10 Reasons to Become a Practical Nurse
Discover the benefits of a fulfilling and in-demand healthcare career
Practical Nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare field, providing essential care and support to patients across various settings. These dedicated professionals bridge the gap between patients and the healthcare system, delivering hands-on care, emotional support, and critical health information to those in need. With a compassionate approach and specialized training, Practical Nurses help ensure that patients receive the attention and care they deserve, contributing significantly to overall healthcare outcomes.
This article explores why practical nursing may be a rewarding and viable career option, offering 10 compelling reasons to consider this impactful profession. Whether you’re seeking job stability, opportunities for advancement, or a meaningful way to make a difference, practical nursing may provide a unique pathway in the healthcare industry.
Here are the top 10 reasons to become a Practical Nurse:
Growing Demand and Job Security
The healthcare industry is growing rapidly, leading to a strong demand for Practical Nurses (PNs) across various settings. This increasing need may provide a sense of job security for those entering the field, appealing to individuals seeking a stable and reliable career.
With an aging population and expanded access to healthcare, the BLS projects that employment for Practical Nurses will grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033. Practical Nurses may expect consistent job opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home care settings. This job security is a valuable benefit for those who want a career that may withstand economic shifts and remain essential.
Relevance to Practical Nursing:
Job security in practical nursing is unique due to the diverse care settings in which PNs can work. This flexibility may allow Practical Nurses to have steady employment opportunities across various healthcare environments, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a stable, in-demand role.
Shorter Training and Education Period
Practical nursing requires a shorter training period compared to many other healthcare professions, allowing individuals to enter the workforce quickly and start gaining hands-on experience.
Some PN programs can be completed in as little as 48 weeks, making it one of the quickest paths to a nursing career. With less time and financial commitment, aspiring Practical Nurses may start working sooner and earn income while building their skills in a healthcare environment. For many, this shorter training period may provide an efficient entry into a rewarding field.
Relevance to Practical Nursing:
This reason is particularly important for PNs, as the relatively short training period may allow for a faster transition from education to practice. It enables those who may not have the time or resources for longer nursing programs to start a fulfilling career in healthcare more efficiently.
Hands-On Patient Interaction and Care
Practical nursing offers significant hands-on patient interaction, a key reason why many choose this career. PNs play a vital role in supporting patients’ day-to-day needs, making a direct impact on their health and well-being.
In practical nursing, responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering medication, assisting with daily activities, and providing emotional support. This level of interaction may allow PNs to develop meaningful relationships with patients, enhancing both patient care and personal job satisfaction. Hands-on care is central to the PN role, allowing for an engaging and impactful career.
Relevance to Practical Nursing:
PNs are often on the front lines of patient care, making hands-on interaction essential to their daily work. For those who value close, interpersonal connections with patients, practical nursing may provide a unique opportunity to make a difference in a hands-on, compassionate way.
Opportunity for Career Advancement
Practical nursing offers several pathways for career advancement, providing opportunities to grow and develop within the nursing field.
PNs can pursue further education to become registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners, or specialized in a specific area of healthcare. Many healthcare facilities may provide educational support or tuition assistance for PNs seeking to advance. This upward mobility is attractive to those looking for long-term growth. Whether you’re interested in beginning your nursing journey with Brookline’s Practical Nursing program, or aiming to advance through our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Brookline College offers a range of pathways to help you reach your goals.
Relevance to Practical Nursing:
The ability to advance is particularly meaningful for PNs, as it may allow them to start working sooner while still having the option to elevate their careers over time. It enables Practical Nurses to continuously evolve in their profession, gaining new skills and responsibilities.
Diverse Work Environments
Practical Nurses have the opportunity to work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, from hospitals to home health, giving them flexibility in choosing an environment that suits their interests.
PNs can work in nursing homes, clinics, schools, correctional facilities, and more. This diversity provides options for PNs to find a work environment that aligns with their interests, lifestyle, and career goals. It also offers an adaptable career that can change with life circumstances.
