The profession of nursing offers a wide variety of specialties both inside the hospital and out of the hospital. Nurses can work in home care, private practice, public health, extended care centers, clinics, offices, schools, military service, corporations, churches, health-related industries, hospice, occupational settings, mission work, health and wellness centers. A career in nursing offers flexibility like no other career. For more on nursing careers. Every career has its drawbacks, and nursing is no exception.
Nursing is both a physically and emotionally strenuous career.
Because of this, there is an increased risk of developing burnout or compassion fatigue syndrome. Most nurses work on their feet the majority of the day, which may lead to complications of the feet and varicose veins. Because they may need to help lift patients, they have an increased risk for back injuries. Other hazards of the nursing profession include the risk of developing infectious diseases, contact with radiation, chemicals, anesthetics, shocks from electrical equipment and hazards posed by compressed gases. Combative patients have even physically injured nurses.