Discovering the journey to a career in nursing: The graduate degree in nursing and how it can benefit you

If you are considering a career in healthcare, a career as a nurse may be one of the most rewarding professions you can have. Whether you are a new college graduate or a career changer, a degree in nursing offers limitless possibilities. Since the healthcare sector is expanding at a fast pace, nurses are forever in demand, and there is a great deal of job security, good pay, and opportunities to really make a positive impact on people's lives. 

For those aspiring to join this rewarding profession, a graduate degree in nursing school is an excellent choice. In this article, we will talk about what a nursing degree is, how you can use it, and why online learning of nursing might be worth looking into.

What is a nursing degree?

On its simplest level, a nursing degree is a pathway to a career as a professional nurse. Nurses play a crucial role in the health care system, interacting directly with patients to provide care, manage medical treatments, and provide emotional comfort. But nursing school for graduate students involves more than bedside care. Nurses also work in research, health policy, education, and leadership.

You can earn a nursing degree at various levels depending on your career goals. The most common types of nursing degrees are:

• Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN): This is a two-year degree that is usually offered at community colleges and is the shortest route to becoming a registered nurse (RN).
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year degree that offers a more in-depth study of nursing theory, research, and leadership. BSNs are favored by most employers and can result in more advanced jobs.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): For individuals who want to specialize, the MSN offers advanced study in such areas as nurse practitioner specialties, nurse anesthetist, nurse educator, and more.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): A terminal degree for those who desire to specialize in advanced clinical practice or take on upper-level leadership positions in healthcare organizations.

What can you do with a nursing degree?

A nursing degree can open up a wide range of career opportunities. While most nurses are indeed employed in hospital or clinical settings, the versatility of a nursing degree means you can work in many different environments, including:

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities: The traditional setting for nurses, where you'll provide direct patient care in various departments like emergency, oncology, pediatrics, or intensive care units (ICUs).
• Public health and policy: Nurses in this field focus on community health initiatives, research, and education to improve public health outcomes on a large scale.
• Nursing education: As a nurse educator, you’ll teach and mentor the next generation of nurses, either at the high school level or in nursing schools.
• Advanced practice roles: You may be a nurse practitioner (NP), nurse anesthetist (CRNA), nurse midwife (CNM), or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) if you pursue an MSN or higher, taking on more specialized responsibilities.
• Healthcare administration: Advanced-degree nurses can also transition into leadership roles, such as nurse managers, healthcare executives, or policy advisors, where they shape the direction of nursing practice and patient care policy.

Statistical overview of nursing school

According to statistics provided by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), there is an enormous need for nurses. America is facing a nursing shortage, with predictions of a shortage of more than 200,000 registered nurses by 2032. There were nearly 4.7 million registered nurses in the U.S. alone as of 2023 according to AACN, and demand for nurses is expected to grow in the next decade, at a rate faster than most other jobs.

Nursing schools are also feeling the pressure of this demand, with more students applying to nursing schools than ever before. Nursing schools, however, are also experiencing capacity issues. On the positive side, the outlook for nursing graduates is very promising. Nurses enjoy excellent job security, and most health centers offer decent compensation and benefits. 

Benefits of online nursing degree study

In today's age and time, online education has become a powerful medium in how people achieve their degrees. For those interested in getting into nursing, an online nursing degree has various benefits. Here's why studying nursing online might just be the most ideal choice for you:

• Flexibility and convenience: Online nursing programs allow you to study at your own schedule. If you work full-time or have family responsibilities, online classes offer the flexibility to complete your coursework at any time that fits into your life.
• Access to programs across the nation: Online nursing degrees open you to more programs, even at universities across the nation. This allows you to search for the program that best fits your interests and goals, without the constraints of what is offered in your local area.
• Reduced costs: Online learning can typically save you money on commuting costs and relocation needs. Tuition at many online nursing schools is also less than for campus-based programs, so it is a cost-effective option for many students.
• Better work-life balance: As you can complete coursework from home, you can more easily balance study around work and personal life, avoiding burnout and maintaining a better work-life balance.

The takeaway: Why choose nursing?

A graduate degree in nursing can be a life-changing decision, opening up challenging and rewarding career opportunities. With the healthcare field still expanding by leaps and bounds, there has never been a better time to enter the profession. Nursing offers a fulfilling career, job stability, and the ability to impact people's lives on a daily basis.