Pursuing a second career in nursing is an exciting and rewarding path. With the ever-evolving medical field, there is no limit on how far your skillset can go as you delve into one of the most respected occupations. While daunting at times, healthcare professionals have left a lasting impact in their communities through their compassionate care for those in need throughout history and continue to do so today. If you’re considering nursing as a second career or looking to switch from another profession, this post will provide insight on what steps to take if you want to move forward with your career goals.
1. Assess Your Education
Before anything else, you need to look at your current education qualifications to establish if you can be accepted into nursing school. If you already have a degree in another field, see if you can use that to transfer credits and shorten the time it takes you to obtain your nursing license. When choosing a college or university, research which degree program best fits your career goals.
2. Complete the Prerequisites
The type of nursing you want to pursue will determine what prerequisites you have to complete. For example, if you’re interested in becoming an RN, you may need to take courses in anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and pharmacology. If your focus is becoming a certified nurse practitioner (CNP), additional classes like microbiology and chemistry may be necessary. Research the schools in your area and online to find out what is required for each program.
3. Find a Nursing Program
Once you have all your prerequisites, it’s time to start looking for an accredited nursing program that meets your needs and interests. You should research the different options to understand the difference between MSN and ABSN programs, the length of the program, and the cost. Additionally, look into potential scholarships that could help cover tuition costs or provide additional assistance while in school.
The next step is to apply to the nursing program of your choice. Reach out to nursing mentors and advisors in your area or on professional networks like LinkedIn to help guide you through the application process.
4. Take the Licensing Exam
After you have successfully graduated from an accredited nursing program, it’s time to take the licensing exam. This test is administered by your state board of nursing and will assess your knowledge and skills as a nurse. You must pass this exam to become licensed and practice in any healthcare setting.
Remember, you must adhere to state-specific requirements and stay on top of any changes that might affect your licensure. This may include continuing education or maintaining a certain number of contact hours with patients to renew your license each year.
5. Earn Certification
For those interested in nursing as a second career, it’s important to look into the certification options available. Certification can help differentiate you from other professionals and give you an edge when seeking advancement opportunities or higher salaries. Depending on the specialty, professional organizations offer different exams, like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Becoming a nurse is an incredibly rewarding profession that offers many growth opportunities. It takes time, dedication, and commitment to make your career switch successful, but armed with the right knowledge and resources, you can reach your goals.
