Financial Check-Up for Nurses: 3 Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Challenge #1: Finding Opportunities to Grow Financial Literacy

While this may not be an especially unique challenge to nurses, it certainly is one that puts them in a tough financial spot. Nursing programs typically do not offer any type of financial literacy, economics or personal nance classes. That means that while nurses graduate ready to head into the workforce, they’re left to learn everything they need to know about their nances on their own. Adding to this is the fact that many nurses have taken out student loans to cover the cost of their education, and understanding how to manage your debt and create a financial plan becomes even more imperative.  

The Solution?                    

If you’re still in nursing school or preparing to graduate soon, take a look at available courses at your local community college or online that can provide more information on personal nance planning. If you have the opportunity to speak with nurses who are already employed, ask them about what they wish they knew beforehand and what particular financial challenges they’ve faced. Understanding what you’re getting into can be a useful tool in preparing for your future financial concerns.                    

If you’re already working in the field, make use of online financial literacy resources and apps, like nerdwallet.com or Mint. You can also get a wealth of information right here on our Advisor Blog. Partnering with a trusted financial advisor is also a great way to get immediate professional financial guidance while picking up valuable new knowledge and insights along the way. Feel free to get in touch to see how we can help.  

Challenge #2: Long Shifts & Odd Hours                    

Nurses don’t tend to work the typical 9 to 5. In a recent study done by the Health Affairs Journal, nurses were found to be working longer than their expected shifts and more than 40 hours a week, with about 31.5 percent of their scheduled shifts exceeding 12 hours.² So when nurses do get a little time to themselves, it could likely be at odd hours - early morning, late night, etc. And when they are done with a long, stressful shift, the last thing they want to do is think about something else stressful - like their personal finances.           

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The Solution?                    

One option is to find a financial advisor who understands your need for meeting at odd hours or for short periods of time. Alternatively, dig a bit deeper into what resources your hospital or place of employment offers. Some may have financial advisors or other professionals available to you who may already be familiar with your schedule and unique concerns - saving you money and the time spent searching on your own.                    

Challenge #3: Work Expenses                    

In many places, nurses are actually expected to pay for a number of things including their uniforms (which need to be replaced often), shoes, equipment (such as stethoscopes), and even parking at the hospital or care facility. Over the years these expenses can add up, taking a big chunk out of nurse's earnings and/or savings.      

The Solution?                    

Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done with regard to eliminating these expenses. However, being aware of how much you’ll be expected to spend means you can accommodate for these expenses in your personal budget. Additionally, it’s important to keep these considerations in mind when negotiating your salary and benefits with employers. For example, negotiating more pay per hour could help offset the cost of your equipment.                    

Pursuing your passion and caring for others makes nursing a rewarding and fulfilling career for many. But as you spend your days looking after patients, it’s important to remember that there’s a need to address your own financial health so you can live well, too.                    

Work with a financial advisor to discover solutions and resources you may not have known were available to you, and to create a financial strategy for achieving your short- and long-term financial and life goals. See how we can help you do this through our strategic Plan Well, Invest Well, Live Well process. And thank you for all that you do! 

Presented by Principal/Managing Partner James Zahansky, AWMA®. Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. 697 Pomfret Street, Pomfret Center, CT 06259, 860.928.2341. http://www.whzwealth.com (http://www.whzwealth.com) These materials are general in nature and do not address your specific situation. For your specific investment needs, please discuss your individual circumstances with your financial advisor. Weiss, Hale & Zahansky Strategic Wealth Advisors does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing in the accompanying pages should be construed as specific tax or legal advice.                                    

1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm)                    

2. https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.23.4.202 (https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.23.4.202)