Did you know that there are approximately 4.2 million registered nurses in the United States, and over the next ten years, employment needs will increase by 6% each year? Nursing is a fantastic career choice, and you’ll have no trouble finding a job once you graduate.
If you’re considering becoming a nurse, you may not know where to begin. The good news is that learning different facts about nurses can help you to make the best decision for your career.
Keep reading this guide to learn four interesting nursing facts!
1. Nursing Is an Old Profession
Nursing dates back to 300 A.D. when nurses in the Roman Empire worked in early versions of hospitals. The first nursing school wasn’t established until 250 B.C. in India, but only males could attend.
In the 1850s, Florence Nightingale became instrumental in developing sanitation and hygiene practices still in use today.
In 1873, Linda Richards became the first American to earn a nursing degree, graduating from the New England Hospital for Women and Children’s nursing program.
Early nursing uniforms also included nursing caps, dresses, and an apron. However, over the years, uniforms have gone through many changes. Nowadays, nurses wear scrubs that are more comfortable and easier to keep clean.
If you’re interested in checking out the types of scrubs available today, you can visit here to find more scrubs pants online.
2. There Are Over 100 Different Nursing Specialties
One of the best things about nursing careers is the variety. Given the many types of nurses, you won’t have to worry about getting bored working in just one area.
You can choose from many specialty areas that include:
- Forensic Nursing
- Genetics Nursing
- Military Nursing
- Nurse Attorney
- Cardiac Care Nursing
- Cancer Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Public Health Nursing
Even more, once you’re a nurse, you can earn an advanced degree to become a nurse practitioner or a nurse anesthetist. There is no limit to the various medical careers you can pursue once you become a nurse.
3. Nurses Can Become Doctors
While it sounds strange, you can pursue two types of high-level nursing degrees to become a doctor.
First, a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) focuses on research and education. You’ll work on improving the health of your community and writing grant applications.
You can also pursue a Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP), the highest level of nursing education you can get. With a DNP degree, you can help improve the performance of health systems at local and national levels.
4. Nurses Walk Over Five Miles During Their Shift
If you become a nurse, you’ll get your exercise. Nurses take thousands of steps during their shifts.
Throughout a 12-hour day shift, nurses walk an average of five miles. During a night shift, nurses walk an average of three miles. That’s at least double what the average American does over the course of their day.
If you’re thinking of nursing as your career, you’ll definitely need to invest in a comfortable pair of shoes!
Interesting Facts About Nurses
Learning these interesting facts about nurses will help you decide if nursing could be the right career for you.
If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse, do more research into the profession and consider volunteering in a hospital to gain experience in a healthcare environment.
To learn more interesting facts, be sure to check out the rest of our blog today!
