by Claire Kernaghan

Created on: November 16, 2008   Last Updated: November 20, 2008

Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers a person can undertake, but how do you know if it is right for you? There is always media attention on nurses not getting the pay they are worth for the job they do and the hours they work but don't let it put you off. Nursing is not easy, I wont lie to you, but it is extremely rewarding.

So, how do you decide? Something you will learn if you decide to take on a nursing degree is RESEARCH IT! So, research nursing. Start by speaking to other nurses. Ask them about the pro's and con's of their job and what they are expected to do at their job. Ask as many questions as you feel you need to, for example about hours and flexibility of hours, annual leave or long service leave, pay rates and pay rises, ask anything you think you need to know that will help you make up your mind.

Secondly, have a look at the available nursing schools or universities available and the courses in nursing that they offer. Speak to the head of faculty, ask questions like what the studying involves, how much practical expereince you need while studying, what you need to do to gain entry into the course, how long it will take to get your degree.

Nursing is very versatile, it is much more than working in a hospital. Nursing can take you in many different directions, such as mental health, community nursing, aged care, midwifery, administration, nurse practitioners working in doctors offices, perioperative or surgery, emergency department... the opportunities are endless. So, ask the nursing schools where their courses take their students and mention the areas that you may feel are appealing to you.

There is a high demand for nurses, after all, until we find a miracle sure for sickness, people are always going to get sick and hospitals are always going to need nurses. The career opportunities are endless, and travel is absolutely a card worth considering, nurses are needed all over the world. You could travel to a third world country and help the sick, homeless orphans, or travel to the UK and work in a hospital there.

So if job versatility, flexibility, travel and advancement appeal to you, if you care and want to help others, if you enjoy learning every day and need a job that challenges you both mentally and physically, then nursing is the job for you. But remember... research it! Look further into the degree than a brief description on what the course entails you to complete, go beyond and find out what is it really about, and then decide.

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