Nursing is one of the most undervalued and unappreciated professions. The amount of hard work and commitment nurses put in their roles is incredible. Yet, many people demoralize thisprofession, unaware of its importance in our society. Nurses should be given equal, if not more, respect as doctors. Although a nurse is not the same as a doctor, it doesn’t mean nurses aren’t as diligent and conscientious with their jobs.

Even though nursing is a primordial profession, its misconceptions do not seem to stop growing. These misunderstandings often leave nurses in distress and make them lose confidence. Therefore, it is vital to address them.

Some popular misconceptions about the nursing profession include:

Nursing is a female profession

A widespread misconception about nursing is that it is better suited for female candidates. Hence, only females choose the nursing profession. It is highly misleading since the nursing profession has no gender restrictions. But because there are significantly more women than men in the field, such a myth aroused.

However, several studies have shown reports that more and more men are seeking interest in pursuing nursing. Recent research of Kaiser Family Foundation concluded that nearly 333,350 male nurses exist in the total nursing workforce. Another study says that the rate of male nurses jumped from 2.2% in the1960s to 12% in 2019. It is clear that more male candidates are pursuing the nursing profession, and the numbers are likely to increase in the future.

Nurses need to pause their careers to complete higher studies

Another common misunderstanding is that for nurses to pursue higher levels of education, they must entirely stop their professional work. This assertion is quite distant from the truth. Many nurses who seek an advanced degree such as a terminal degree in nursingpursue it while keeping their professional work intact. Such flexible online learning allows them to manage work and studies conveniently with no hassles.

There are plenty of ways to move forward with your career and studies simultaneously. Some might choose to take a break from work to pursue higher education, but many try to work together. There are plenty of options allowing nurses to increase their income potential while studying alongside. Therefore, you can improve your skillset while not having to leave your job.

Nurses only help doctors

While a primary part of nurses’ job is to help and assist doctors, that is not all they do. The majority of their work is independent and involves diagnosing and looking after patients every day. They don’t only diagnose patients but also treat them. Nurses administer tests and adhere to patient needs. Nurses also play a huge role in patient assistance; they inform and advise patients and their families about potential treatments and other crucial information.

Besides, they are under an ethical responsibility to provide the best care and treatment to every patient. Hence, the myth that nurses only help doctors is entirely incorrect.

Nurses only work in hospitals

Undoubtedly, most of the time, you will come across nurses operating in hospitals, but that does not mean they only work there. Nurses work in clinics, daycares, facility wards, old homes, government organizations, private homes, and other care facilities.

There is a vast demand and need for nurses in different facilities. You’ll find nurses working in schools, the navy, and the army as well. Furthermore, nurses do more than just treating patients. Nurses can be caretakers or counselors as well. Some might even enter the teaching profession, while some might be in charge of overseeing other nursing staff.

Nursing is nothing but menial work

As mentioned above, nurses do anything but menial work. Their job is as vital to patient care as a doctor’s. Besides, now assistants and interns do most of the essential medical work like giving vaccination shots. Nurses assist with more complex tasks, and most can be seen enjoying leadership positions.

Nursing isn’t an easy job, but it’s not because they carry out tiring work. It is because nurses work in a pressurizing environment, with lives at stake often. And where they always have to be their best.

Nurses work for ridiculous hours

Nursing is a highly demanding profession with a significant workload, but the field is also highly flexible. Most nurses work in shifts with variations in work schedules. Nurses working in governmental or semi-private organizations typically work 10-12 hours per day thrice or four times a week. The rest of the days are off, though. Whereas nurses working in private institutes usually operate during regular office hours from 9-5. That is a pretty decent time commitment and not overburdening at all.

Conclusion

Nursing is a highly motivating job and is not for the faint at heart. To think anyone can become a nurse is ridiculous. High levels of education and experienced are critical to becoming a qualified nurse. Nursing education is no child’s play. It requires constant effort and dedication.

A lot of people minimize nurses’ roles and consider them as far less important than doctors. It demotivates the nurses and creates incorrect and untrue stereotypes that can affect their jobs. Therefore, we must start acknowledging all their services and give them their due respect and recognition.