Although rigorous, taxing and often a very selective profession, nursing remains a very popular and financially stable career. 

 

“Receiving a check that always cashes is one of the best benefits of nursing,” says Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) Nursing Supervisor, Shelly Beal. 
Beal is commenting on the current state of the economy and the lack of stable jobs.

She has been working at YRMC for 18 years and according to Beal, she has never had any regrets about her career choice. 

Hannah Singleton, a student at Yavapai College, is choosing to pursue nursing because it is a “recession proof job.”

Although she has been encouraged since childhood, to join this profession, she just recently decided to go for it. 

“I have other interests, but it comes down to having a job or being broke and struggling,” says Singleton.

From nurses to nursing students, everyone is in agreement that the financial benefits are a key part of his/her decision. 

There are other benefits as well. Beal describes her other benefits at YRMC as health insurance, paid time off, discounts on prescribed medication and excellent shifts.

“I am able to work the shifts that best fit into my family’s schedule. I worked night shifts for 12 years, so that I could be home during the day for my kids,” says Beal. 

Troy Alderete, a YRMC nurse, also enjoys the flexible and plentiful shifts available. “My wife’s hours were cut at work and I was able to pick up extra shifts so our budget wasn’t affected. There are always extra shifts for those who are willing to work,” says Alderete. 

Even nursing students working as certified nurse assistants (CNAs) have the chance to work extra hours. 

“I never expected to earn this much while attending school…”

“I never expected to earn this much while attending school as well. I have never had to worry about having my hours cut,” says Yavapai nursing student, Tonya Fealtman. 

With all these amazing benefits, why wouldn’t everyone want to be a nurse?

“This job can be difficult as you get older. The long shifts take a toll on your body after awhile. It also gets harder to pull and move patients around,” says Beal. 

While some may assume nursing is an easy occupation, it can be physically and emotionally demanding. Helping patients can be rewarding but on the other hand witnessing pain and suffering is stressful. This can be one of the major downfalls of nursing, according to Beal. 

Another challenge is actually becoming accepted into the nursing program. There are a limited number of spots available each year and many students are vying for these few positions.

“The competitiveness and arbitrary requirements of the program are the only negative things I can say about nursing at this point,” says Singleton. “To sign up for the nursing assistant class I had to show up a couple of hours early because there were so many people there.”

Students must have received credit for College Algebra, College Composition I, Human Biology, Anatomy and Physiology and have a current CNA certification before they can even apply for the nursing associate degree program. 

Although students may see the rigorous program as a negative aspect, nurses appreciate the amount of effort needed to complete it.

“The difficulty of the classes deters many people who aren’t serious about the level of commitment it takes to achieve this degree,” says Alderete. 

In every occupation, there are both pros and cons. When determining the compatibility of a person and a profession it becomes about weighing the good against the bad. 

While nursing may not be suited for everyone, there are many who feel the benefits far outweigh the negative aspects. 

“I have always enjoyed my job, and in 22 years have never had any regrets about my decision to become a nurse,” says Beal.