Nursing is often associated with caring for others, and for many people, the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life is what makes the profession so appealing. Whether it’s supporting a patient through a difficult diagnosis, helping someone recover from an illness or reassuring a worried family, nurses play an important role in people’s health and wellbeing.
But being a good nurse takes more than a caring nature. It also involves clinical knowledge, critical thinking, communication and the ability to stay calm when situations become challenging.
Like any career, nursing comes with its own demands and responsibilities, and it’s worth understanding what the day-to-day work really involves before deciding whether it’s the right fit. From working closely with patients and families to making important clinical decisions and adapting to unpredictable situations, nurses draw on a wide range of skills.
So, what qualities might make someone well suited to nursing, and what should you consider before pursuing this career?
What skills and qualifications do you need to become a nurse?
Becoming a nurse requires formal education, practical experience and a commitment to ongoing learning. The first step is completing an approved nursing qualification, such as a Bachelor of Nursing or Diploma of Nursing in Australia. For qualified nurses looking to expand their expertise, an MS in Nursing can deepen clinical knowledge and develop specialist skills.
Clinical placements will allow you to put your studies into practice and learn how to care for patients in various health care environments. You will also need to meet your state’s requirements to register with AHPRA. During your studies, you will learn skills that will help you care for patients, such as communication and assessment to determine what is best for them.
There are many ways to continue learning after becoming a nurse. By continuing to learn you can advance your nursing career. Further study can help you gain deeper knowledge about nursing and become a specialist in your chosen field.
6 signs nursing could be the right career for you
There is no specific type of person that would make someone a good nurse. Some people have certain qualities that others may not and have previous experience or interest in the field. Many skills you’ll develop naturally as you gain experience.
But here are some signs you may enjoy nursing if you decide to pursue it.
1. You find meaning in helping other people
Helping others may come naturally to you if you want to pursue nursing. As a nurse you will be able to help others deal with illness and injury as well as changes in their health. There are times when it can be hard, but it can be very satisfying if you know that you’re making a difference in someone’s life.
2. You’re comfortable communicating with different people
Being able to communicate with others is key in nursing. There will be all types of people you will need to communicate with. Just like parenting a shy child, some people will take a while to warm up to you. It’s important to have the empathy to understand that some people just need more time and understanding. Being able to listen to what they have to say and understand it will be very helpful in nursing.
3. You enjoy problem-solving and critical thinking
As a nurse, you will need to use your knowledge to figure out what your patient needs. You will have to read charts and understand what is going on with your patient and know when something is off. Problem-solving ties directly into this, since you’ll need to think critically to find solutions for your patient.
4. You can adapt to changing situations
Every shift will be different as a nurse. Patients may become worse or better than expected and things will happen that you may not have prepared for. So being able to think on your feet and be adaptable will allow you to provide your patients with the best care possible. Those who enjoy adapting on the fly and changing their course of action to handle such moments may find nursing suits them well.
5. You’re a team player
You will need to communicate with other medical staff to provide your patient with the best care possible. Whether it be talking to doctors, other nurses or any other members of the health care team. Those who enjoy working with others and appreciate that a team can achieve more than one person alone may find nursing a rewarding path.
6. You’re interested in learning and developing your skills
Healthcare is constantly evolving, so you will need to learn new skills and techniques. Maybe it’s becoming more confident with certain skills or learning about new treatments and ways to care for patients. You may even go on to do a postgraduate qualification to learn more about your speciality.
The realities of working as a nurse
As with any job, there are some negatives that go hand in hand with being a nurse. You will most likely be working night shifts and public holidays. There may be long hours spent standing on your feet or doing strenuous work and trying to multitask.
These can also become emotionally draining. As nurses, we will be dealing with sick and injured individuals and even those who are dying. Although it’s a great feeling knowing that you have helped heal hearts, you must know your limits as a nurse. When you’re assessing a patient and notice any changes in their condition, you’ll need to make a lot of decisions.
Where can a career in nursing take you?
Another good thing about nursing is that you have many options when it comes to where and what you want to specialise in. Not only will you see patients in the hospital setting, but you can also see people throughout their lifespan and provide them with different levels of care.
Nursing can be done in many areas of health. Some may choose to nurse in hospitals and provide acute care to their patients. Some may choose to go into the field of community and primary healthcare. Mental health nursing is another option, along with aged care and rehabilitation. Paediatrics is one of the many specialties that a nurse can become qualified in.
There are many more careers you can do once you have gained experience in the nursing field. These include teaching and management, or becoming an advanced or specialty nurse.
How to decide whether nursing is right for you
When deciding to become a nurse, you should think about what will suit you as a person. What makes you want to be a nurse? Maybe it’s because you like looking after people or you’re interested in medicine. It could also be that you want to start a career that you can branch off from. Once you have established why you want to become a nurse, you can see whether the job suits your lifestyle.
Think about whether you like being around busy health care environments. Are you ok with having that responsibility on you when working and will shift work suit you? If you have children, you may want to think about childcare arrangements, as nurses work nights and weekends and their hours can change frequently.
You should also ask yourself if you enjoy studying. Once you qualify as a nurse, you will continue to learn more about your profession and further study. There is no point in thinking too far ahead but if you know what you’re looking for, it can help you come to a decision.
Finding your place in nursing
Nursing can offer a meaningful and varied career, with opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives while continuing to learn and develop professionally. However, it’s also a demanding profession that calls for commitment, adaptability and a willingness to take on responsibility.
By understanding both the rewards and realities of the role, you can make a more informed decision about whether nursing is the right fit for your interests, strengths and circumstances.
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