Making nursing your second career: What should you consider?
Changing your career is a big life decision that will undoubtedly have many implications. However, if you are unhappy in your current career, it is a worthwhile endeavor. With the right planning and preparation, you can make a smooth transition into a new career.
Many people looking for a career change consider nursing because it is a stable and secure profession that offers good pay and job satisfaction. It’s also a field that is always in demand, so you’ll never have to worry about finding a job.
Nursing is a demanding but rewarding profession that offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development. If you are considering making the switch to nursing, here are a few things you should consider.
Nursing as a second career
Nursing is a good choice for a career change if you are looking for a stable career with predictable earnings. Before making the switch, there are several factors you may have to consider, such as your current skill set, experience, and goals. If you’ve decided that you want to make a change, the next step is to figure out how to make it happen.
Getting started with nursing as a second career
The first thing you need to do is figure out if nursing is right for you. Nursing can be a difficult and rigorous field that requires a lot of dedication and effort, but there are plenty of ways to get more comfortable with nursing before taking the plunge:
Complete the prerequisites
If you are interested in joining the nursing industry, it’s important to have the right qualifications, such as high school credits, college courses that are considered prerequisites, and subject matter certifications.
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), you must have a high school diploma or an equivalent diploma with a science background in biology, chemistry, or physiology to enroll in a nursing career and become a registered nurse (RN). However, you can still complete a series of prerequisite courses that can help you get qualified if you don’t have a science background.
Enroll in an accredited nursing program
Nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in partnership with the National League for Nursing (NLN). If a program isn’t accredited, you shouldn’t enroll in it. You should also make sure that your school is listed on the NLN list of accredited schools.
Baylor University Online offers a nursing program that is a fully accredited online course that provides a unique combination of academic rigor and support. The program is designed to prepare nurses for the ever-changing healthcare landscape while meeting the needs of working nurses who want to further their education and career. Online nursing programs offer flexible scheduling and coursework that can be completed at your own pace and a curriculum that is responsive to the needs of the modern nurse.
Complete clinical requirements
Be sure to complete all clinical requirements of the nursing program. You can achieve this by having an in-depth knowledge of nursing principles, performing a variety of clinical tasks and studying for standardized tests.
Take the NCLEX-RN exam
You’ll take the NCLEX-RN examination after completing the nursing program. This exam is required for all students who want to become registered nurses. It is based on your practical nursing knowledge and readiness to be a registered nurse in any hospital or healthcare facility.
Get your RN license
After you have passed the NCLEX-RN exam and graduated from a nursing program, you can get your RN license. This license indicates which occupation you are licensed to perform and authorizes you to practice in the state.
Key tips for making a career change to nursing
Here are four crucial tips that can help you when preparing to make the switch to a career in nursing.
Find a mentor
A mentor can give you the support and encouragement you need to make a smooth transition into nursing. They must have a nursing background, experience working in the profession and a close relationship with a nurse working in the field.
You can look for mentors in your current job or at other hospitals, universities or medical centers. A mentor can help you understand what it’s like to work as a nurse and provide useful advice that will boost your confidence.
Be prepared
While the path to becoming a registered nurse is rigorous, it is highly fulfilling and attainable. However, this path requires hard work and dedication. You must prepare yourself for the challenges that lie ahead by achieving a degree, gaining a sufficient amount of experience and ensuring that you understand all the requirements to apply for the RN license.
Gain experience by taking advantage of opportunities
To succeed in this profession, you need to be in it for the long haul. As a nurse, you are constantly under pressure because you must ensure that patients receive the best medical care possible.
If you have all your bases covered, you’ll be able to handle all situations easily and in a timely manner. Succeeding in this regard requires getting as much experience as possible.
Make a point of applying for all jobs that fit your profile. You may even have to work several part-time jobs at once until you find a full-time job that allows you to advance your career path smoothly and easily.
Explore your career options
You need to think strategically and explore your career options to determine the right path for your future. This will also give you the information you need to make a smooth transition into the nursing field.
Now is a great time to make a switch
To succeed in the nursing profession, you have to be determined and resilient. You also need to be highly qualified and consistently maintain a high level of performance. Changing to a nursing career gives you the chance to make a difference in the lives of others. It is also an excellent way for you to improve your standard of living. If you are consistent and determined and take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way, you’ll be on the path to success.
