The COVID-19 pandemic changed the health care system globally. The profession of nurses seems to have gained the most from covid as the average pay increased drastically. As nursing is a profitable profession, most people are more interested in knowing how to acquire its training. The good news is that you can complete your Master of Science Nursing program in just 21 months.
Average Income of Nurses
An average registered nurse has a median annual wage of $77.6k in the U.S. Some nurses, such as midwives, nurse practitioners, and others, earn $124k annually. As a nurse, the more specialized and advanced degrees you have related to the field, the more you will make. Nurses who bounce from one hospital to another or city to city are the ones who end up making the most money. Students who do travel nursing reportedly said that they are able to pay their tuition fees while attending school and working at the same time. If you are convinced to join this profession, here are some tips for you to land a good earning position as a nurse.
Get An Advanced Nursing Degree
There is a huge pay difference between registered and non-registered nurses. Hence, acquiring a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree is best since a degree would give you an edge over less specialized nurses.
Choose In-demand Practice
The shortage of nurses in the health industry has given them more power to bargain their salaries. Not just salaries some nurses are also fortunate enough to get incentives worth $40,000. In the current economic climate, with the scarcity of nurses, the skilled ones can get their pay boost.
Open Your Field of Work
If you are truly hoping to increase your earnings as a nurse, you should be open to different opportunities, even if it means leaving your current employer, city, or state. Instead of waiting for your employer to give you a raise, it is better to snoop around for a better offer that ensures better employment opportunities. A medical specialist warns that the current labor market scenario will change. Hospitals are also getting budget-constrained, so eventually, this profession may become a low-margin business.
Start Your Own Practice
Frontier Nursing University encourages nurses to start their practices in rural areas in the form of independent clinics. This would mean nurses can have the freedom to make their own decisions, and people in rural areas can have access to primary care. The average entrepreneurial earnings of a nurse can be around $100k. Another medical specialist says that no matter which route you take, it’s crucial for future nurses to realize how passionate they are about the field. Since nursing is a big responsibility, it’s more than just a profession but a full-time job. As a career, nursing requires you to invest a minimum of 40 hours per week. The thing that matters is that by choosing this profession, you will be able to make a positive contribution to the society.