Of the three metaphorical boats Robert Reich’s discusses in “Why the Rich Are Getting Richer and the Poor, Poorer” I have chosen to sail in the in-person server boat. The field that I feel is the most promising of the in-person servers is the medical field, specifically nursing. Unlike most in-person servers who “are paid at or just slightly above minimum wage”, nurses are paid well and competitively (Reich 426).
However, the long stressful hours may not be everyone, and due to lack of personnel you may not be able to take part in religious holidays.
Nursing is a great career because it’s one of the few in-person careers that its advantages outweigh its disadvantages. One of the biggest benefits of being a nurse is salary. The starting pay for a registered nurse is $39,000 per year which is much higher than most of their in-person server competitors. What’s even more imposing is the length of experience needed to for+ a raise just 3 years experience a registered nurse can increase their yearly income almost $8,000. The shortage of the nursing work force makes obtaining a job is not too difficult, in fact this is one of the few in-person server jobs where the employers are eeking the employees rather than vice versa. Many hospitals offer sign in bonuses to persuade nurses to come and work for them as opposed to their competitors, which nurses could use to pay off school debts or reward themselves for their accomplishment into getting a great career. Another advantage is the flexibility nursing offers, many can even choose when and for how long they work. There is also a wide variety of places ready to hire, such hospitals, doctors’ offices or even in agencies where you can work at a patient’s home.
Nurses can also choose what part of the city they work in, such as in suburbs or downtown. Travelling nurses often get their housing and utilities paid for, so where ever they decide to live it’ll be all expenses paid, not to mention a higher pay. Even though the pay is good, nothing is more satisfying than helping people in their time of need. Nursing is by no means a perfect job. Accidents and illnesses don’t take vacations accordingly hospitals are open twenty-four hours every day. It’s common for nurses to have to work on weekends and holidays.
Due to the high demand and the shortage of staff, they may have to put in an extensive amount of hours; some even have to be on call frequently throughout the year. Nursing is hard work and often times stressful. Dealing with arrogant doctors and unhelpful coworkers are just a few things nurses have to put up with daily. No ones in a good mood when they’re sick and nurses have to be tolerant and understand this fact when dealing with patients. Death in a hospital is an ordinary thing and they have to be ready to cope with that. Nurses also face gruesome injuries and malicious diseases.
If nurses aren’t careful a patient’s illness can be transmitted with them. There have been a number of cases where nurses acquire hepatitis or other blood borne disease at work. Nurses have to be ready for the demand with plenty of physical energy as well as mental energy. They must also always be aware of what they’re doing because a mistake could be the difference between life and death, and a mistake can be made easily under high stress. Even the nursing career can’t escape the fact that nothing in the world is flawless. Regardless of the disadvantages, nursing is a very promising career.
Overall, it seems that nursing’s advantages overshadow the disadvantage making it a rewarding career. Not only do nurses get paid competitively well, but they also have the chance of helping the less fortunate, and making a difference in their life. If one could bear the long hours and the stressful work environment, nursing would be a great career choice. As in-person servers go, it’s definitely the best boat to be in.