WHAT IS NURSING?

Nurses are vital to the community. A career in nursing is challenging, while also rewarding as it involves helping sick individuals become healthy again. There are many ways of becoming a nurse in Australia, including TAFE or university courses. As there are many people in need of nurses nationwide, there are always jobs available for nurses. Nurses in Australia have many places they can work in, this includes hospitals and schools, with the opportunity to have flexible work hours. The salary of a nurse in Australia depends on what type of nurse they are and their years of experience. There are multiple career pathways one may follow within nursing such as paediatrics, intensive care, oncology, and emergency nursing. Nursing is a growing field, and a popular entry point into a career in medicine. The work may be unglamorous and demanding, but it is deeply rewarding: As a nurse, you have the power to save lives and make a real difference for your patients. A Registered Nurse (RN) is a nurse who has graduated from a nursing program and met the requirements outlined by a country, state, province or similar licensing body to obtain a nursing license. An RN’s scope of practice is determined by legislation, and is usually regulated by a professional body or council. RN’s are employed in a variety of professional scenarios, and often focus on a specific field of practice. They may be responsible for supervising care delivered by other healthcare workers, including student nurses, licensed practical nurses, unlicensed assistive personnel, and less-experienced RNs.

STARTING OUT

When starting out in their chosen career, what often surprises new RN’s is the level of autonomy that they may experience. A common misconception is that nurses are there only to follow orders given by doctors. This is not entirely correct, while nurses do follow instructions from Doctors, they must also critically think for themselves and implement patient care as the opportunity arises. When someone commences a career in nursing, they might envision one path for themselves working in a hospital environment, but soon learn that their particular skill set and personal aspirations can lead them in many different directions. Some nurses will need to broaden their horizons to other healthcare facilities. New graduates, should keep their mind open to all kinds of positions to gain the experience that will give them more opportunity as their career progresses.

THE SACRIFICES

This sacrificial attitude is one of the greatest strengths of the nursing profession, but it can also be a detriment. People don’t understand that nurses sacrifice eating and going to the bathroom to get work done, and nurses can sometimes sacrifice to the point of harming their own health. Burnout is a real problem in nursing. Most nurses have certainly experienced it and this may lead to many wanting to quit nursing altogether. Those who work in the nursing profession need to gain consider how nursing matters to their passion or purpose, and this will help them to stick with it in hard times. That, and equipping themselves with strong self-care habits to make sure that they don’t sacrifice their health.

THE REWARDS

Have you considered a career in nursing? It’s a very rewarding career, both monetarily and emotionally. Making a difference in people’s lives and bringing them hope and cheer is not something that you can achieve in just about any career. The ability to affect someone’s life positively is unique to only a few professional individuals. On a daily basis, I have the opportunity to help others, to inspire. To heal and promote wellness. It is an occupation that is more of a ministry. Nursing is a profession that constantly gives back. Nurses are rewarded every single day, in so many ways. Most nurses love what they do and the joy they bring into the lives of others.