Nursing is a profession that people talk about a lot these days. Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic taking up the minds of everyone in the world, all eyes are on the medical industry. Still, nursing is a very misunderstood profession. There are quite a few misconceptions about it that should be cleared up if we are going to move forward to create a better, healthier world. Nurses get a lot of praise but they also get criticized. Below are some misconceptions and myths about nursing careers.

School is Important, But Not Mandatory

While people typically think that nurses all have to have a high level of education, the main thing you need to become a nurse is a registered license. Still, it is limiting if you don’t go to college to get an education in the field. Getting educated will always help you advance your career, no matter what your goals are. If you have a bachelor’s degree, want to go back to school, but don’t have the time to attend in-person classes, you can look into pursuing a masters in nursing online. It isn’t obligatory to have a degree like this, but it certainly won’t hurt in your quest to climb up the ladder and create a better career and life for yourself.

Nursing is For Women

This is an outdated view of the field. Nursing is a co-ed profession that anyone can do. There are more women in nursing than men, that’s true. But more and more men are entering nursing as their career. In ten years from 2006 to 2016, the number of male nurses rose by about 150,000 people. If you’re a man and are interested in nursing as a career, don’t shy away from it because it has a reputation as a female profession. The more men become nurses, the more this stereotype will change.

You’ll Have to Work in a Hospital

While of course, you know that nurses are found in hospitals, it isn’t the only place where you can get hired as a nurse. A lot of people need private nurses, especially to take care of older people. You might be surprised that 40 percent of nurses work outside of hospitals. You can work in a physician’s office, residential care facilities, home health care services, and even for the government. Nurses work in war zones and other dangerous places. If you want to be a nurse, don’t let the thought of working in a hospital shy you away from it. There are many other options.

You Will Always Be a Subordinate

People think of nurses as the helpers of doctors, but nursing is a versatile field where many occupations are available. You can get into nursing leadership, meaning that you will lead other nurses. This is particularly for the person who wants to work as a leader in the health and medical field but doesn’t want to be a doctor. If your calling is the vocation of medicine and you want to lead others, nursing can provide the occupation you’ve only dreamt of. Not only will it pay more to be a leader, but you will also have an agency that provides many rewards when you do the hard work.

Nurses are People Who Wanted to Be Doctors but Couldn’t

Nursing is a profession that is distinct from being a doctor. They do different things. Doctors are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses. Nurses provide a more holistic approach that allows them to bond more with their patients. Doctors and nurses are different and nurses didn’t necessarily want to be a doctor.

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about nursing. It is an esteemed profession that many people admire. It doesn’t take a lot of education to become a nurse, but the more you have the more successful you will be. Nursing isn’t just for women. You can work in a variety of different settings. You can become a leader. Nurses are distinct from doctors. Whatever you think about nursing, it is a profession that is quite rewarding. If you think that it is your vocation, get started today and begin helping people with their health issues for a living.