Is It Worth It To Be A Nurse?

Nurses are in hot demand these days, and the COVID pandemic has shown just how few nurses we currently have and how many more we need to meet demands.

As a nurse, you have extreme career security, higher than average salary, and your potential salary can go much higher if you plan to specialize or work in private practice.

However, nursing can be an extremely challenging career that can be physically and emotionally demanding, and not all people are suited for that type of challenge on a daily basis.

If you feel that the physical and emotional demands are worth the major benefits you get as a nurse, then you should be considering it and asking yourself whether it’s worth it to be a nurse.

Is Being A Nurse Worth It?

A career as a nurse can be extremely worthwhile if you pick the right career options; you can get significant job satisfaction out of being a nurse and can be compensated very well.

While there are education and experience levels required to reach the best nursing positions, you should set your focus on where you want to go and what benefits you want out of being a nurse.

Type Of Nurse	Salary	Happiness Rank	Time To Entry
Nursing Assistant (CNA)	$33,250	Top 50%	4 – 12 Weeks
Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)	$51,850	Bottom 17%	1 – 2 Years
Nursing Instructors	$82,040	Top 36%	6 Years
Registered Nurses (RN)	$82,750	Bottom 13%	3 Years
Nurse-Midwives (CNM)	$114,210	Top 21%	6 – 8 Years
Nurse Practitioners (NP)	$118,040	Bottom 42%	4 Years
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)	$202,470	Top 16%	7 – 8 Years

Three of the biggest factors that you need to consider when you’re planning out your nursing career are the educational and experience requirements for each type of nursing position. You also need to consider the compensation for the nursing role and how happy or satisfied that type of nursing position typically is.

How Much Do Nurses Make?

Different types of nurses make wildly different salaries, especially when you consider different locations and even different experience levels. However, the compensation is often very high for most nurses and is one of the biggest driving factors in becoming a nurse.

Typically a registered nurse in the US could be making $82,750 in 2022, which is an increase from $77,460 in 2019. This type is increase is fairly typical for most clinical nurses that have been working through the pandemic.

Type Of Nurse	Typical Salary 2022	Typical Salary 2019
Nursing Assistant (CNA)	$33,250	$30,720
Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)	$51,850	$48,500
Nursing Instructors	$82,040	$83,160
Registered Nurses (RN)	$82,750	$77,460
Nurse-Midwives (CNM)	$114,210	$108,810
Nurse Practitioners (NP)	$118,040	$111,840
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)	$202,470	$181,040

As you specialize as a nurse your pay will significantly increase, and one of the highest-paid nurses is a nurse anesthetist (CRNA) that makes on average $202,470 per year in 2022, which is a significant increase from the 2019 salary of $181,040.

One of the lowest paid types of nurses is the licensed practical or vocational nurse, but the salary is still attractive to many people. You could be earning $51,850 after as little as 1 year of education to certify for this position.

How Much Do Traveling Nurses Make?

A traveling nurse is typically a registered nurse working for short periods of time in locations that have a major nursing shortage and need to boost numbers quickly. Traveling nurses have always been required, but the number of open positions has drastically increased over the past 3 years.

A typical traveling nurse could make $3,000 per week, but in recent years, due to the pandemic, nurses have been making as much as $8,000 per week.

You would likely be working for an agency ho handles finding the positions and getting you situated in them. So you would only need to pack up your own gear, such as your nursing shoes, and head to which state or hospital needed you that week.

It can be a very lucrative position, and you can choose to work more to earn more or work for bursts so that you have more time to spend with your family or doing the things you want.

The highest demand for traveling nurses is in California and Florida, and while registered nurses are in high demand, some specialties or experience are specifically being sought, including specialties in ICU, surgery, and emergency room nursing.

Which US States Pay The Most For Nurses?

As with any profession, your location has a significant impact on how much you can make. So as a nurse, you should consider whether you’ll be a traveling nurse, pick a specific state, or whether you need to stay in a specific state for your family.

California has one of the highest average salaries for a registered nurse at $113,240, while Mississippi has one of the lowest average salaries at $59,750. So your location could be a significant factor in whether nursing is a good career choice or an amazing career choice.

State	Typical Salary
Alabama	$60,230
California	$113,240
New York	$87,840
Oregon	$92,960
Mississippi	$59,750
Hawaii	$104,060

Some states that you may think would have a much higher salary, are places like New York, where the average salary for a registered nurse is $87,840. More population-dense states can have higher salaries, but the supply and demand of nurses are also a factor.

