Are you trying to decide what to study or what career to pursue?
Are you debating whether to become a Nurse or a Social Worker?
Choosing which one to study can be a difficult and daunting task.
As a result, this is why I’ve written this article.
Nurse vs Social worker, Which Career Is Better?
A career in Nursing is thought to be a better option since they earn more money than Social Workers, are more in demand, and have more career choices.
Nursing education requirements are higher than those of social workers.
This question’s solution can be found in a person’s interests in one or both of the fields.
Both professions have the potential to lead to a rewarding career; nevertheless, your ability to adapt to the domain you pick is important.
Understanding the differences between the two disciplines is perhaps the most efficient approach to discovering and following your passions.
You may then pick the best choices for yourself, taking into account employment prospects, income, and, most importantly, your interests.
Now that we’ve answered the main question, let’s look at what it takes to be a Nurse vs. a Social Worker.
So let’s talk about Nursing
Nursing requires a serious commitment, so if you are compassionate and have the desire to serve the weak and sick, this is the career route for you.
Furthermore, you must be willing to work long hours under stressful situations and prioritize the needs of your patients before your own.
Nurses with advanced degrees are in high demand around the world, and they can find work in both the commercial and public sectors fast.
Many people believe that nursing entails providing care to patients.
It is, however, much more than that.
Nurses are increasingly taking on leadership responsibilities in healthcare settings, and they are capable of diagnosing, treating, and managing patients without the assistance of supervisors.
Furthermore, advanced education allows you to specialize in a certain field.
Specialty fields such as Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
Becoming a Registered Nurse usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed.
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners must earn at least a master’s degree in one of the APRN roles. They must also be licensed in their state and pass a national certification exam.
The employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
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So let’s talk about Social Workers
Social workers virtually seldom enter the profession because they want to make money or because they are afraid of losing their jobs, they do it because they want to assist and help others.
Being a social worker is not a simple profession; in fact, it entails a great deal of responsibility.
This is because you deal with the most vulnerable members of society, such as those with addictions, disabilities, and mental health issues.
Social work is not for you if you want structure. While social workers spend a substantial amount of time at their workstations, they also spend a significant amount of time visiting clients.
There are no two days that are ever the same. One day, you may be dealing with a partner who is going through a difficult divorce, leaving children in a difficult situation.
The next thing you know, you’re in the home of a drug-addicted family.
Both families need help, but their circumstances are radically different. As a consequence, social work is seldom dull, but it also demands hard work and undivided attention at all times.
Social workers can be found in several places, such as mental health clinics, schools, child welfare, and human service organizations, hospitals, settlement homes, community development corporations, and private firms.
They are usually employed full-time and may be asked to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Although some social workers just require a bachelor’s degree in social work, clinical social workers must have a master’s degree as well as two years of experience in a supervised clinical environment after finishing their degree.
Clinical social workers must be licensed by their state as well.
According to BLS overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
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A Nurse or Social Worker, who earns more? (Explained)
Nurse Practitioners make more than Social Workers, with a median pay of $117,670 compared to $51,760 for Social Workers.
While being a social worker is not the lowest-paying career, it is also not the highest-paying and even long-term social workers are seldom paid as much as they want, regardless of how many clients they have.
Those seeking a career as a social worker can expect to work long hours for little compensation.
Nurses, on the other hand, are well compensated, with the option to specialize and boost income.
| Job Role | Median Wage / Per Annum |
| Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, Midwives | $117,670 |
| Registered Nurse | $75,330 |
| Social Worker | $51,760 |
According to US Labor Bureau and Statistics, the median annual wage for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners was $117,670 per year in 2020.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $82,460, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $184,180.
Median annual wages for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners in May 2019 were as follows:
| Nurse anaesthetists | $183,580 |
| Nurse practitioners | $111,680 |
| Nurse-midwives | $111,130 |
In May 2020, the median annual wages for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $124,660 |
| Outpatient care centres | $122,840 |
| Offices of physicians | $114,570 |
| Offices of other health practitioners | $111,610 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | $111,400 |
Source; Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
Final Thoughts
Nursing and social work jobs exist to assist people. Nurses are seen to be better as they earn more than Social Workers, are in higher demand, and have more career options. The educational requirements for nurses are greater than those for social workers.
It is important to choose what to study.
Speak with trustworthy friends and family members, and think about obtaining professional help.
Before choosing a career path to study, consider your talents and limits, as well as your likes and dislikes.
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References
- Source; Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
- Community and Social Service Occupations: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
