Starting a Second Career in Nursing

Becoming a Nurse

It’s never too late to consider starting your nursing career – even if you are already working in a completely different field. As one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, nurses are considered by many to be the heartbeat of the health care system. With the number of older Americans increasing and the nurse shortage growing, there’s a greater demand than ever for compassionate, driven professionals who are able to care for the sick, elderly, or disabled.

Qualified registered nurses play an integral part in the world of health care. Their nurturing helps bring people back to a healthy state after operations and sickness. As the industry already has a great shortage for this rewarding and recession-proof career choice, now truly is the best time to join this booming profession.

If you’re considering making a move into this thriving industry, take a moment to look over these frequently asked questions about becoming a nurse.

Will I be able to still work full time while I go to school?

Yes. Many schools offer part-time programs that can fit your schedule if you’re also balancing a full time job. Plus, online degree programs also provide you with flexibility in schedule that’s ideal if you’re balancing your education with a regular workload.

If I have previous medical field experience, will I be able to complete my degree program faster?

If you have previous experience in the medical field – whether it’s educational or work-related – you should talk to the nursing schools you are considering and find out if they offer advanced placement within their program.

If I already have a Bachelor’s Degree, can I earn a nursing degree faster?

Absolutely. Many schools offer Second Degree BSN, Accelerated BSN, Direct Entry MSN, or RN to BSN programs aimed specifically at students with previous bachelor’s degrees, allowing them to complete their nursing degrees at an accelerated pace.  You may also want to consider a nurse practitioner program.

I’m over 40 years old. Am I too old to start a nursing career?

No. Even though the life of a nurse can be physically and emotionally exhausting, many professionals in the industry have entered their professions from outside career fields. In fact, check out the information revealed in recent studies:

According to the 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, the average age of all licensed RNs is 47 years old. That same survey also reveals that nearly 45 percent of RNs surveyed were 50 years of age or older in 2008, a dramatic increase from 33 percent in 2000 and 25 percent in 1980.

According to several nursing school administrators, second-career nursing students usually provide energy to their studies that many younger students lack, and are often some of the highest achievers in their classes.

How can I learn more about becoming a Registered Nurse?

If you feel that becoming a nurse is the job for you, there’s plenty that you can do now to get a better idea about how to move towards this exciting career path. Find out how to find the right school, degree program, and learn about salaries for nurses as you move forward.  There are several degree options to get started.  Obtain your BSN Degree, or become a RN then obtain your RN to BSN Degree.

Get Started Become a Nurse Today!

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Nursing Resources below.

Nurse practitioner programs – A guide to the various online nurse practitioner programs.

Step by Step How to Become a Registered Nurse – Read our faq’s guide on what it takes to become a nurse.

Registered Nursing Careers – There are numerous career path and choices today for registered nurses such as a Traveling Nurse, Military Nurse, Home Health Nurse and more.

Guide to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degrees – There are many different educational options to become a nurse read our bachelors guide to learn more.

Resource Guide to Registered Nursing – Learn more about degree options, certification, salaries , and frequently asked questions.

Job Opportunities for RN’s – There are many options for nurses in the health care industry today.  Discover the types of jobs and what skills you will need.

The Definitive Guide to Registered Nurse Salaries – The demand for nurses continues to grow, and due to the demand so are salaries, even in this economic downturn.

Selecting the Right Nursing School – There are important aspects to consider when selecting the right nursing school, read our guide to learn more.

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