Are Nurses Happy?

One of the big issues that have been exposed over recent years is that nurses are becoming increasingly unhappy in their roles. Many have left, and others are already considering a move to different positions or a complete career change.

Picking the right type of nursing career or specialty can be the difference between being happy and satisfied with your job or becoming burnt out and leaving a potentially valuable career.

Type Of Nurse	Pay Rank	Happiness Rank
Nursing Assistant (CNA)	7	Top 50%
Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)	6	Bottom 17%
Nursing Instructors	5	Top 36%
Registered Nurses (RN)	4	Bottom 13%
Nurse-Midwives (CNM)	3	Top 21%
Nurse Practitioners (NP)	2	Bottom 42%
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)	1	Top 16%

The least happy nursing profession and one you may want to avoid is a licensed practical nurse, who also ranks as one of the lowest-paid types of nurses.

Many of the specialist nurses have significantly higher pay and much higher happiness and satisfaction levels from their roles. Nurse anesthetists are the highest-paid and most satisfied and happy nurses in general.

Almost every specialist nursing position will require you to be a registered nurse and work for a number of years and get additional education to move up.

What Type Of Education Do You Need As A Nurse?

Depending on your career goal, you could be a licensed practical nurse in as short as 1 year without the requirement for a full degree in nursing.

Registered nurses require a minimum of an associate’s degree in nursing; however, having a full bachelor’s degree in nursing can improve your career prospects. Almost any specialist nursing position will first require a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a number of years as a registered nurse.

Type Of Nurse	Time To Entry
Nursing Assistant (CNA)	4 – 12 Weeks
Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)	1 – 2 Years
Nursing Instructors	6 Years
Registered Nurses (RN)	3 Years
Nurse-Midwives (CNM)	6 – 8 Years
Nurse Practitioners (NP)	4 Years
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)	7 – 8 Years

To become one of the highest-paid nurses, a nurse anesthetist, will require around 7-8 years. This time includes getting your bachelors in nursing, along with experience as a registered nurse, and then you will need to complete a post-bachelors degree in nursing and pass certification.

Should You Become A Nurse?

Nursing is an excellent career choice for people that have the ability to deal with fast-paced, hectic, and potentially disturbing environments. To move through the career ranks of a nurse will first require you to be a registered nurse for a number of years and build your experience.

The pay in most nursing positions is reasonably high, and if you plan your career advancement, you can quickly move out of the less satisfying roles and into higher-paying and better positions.

If you’re able to travel or move, then finding the highest paying, best equipped, and best location can make your career much more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it to pursue a career as a nurse?

Absolutely! Pursuing a career as a nurse can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Nursing offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives and contribute to their well-being. As a nurse, you become part of a compassionate profession dedicated to caring for others. The sense of purpose and fulfillment derived from helping patients during their most vulnerable moments is truly priceless. Moreover, nursing provides a diverse range of career paths and opportunities for growth, allowing you to specialize in various fields and expand your knowledge and skills.

What are the benefits of being a nurse?

Being a nurse comes with numerous benefits. One of the primary advantages is job security. The demand for nurses continues to grow, and there is a constant need for healthcare professionals in various healthcare settings. Additionally, nursing offers competitive salaries and benefits, providing financial stability. Another benefit is the flexibility of nursing careers. Nurses can choose from a variety of work settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, or even remote and travel nursing opportunities. This flexibility allows nurses to find a work-life balance that suits their needs and preferences.

What challenges can nurses face in their profession?

Like any profession, nursing also has its challenges. One common challenge is the demanding nature of the job. Nurses often work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also face physically and emotionally demanding situations, requiring resilience and adaptability. Additionally, nurses must navigate complex healthcare systems, juggle multiple responsibilities, and make critical decisions under pressure. However, with the right support, resources, and self-care practices, nurses can overcome these challenges and find fulfillment in their profession.

How can I determine if nursing is the right career for me?

Deciding if nursing is the right career for you requires self-reflection and exploration. Start by considering your interests, values, and strengths. Reflect on your passion for helping others and your ability to handle challenging situations with compassion and empathy. Conduct informational interviews or shadow nurses in different specialties to gain firsthand insights into the profession. Research the educational requirements, job prospects, and potential career paths in nursing. Additionally, speaking with practicing nurses and seeking guidance from career counselors can provide valuable guidance in making an informed decision. Remember, nursing is a dynamic and rewarding profession, but it’s essential to ensure it aligns with your personal and professional goals.

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