your life. You can choose to work in a hospital, a clinic, or even travel for work. Plus, you can often pick the hours that suit your life, like having time for your family and other activities.

Learning Never Stops: The world of healthcare is always changing, and nurses are at the front of it all. You’ll keep learning new things and improving your skills, which keeps your job interesting and helps you grow in your career.

What a typical day looks like

Here is some of the typical tasks a Nurse does on a daily basis:

• assesses, plans, implements and evaluates nursing care for patients according to accepted nursing practice and standards
• works in consultation with other health professionals and members of health teams, and co-ordinating the care of patients
• provides interventions, treatments and therapies such as medications, and monitors responses to treatment and care plans
• promotes health and assists in preventing ill health by participating in health education and other health promotion activities
• answers questions and providing information to patients and families about treatment and care
• supervises and co-ordinates the work of enrolled nurses and other health care workers

How to Become a Nurse

In Australia there are two levels of nurses – Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses.

The primary difference between a Registered Nurse and an Enrolled Nurse  lies in their level of education, scope of practice, and responsibilities. Registered Nurses undergo more extensive training, typically completing a Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent. They are authorized to perform a broader range of nursing tasks, including assessing patients, developing care plans, administering medications, and supervising other healthcare staff.

Enrolled Nurses have completed a Diploma of Nursing or a Certificate IV in Nursing, which involves a shorter duration of training compared to RNs. Ens assist with patient care, administer medications under the supervision of an RN, and provide general nursing support. Their scope of practice is more limited than that of Registered Nurses.

Is this career for me?

Assessing whether a career in nursing is suitable for you requires self-reflection and careful consideration of your skills, interests, and values. Here are ten questions to ask yourself:

1. Do I have a genuine desire to help and care for others, even in challenging and often emotional situations?
2. Am I comfortable with the sight of blood, wounds, and bodily fluids, and can I maintain my composure in such situations?
3. Can I handle long and irregular work hours, including overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays?
4. Am I physically and mentally resilient enough to handle the physical demands and emotional toll of nursing, including heavy lifting and stressful situations?
5. Do I have strong communication skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare colleagues?
6. Am I a good problem solver and critical thinker, able to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations?
7. Can I adapt to and stay updated on rapidly evolving healthcare technologies and practices?
8. Do I have the patience and empathy required to provide emotional support to patients and their families?
9. Am I comfortable working as part of a healthcare team and collaborating with diverse professionals?
10. Can I handle the ethical dilemmas and moral responsibilities that come with providing medical care, including end-of-life decisions and confidentiality?

Answering these questions honestly will help you determine if a career in nursing aligns with your personality, values, and capabilities. Additionally, speaking with practicing nurses, volunteering in healthcare settings, and shadowing nurses can provide valuable insights into the profession.

Want to Learn More?

To continue your exploring this as a career path visit the follow career and training websites and related links:

·         yourcareer.gov.au

·        nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au

·         apna.asn.au

·         ahpra.gov.au

ARTICLE SOURCES

LabourMarketinsights.gov.au

Yourcareer.gov.au

Note salary information source taken from ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.