The concept of pursuing a second career has become more relevant than ever. Also known as an encore career, it refers to the practice of pursuing a new career after the age of 40 or leaving a long-term job.
When it comes to adopting a new career over your existing job, you should have valid reasons for the transition. These may vary from person to person. People may choose to pursue a second career for various reasons, including –
- Personal or professional fulfillment
- A loss of interest in their primary field
- A dearth of growth opportunities in their existing career
- A desire to use their skills or talent in a different area
- A fallout in terms of passion or love for their current job
One field that is increasingly becoming a go-to transition choice for many is that of nursing. The field is financially rewarding and personally satisfying, but the road to such a change is never easy.
Do you also wish to make the switch? This article will discuss reasons and ways to do so smoothly.
Why Consider a Second Career in Nursing
There are numerous reasons why one would wish to pursue a second career in nursing, especially in 2024.
The growth rate in the field is faster than the average of any other occupation in the US. Healthcare institutions are employing registered nurses at a rapid pace. This means you will be choosing a career that is expected to be in high demand even into the next decade.
The benefits only amplify if you’ve always wanted to work in a field that involves making a positive change. A lot of nursing professionals choose this field not for the glory of it, but to help people. It is a profession that often involves saving others’ lives.
Could there be anything more rewarding than participating in this process? Finally, just as demand in nursing is set to rise, so will the salaries. Based on the specialization, registered nurses in the US already receive a high salary. Shortage is another factor leading to high salaries in the field.
Salaries can even fluctuate based on the state a nurse works in, their level of skill, and years of experience. One thing is certain: your career graph in this field will be progressive once you make this switch.
Steps to Transition
We believe you will have unique personal reasons for becoming a registered nurse as a second career. No matter what they are, the decision in itself is a good one. Now, let’s look at the easy steps in which you can transition into the nursing field.
Choose the Right Nursing Program
Is it possible to switch to nursing from a different field? Yes, but it should all start with self-assessment. Try to understand the reasons why you wish to become a registered nurse. List down all the pros and cons before you take the plunge.
You want to be 100% sure that it’s something you wish to do for the long term. Once you’re convinced, start by researching the available courses. Ideally, go with a Bachelor’s in Nursing Science (BSN) from a reputed institution.
Since you’re transitioning from another field, you may wish to complete the course sooner. Accelerated BSN schools offer the opportunity to finish your program within 16 months instead of the standard four years or 48 months.
According to Online ABSN programs, most of the coursework will happen online. However, you will still have opportunities for hands-on experience through practice in simulation labs. Just like the standard program, an accelerated BSN will equip you with the fundamentals of nursing skills as well as technical competencies.
Once you’re done with your Bachelor’s, you can even pursue a Master’s in the field. This program will prepare you for a specialized area of nursing. In other words, you can become a nursing midwife, mental health nurse, pediatric nurse, and so on.
Complete the Required Number of Clinical Hours
Clinical hours in nursing refer to the hours a nursing student spends in patient care settings under the supervision of a licensed professional. The aim is to provide the student with hands-on clinical experience.
According to the American Nurses Association, the nursing program itself will offer various opportunities to gather clinical hours. These clinical rotations may span across semesters depending on the structure and duration of the program.
The time you spend accumulating clinical hours is extremely valuable. It will not only provide you with much-needed experience in a whole new field but will also expand your network. You will come across various respected professionals like physicians, medical directors, and nursing officers.
Utilize the period to engage in meaningful interactions, clarify doubts, and gain as much insight as possible. Keep in touch with the professionals that come your way as they may become invaluable to future growth.
Get Your Nursing License
Unlike other professions where you may qualify to work in a real-world setting post-study and experience, nursing requires licensure. In the US, all boards use the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to grant nursing licenses to students.
This examination is usually a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) that employs the modern measurement theory. In other words, your examination paper will be set by the system itself based on your difficulty level and the test plan.
The two prerequisites of this national test are graduation from a recognized nursing school and fluency in English. Once you have passed this examination, the license will make you eligible to practice as an entry-level nurse across the US.
Land a Good Job Offer
The above-mentioned three are the basic steps required to qualify as a registered nurse in the US. If you’re through with these steps, your previous career route cannot interfere with nursing.
You will then need to look for relevant job openings and apply. This process will become smoother if you already have a strong medical network in place, both online and offline.
How to establish a strong network? You can start by networking extensively within the local nursing community. Stay up-to-date with any job fairs or nursing events that may be held in the area. Attending these will acquaint you with several professionals from the field.
You can even access online jobs portals and look for relevant openings. Just ensure your resume is professional, well-made, and updated.
Is it difficult to pursue nursing as a second career? Just like any other field, this also comes with its unique challenges. For instance, an accelerated course is short but may demand greater focus, effort, and study.
Similarly, you need to invest proper time, study materials, and practice to pass the NCLEX-RN examination. This will not only depend on your dedication and passion but also your commitments in other areas.
Through strong work ethics and focus, it is possible to come to the other side with flying colors. The US is still grappling with a major nursing shortage.
Though demand for these professionals is rising across the country, the five states leading the pack are Georgia, California, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Washington. Now is the best time to invest in a second career as a registered nurse.
