Should You Still Become a Nurse in 2025?

Hey there nurse,

You became a nurse because you wanted a career with meaning. One that paid the bills and helped people.

But maybe lately, you’re asking yourself: "Is this still worth it?"

With burnout, staffing shortages, rising costs, and shifting priorities—we don’t blame you for wondering.

So here’s the honest answer: Nursing is still a great profession—but only if you make the right moves now. Let’s walk through what’s changed, what still works, and how to make nursing work for you.

Yes, Nurses Are Still in Demand

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says over 197,000 new RN jobs are opening by 2033.

In 2024, the median RN salary is $93,600/year—and with the right specialty or location, that can jump to $120K+.

Hospitals are offering bigger bonuses, more flexibility, and better retention deals than ever.

The Good Stuff (When Nursing Works)

High Job Satisfaction

Nurses aren’t just clocking in and out.
You're part of people's most vulnerable moments—and your care matters.
Helping someone walk again, holding their hand through recovery, or just being there... it hits different.

Built-In Job Security

Healthcare isn’t going anywhere.
There’s a national nursing shortage, and demand is expected to grow by 197,000+ RN jobs by 2033.
That means more opportunities, better pay, and more negotiating power for you.

Room to Grow

From bedside to boardroom.
Nurses can level up through specialties (like NICU, ICU, or OR), advanced degrees, or leadership roles.
And many of those come with serious salary jumps.

Diverse Career Paths

Hospitals aren’t your only option.
You can work in schools, travel, tech companies, clinics, home health, telehealth, even cruise ships.
If you want variety, nursing delivers.

Flexible Schedules

You can work 3 days a week and have 4 off.
Or choose per diem, part-time, night shift, weekends—whatever works for your life.
There aren’t many careers that offer this kind of time freedom.

Competitive Pay + Benefits

In 2024, the average RN salary hit $93,600/year ($45/hr)—and that’s just the median.
Get specialized, pick the right city, and you could earn well into 6 figures.
And with Map My Pay, you can compare take-home pay across states before you move.

Meaningful Connections

You don’t just treat illnesses—you build trust.
Many nurses say their strongest bonds come from their coworkers, patients, and families they care for.
It’s a job full of heart.

The Bad stuff ( negative side of nursing)

• Emotional Exhaustion: Compassion fatigue is real

• Understaffing: More patients, fewer hands

• Cost of Living Creep: High pay doesn’t always mean high take-home

• Outdated Pay Structures: Some jobs don’t reward experience or skill

Where You Work Still Changes Everything

Let’s break it down. Same RN license. Different city. Different outcomes.

Certifications Still Matter

Certifications = Leverage. They’re not just resume boosters. They’re how you get paid more.

Start with: BLS, ACLS, PALS

Then add: CCRN, TNCC, CDN, IV Therapy, FNP, CRNA

Travel Nursing Is Still Booming

Here’s what travel nurses are pulling in right now:

You don’t have to travel forever—but even one year can give your finances a massive boost.

Want a Life Outside the Hospital?

Not every nurse wants 12-hour shifts forever. That’s fair.

Here’s how different roles stack up for work-life balance:

Final Take

Is nursing still a good profession?
Yes—but only if you take control.

Don’t drift. Don’t settle. Don’t give your loyalty to a job that doesn’t value you.

• Use data to choose where to work.

• Get certified.

• Negotiate your pay.

• Build a life that pays you back.

We built Map My Pay to help you do exactly that.

📢 Follow @mapmypay for early access + salary tips.

Until next time,
— The Map My Pay Team