November 10, 2022  |  Purdue Global  |  Updated May 9, 2025

Why become a nurse? High job satisfaction rates, fantastic benefits, abundant opportunities — the reasons are wide and varied. Below are 10 excellent reasons to pursue a career in nursing.

1. Nurses Make a Difference in People’s Lives

Nursing can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path for those who want to make a positive impact on people and their communities.

As Andrea Gibson, DNP, interim dean and vice president for the Purdue Global School of Nursing, says, “Nurses are central to the health care system, serving as leaders across interprofessional teams. They are uniquely qualified through their holistic understanding of individual, family, and community needs.”

2. Nurses Have Ample Job Opportunities

The U.S. is experiencing a well-documented nursing shortage, driven by an aging population and other factors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the registered nurse (RN) profession ranks among the top 10 occupations expected to add the most new jobs through 2033, highlighting the demand for skilled nurses. With an estimated 194,500 job openings annually, this field offers exceptional job security and opportunities for employment across the country.

3. Nursing Is a Trusted and Respected Profession

According to an annual Gallup poll, nurses have been ranked the most trusted profession in the U.S. for over 20 consecutive years. More than 3 in 4 Americans believe nurses possess high honesty and ethical standards — a powerful testament to the respect and admiration for nurses.

4. Nurses Have Opportunities for Advancement

With continued education and experience, registered nurses can pursue leadership roles, advanced practice positions, and expanded scopes of responsibility.

The demand is especially high for nurse practitioners. The BLS projects 46% job growth in this field through 2033 — more than 10 times the average growth rate across all occupations.

5. Nurses Have Above-Average Job Satisfaction

In 2024, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released findings from a survey of nurses. The organization found that overall job satisfaction among RNs remained high at about 80%, which is above average compared to most occupations. According to a 2024 survey by The Conference Board, the average job satisfaction rate was 62.7% in 2023.

6. Nurses Have Wide and Varied Employment Options

Nurses can align their career with their passions by focusing on a nursing specialty, such as family practice, geriatrics, adult health, maternal-infant, pediatrics, mental health, medical-surgical nursing, and hospice nursing. Nurses with an advanced degree can also work in areas such as:

  • Community education and public health
  • Nursing case management
  • Nursing management and leadership
  • Implementation of evidence-based practice
  • Patient care coordination
  • Nursing education
  • Health care administration

7. Nurses Have Access to Flexible Shifts and Schedules

Nursing is one of the few professions that offers flexible scheduling and shift selection, making it an attractive career option. There are plenty of full-time and part-time opportunities in nursing. Nurses can also work days, evenings, or nights based on what works best for their schedules.

8. Nurses Receive Excellent Benefits

According to the BLS’s Employee Benefits Survey, nurses receive more comprehensive benefits than the average U.S. worker. For example, 90% of registered nurses have access to medical care benefits compared to 75% of all civilian workers. Similarly, 91% of nurses have access to retirement benefits, well above the 75% average across all occupations.

Additional benefits may include:

  • Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
  • Generous paid time off
  • Life insurance
  • Pension plans
  • Tax savings plans

Nurses may even be eligible for several federal and state loan forgiveness and repayment programs, including:

9. Nurses Can Travel the World

There's a great need for health care within the U.S. and worldwide. Travel nursing can help address these shortages by sending registered nurses to work in different regions and countries.

More than 1.7 million traveling nurses are currently employed in the U.S.

10. Nurses Can Nurture Their Love of Learning

Health care is constantly evolving, and nurses are expected to stay current. While many states have continuing education requirements, many nurses have a natural curiosity and passion for learning. Nurses are encouraged to foster their love of learning and continue building their knowledge of the health care profession, the health care delivery model, and their role within that system.

Nursing is a field where lifelong learners thrive.

Earn a Nursing Degree Online at Purdue Global

Are you an aspiring nurse or looking to advance your nursing career? Purdue Global offers a range of online nursing degree programs — from RN-to-BSN and master’s degree programs to post-master’s certificates and Doctor of Nursing Practice. Prelicensure options are also available for students in Iowa and Maine.

Ready to get started? Request more information today, and take the next step toward a fulfilling nursing profession.



About the Author

Purdue Global

Earn a degree you're proud of and employers respect at Purdue Global, Purdue's online university for working adults. Accredited and online, Purdue Global gives you the flexibility and support you need to come back and move your career forward. Choose from 175+ programs, all backed by the power of Purdue.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment.