Should I Become a Nurse? A Guide to Deciding if Nursing is Right for You

Are you asking yourself, “Should I become a nurse?” If so, you’re not alone. Many people consider this rewarding and challenging career, drawn to the opportunity to make a difference, the stability of the profession, and the variety of specialties it offers.

But let’s be clear—nursing isn’t for everyone. It’s a demanding career that requires emotional resilience, critical thinking, and the ability to handle stressful situations. This blog will help you answer some of the most important questions:

• Is nursing a good career for me?
• How do I know if nursing is not for me?
• Is being a nurse worth it?

We’ll also provide a list of pros and cons, lesser-known facts about the profession, and a helpful quiz to guide your decision.

Why Become a Nurse?

Nursing is one of the most respected and essential careers in healthcare. Here’s why so many choose this path:

1. It’s deeply fulfilling. Nurses provide care and comfort during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
2. There’s incredible flexibility. From working in hospitals to traveling as a nurse or specializing in fields like pediatrics or critical care, the opportunities are vast. Explore the different types of nurses.
3. It’s financially rewarding. With starting salaries often exceeding $75,000/year and growth opportunities, nursing is a lucrative career choice. Learn more about how much nurses make.
4. Job stability. With a growing demand for healthcare workers, nursing provides unparalleled job security.

However, not everyone is cut out for the unique challenges of this career.

Is Nursing Right for Me?

To decide if nursing is right for you, consider the following:

The Right Reasons to Become a Nurse:

• You’re passionate about helping others.
• You thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
• You’re seeking a career that offers growth, variety, and stability.

The Wrong Reasons to Pursue Nursing:

• Family pressure or societal expectations.
• A primary focus on money or job security.
• The belief that it’s an “easy” career option.

Take a moment to reflect on why you’re considering nursing. Understanding your motivations can help you make an informed decision. If you’re interested in exploring nursing career paths, check out this guide to nurse career paths.

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Nurse

Like any career, nursing comes with its advantages and challenges. Here’s a breakdown:

Pros of Nursing

1. Respected Career: Nursing is admired worldwide for its critical role in healthcare.
2. Specialization Opportunities: Whether it’s ICU nursing, labor and delivery, or aesthetic nursing, there’s a specialty to match your interests.
3. Financial Security: Competitive salaries and steady income make nursing a solid financial choice.
4. Meaningful Impact: Nurses directly impact lives, creating a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Cons of Nursing

1. Difficult Patients: Not every patient (or family member) will be kind, which can test your patience and resolve.
2. Emotional Stress: Nurses often deal with patients during their lowest moments, which can be emotionally draining.
3. Physical Demands: Long shifts, being on your feet all day, and dealing with bodily fluids can be exhausting.
4. Workplace Challenges: Burnout and nursing shortages can lead to increased stress and overtime.

How to Know if Nursing is Not for You

If you’re asking yourself “How do I know if nursing is not for me?” here are a few signs:

1. You struggle with stress. Nursing often involves life-or-death decisions and high-pressure situations.
2. You prefer routine. Nurses rarely have “typical” days, as emergencies can change plans instantly.
3. You dislike bodily fluids. Nursing requires comfort with tasks like wound care, drawing blood, and handling unexpected messes.
4. You aren’t drawn to problem-solving. Nurses need to think critically and adapt quickly in ever-changing environments.

It’s okay if nursing isn’t your ideal career—what matters is finding the right fit for your skills and passions.

5 Things to Know Before Becoming a Nurse

Even if you’re excited about the idea of becoming a nurse, there are a few lesser-known realities worth considering:

1. Shift Work Can Be Tough
   Nurses often work 12-hour shifts, overnight, or on weekends. While these schedules can be financially rewarding, they’re hard on your body and social life. Learn more about the realities of nursing school here.
2. Critical Thinking is Key
   From solving patient care challenges to adapting during emergencies, nursing requires strong problem-solving skills daily.
3. Protect Your Body
   Long hours on your feet can lead to leg and back issues. Investing in quality shoes and compression socks early on is crucial.
4. Bullying Happens
   Unfortunately, “nurses eating their young” is a real issue in some workplaces. If you encounter this, stand up for yourself and seek support.
5. No Two Days are the Same
   Nursing is dynamic and fast-paced. If you prefer predictability and routine, this may not be the career for you.

