Be it a mid-life crisis or a brief epiphany, many professionals opt for a second career. Did you know that the US Bureau of Labor Statistics found that an average employee changes at least 10 jobs before they reach the age of 50?
What’s more, is that this number is expected to rise further in the coming years. More people are realizing that a job is not merely a means to pay bills. The 8 to 12 hours spent at work each day must be fulfilling.
In recent years, an increasing number of people (especially the younger demographics) are choosing nursing as a second career. The most common reason for this is a sense of personal fulfillment in making a difference in others’ lives. Do you also wish to do the same?
If yes, then this article is for you. Keep reading to know all about switching to nursing as a second career.
Is Such a Switch Possible?
Most professionals from non-nursing backgrounds believe that only those with prior experience in the healthcare field can opt for nursing (even as a second career). This is a misguided notion. Contemporary universities understand the desire for a career change.
As a result, they have started offering direct entry to Master’s in nursing programs. You may be able to find a university that offers the course online. Such courses are exclusively designed for students who have no prior experience in nursing.
Accelerated programs crown students with a Master of Science in Nursing within 20 months. Moreover, students become eligible to appear for the registered nurse license examination. Also, age is seldom an issue.
Even if you’re in your 30s or 40s, the accelerated MSN program will make the switch easier than you think. Keep in mind that a course from a reputed university will provide an immersive learning experience (despite online learning mode). So yes, a switch to nursing is possible without any prior healthcare knowledge or experience.
How to Keep up with a Fast-Paced Program
Once you have resolved your reasons for switching to nursing and the accelerated program you wish to pursue, the next question is how to keep up. Such programs are often a blend of experiential fast-paced virtual learning.
Before you know, it may become challenging given the short timeline. Elmhurst University suggests not pursuing any manner of job (even part-time) until program completion. This will allow you to direct all attention to the coursework.
The other steps you can take to keep up include:
- Do not follow a standard study pattern. Tailor your strategy based on your learning style. For instance – if you’re someone who retains better through visual learning then watch some related videos to the topic at hand. The aim is to employ active study techniques that enable you to engage with the content.
- You can form a study group with like-minded peers. This is a great opportunity to ask each other questions, clarify doubts, and hold each other accountable.
- Do not hesitate to reach out to your instructors in case of any difficulty. The sooner you ask your questions, the easier it will become to understand the coursework.
- Create a study schedule that matches your needs. This is a good way to stay organized, learn at a calmer pace, and remain focused till the end.
Is Nursing Really for You?
Even after some individuals express their desire for nursing, there are times when they question the validity of such desires. You may doubt from time to time whether you’re making the right choice. However, remember that fleeting desires do not linger long enough.
If you find that your desire to take up nursing grows by the day, it is worth a shot. Also, do not fear belonging to a non-nursing field. Even if you were never a professional nurse, life must have taught you numerous skills that can support your nursing role.
For instance – if you are a parent, you know much about comforting and caring for others. This is a valuable quality in terms of nursing. If you worked in a different profession, you likely picked up skills like good communication, accountability, punctuality, etc.
When transferred to nursing, these will help you gain and retain patients’ trust. In a nutshell, your life before nursing has instilled qualities that will bring value to the new profession. Be confident in your abilities and pursue your noble desire.
What are the Different Ways to Use a Nursing Degree?
Nursing is an umbrella term under which come a vast number of specialties. If you’re wondering which direction your accelerated nursing program will take you, it may be a clinic, nursing home, or hospital.
Once the program is over, you can choose among diverse clinical and non-clinical roles, including surgical nurse, dialysis nurse, school nurse, pediatric nurse, or public health nurse. After gaining some experience in the field, you will become eligible to pursue managerial roles or more specialized areas of nursing.
After securing an entry-level nursing role, you can use the leadership skills you learned from your previous job to climb the ladder.
Your present desire to pursue nursing as a second career is all the more noble in light of the staff shortages. McKinsey & Company reported that even in 2023, at least a third of nurses were planning to quit.
No matter the career path you’re presently on, it’s never too late to transition to nursing. In less than a year, you can complete the course and even start gaining practical experience at local clinics or hospitals.