Relevance to Practical Nursing:
For PNs, this flexibility in work environments may allow them to explore different specialties and patient demographics. It makes practical nursing a versatile career choice for those who value variety and adaptability.
Competitive Starting Salary
Practical Nurses may enjoy a competitive starting salary*, providing financial stability early in their careers.
According to industry data from the BLS, PNs can earn a mean annual wage of approximately $ 60,790. With experience and additional skills, PNs may increase their earning potential further. This financial benefit is appealing to those entering the healthcare field.
Relevance to Practical Nursing:
This competitive entry salary* may make practical nursing a financially viable option, especially given the shorter training period. For those looking for a rewarding career that doesn’t require extensive schooling, the PN role may offer a balance of stability and financial independence.
Flexible Scheduling Options
Many Practical Nurses benefit from flexible scheduling, allowing them to balance work with personal and family responsibilities.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities may have shifts that accommodate various schedules, including evenings, nights, and weekends. This flexibility makes it easier for PNs to manage their work-life balance, which is essential for overall job satisfaction.
Relevance to Practical Nursing:
Flexible scheduling is particularly valuable for Practical Nurses, as it allows them to tailor their hours to their needs. For those with caregiving responsibilities or other commitments, this career may provide a level of adaptability that enhances work-life harmony.
Ability to Make a Difference
Practical Nurses have the unique opportunity to make a real difference in patients’ lives, providing compassionate care and support when it’s most needed.
Through direct patient interaction, PNs often serve as a comforting presence and advocate for patients’ needs. Whether providing routine care or supporting patients emotionally, PNs positively impact patient health and quality of life.
Relevance to Practical Nursing:
The role of a PN allows for a profound personal impact, making it a fulfilling choice for those driven by the desire to help others. This personal connection makes practical nursing an exceptionally rewarding career.
Solid Foundation for Further Nursing Education
Practical nursing may serve as a solid foundation for further education and specialized training in nursing, offering career growth and skill development.
PNs gain practical experience and foundational knowledge in healthcare, making it easier to pursue advanced nursing roles like becoming an RN or specializing in fields like pediatrics or geriatrics. This pathway may provide a stepping-stone for those interested in expanding their nursing credentials.
Relevance to Practical Nursing:
Starting as a PN may allow individuals to build their skills and gain confidence in a healthcare setting. For those interested in advancing, practical nursing may offer a solid entry point that supports lifelong learning and career progression.
Exposure to Various Medical Specialties
Practical nursing may provide exposure to a range of medical specialties, allowing PNs to explore different fields within healthcare and develop versatile skills.
PNs may work in specialties like pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, or rehabilitation. This exposure helps PNs gain diverse experience, making it easier to transition into different areas or pursue specialized training in fields they find particularly fulfilling.
Relevance to Practical Nursing:
The ability to experience multiple specialties enhances the PN role, giving Practical Nurses a unique perspective on the healthcare field. This variety may make practical nursing a great option for those interested in exploring different facets of patient care.
Getting Started as a Practical Nurse: Enroll at Brookline College
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a fulfilling career as a Practical Nurse, consider Brookline College as your pathway to success. Here, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and mentorship to make a meaningful impact in patients’ lives and start a rewarding journey in healthcare.
Brookline offers a well-rounded Practical Nursing program dedicated to equipping students with the essential clinical and patient-care skills needed to succeed in today’s healthcare field. With a focus on hands-on training and real-world experience, Brookline’s program is designed to prepare future Practical Nurses with confidence and competence. Experienced instructors provide personalized guidance while a supportive learning environment encourages students to thrive academically and professionally.
Whether you’re interested in beginning your nursing journey with our Practical Nursing program and learning how to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, or you’re considering the next steps on how to become a Registered Nurse, our programs provide the knowledge, support, and hands-on experience you may need to build a successful and rewarding career in nursing.