Is Nursing a Good Career?

The answer depends on your goals, values, and tolerance for the challenges that come with the job. Nursing offers:

• Financial stability
• Job security
• The chance to make a difference

But it also requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.

The Should I Become a Nurse Quiz — A Starting Point for Making Your Decision

Still not sure if becoming a nurse is the right fit for you? Take our “Should I Become a Nurse” quiz to find out!

How It Works:

• For each question, pick the answer that best describes you.
• Assign yourself the corresponding point value (1 = most likely to be a nurse, 3 = least likely to be a nurse).
• At the end, tally your points to see if nursing might be the right path for you.

Question 1: Have you ever considered a career path in healthcare?

1. Yes, I have always had a passion for the medical sciences.
2. Maybe, my family is pushing me to give it a try.
3. No, this is a backup plan for me.

Question 2: What attracts you to becoming a nurse the most?

1. Getting the opportunity to help others in times of need.
2. The job security and the annual salary.
3. It seems like an easy entry-level job.

Question 3: How do you deal with stressful situations?

1. I try my best to stay calm and level-headed.
2. I keep to myself and tend to shut down during times of stress.
3. I hide from stress and cannot handle it at all.

Question 4: True or False: I am okay working with bodily fluids.

1. True — not bothered!
2. False — that sounds awful!

Question 5: True or False: I would describe myself as an organized person.

1. True — I need to be organized in order to function.
2. False — I tend to let things pile up before I eventually get them organized.

Question 6: How do you feel about shift work?

1. I love the idea of not having to work a 9-5 schedule.
2. I am okay with working different hours as long as it’s known in advance.
3. I only want to work day shifts.

Question 7: True or False: I require my day to have a set routine.

1. False — I can go with the flow, and I enjoy a change of pace at work.
2. True — I feel very out of place when my plans do not come to fruition.

Question 8: How would you describe your work ethic?

1. I am a hard worker who also tries to push myself to do better.
2. I am always willing to work if I am making money.
3. In all honesty, I can be a little lazy.

Question 9: How active would you like your job to be?

1. As active as possible, I enjoy being on my feet throughout the day.
2. I would like a mix of both moving around and sitting at my job.
3. I want a desk job that allows me to sit and rest throughout the day.

Question 10: True or False: I want to be a great nurse.

1. True — This is a must if you want to follow this career path!
2. False — If this is your answer, nursing is probably not for you!

Results:

10–13 Points: Nursing is your calling!
You’ve got the passion, mindset, and work ethic to thrive in this field. Start exploring programs and taking steps toward becoming a nurse today!

14–17 Points: Nursing might be for you.
You have some traits that align with nursing, but there are a few aspects you may need to consider carefully. Reflect on the challenges of the profession and decide if you’re willing to embrace them.

18+ Points: Nursing probably isn’t for you.
And that’s okay! Nursing is a demanding career that isn’t the right fit for everyone. Consider exploring other careers in healthcare or fields that align better with your interests and strengths.

Next Steps

If nursing still feels like the right choice, you might be wondering how to get started. Here are some resources to help you:

• How to Become a Nurse
• How to Get Into Nursing School
• Nursing Degrees Explained
• How Long is Nursing School?

Download Our Nursing Resume Templates

If you decided nursing is for you and you’re ready to apply for jobs, our free nursing resume template and cover letter can help you take those next steps.

Final Thoughts

Deciding to become a nurse is a life-changing choice that requires careful consideration. By understanding the pros, cons, and unique challenges of the profession, you’ll be better equipped to decide if this is the right career for you.

Whether you’re just exploring or ready to take the plunge, nursing offers a rewarding and dynamic career path for those who are up to the challenge.

And SimpleNursing is here to help. Get the nursing school support you need.