So you’re thinking about becoming a nurse? Nursing is a hot career right now; much of the economy is in flux, and nursing is one of the few profession’s that’s growing, not laying people off.

Here are 10 great things about nursing as a career:

1.) Reimbursement of tuition. Also known as loan forgiveness, this refers to a common incentive package offered by prospective employers to nursing graduates the want to hire. They offer to pay for student loans plus spend for continuing education.

2.) Sign-on bonuses. Many employers are so desperate for nurses that they are offering thousands of dollars in sign-on bonuses. You will likely have to sign an agreement to stay for a certain amount of time before you receive the bonus.

3.) Flexible schedules. You can work days, nights, weekends, part-time, full-time, overtime…whatever suits you.

4.) Shift differentials. As mentioned, you get extra pay for taking night and weekend shifts. Overtime duties usually pay for time and half.

5.) Travel opportunities. Travel nursing agencies pay experienced nurses at a higher rate than staff positions, pay travel expenses, and usually pay for the cost of accommodations. Some travel nursing agencies offer vacation pay and benefits.

6.) Job satisfaction. Other than the obvious monetary benefits, being a registered nurse also give you a satisfaction like no other. Caring for sick people and helping them at the weakest times in their lives is something money cannot buy.

7.) Exemplary benefits for staff nurses. Health benefits, 401K plans, vacation pay, and pensions are offered by many employers.

8.) Job stability. Being laid-off is probably your last concern if you are a nurse these days.

9.) Variety of work environments. Prisons, schools, hospitals, clinics, resorts, cruise ships…they all need nurses.

10.) Opportunity for advancement. RN’s need not remain as staff nurses forever. With continued education and higher degrees (which some employers may even pay for) a nurse can rise to higher positions such as managers, and subsequently, earn more too.

A career in nursing provides plenty of job opportunities but what are the best nursing jobs available? Visit us at http://nursingschoolprograms.com to find out! You’ll also learn about all the degrees and programs that are available including the online nursing programs.