How To Start Nursing as a Second Career: 7 Tips for Success

If you're ready for a work-life change, you may consider other career options outside your current field. Healthcare jobs are always in demand, and perhaps becoming a registered nurse appeals to you. But is nursing a good choice for a second career?

A career in nursing can provide job satisfaction, job security, and the potential for excellent pay and benefits. It may be ideal for any caring, compassionate person looking to make a career change and explore a new career path.

Keep reading to find out more.

Is It Too Late to Become a Nurse?

Changing careers in your mid or late 20s, 30s, or even 40s and beyond may feel daunting. If you're wondering whether you're too old to pursue nursing as a second career, allow us to put your concerns to rest.

There is no 'too old' to pursue any career path. Older nursing students may face some challenges, such as juggling work, family, and school; however, they also bring many strengths, such as life experience and an assortment of soft skills that can benefit them in their career change.

If you want to become a second-career nurse, it's not too late to start. Nursing is a high-demand field that provides many opportunities for those with compassion and a willingness to learn.

Tips for Starting Nursing as a Second Career

If you're thinking about becoming a nurse, the time is now. Let's look at some tips to help you make your transition into nursing as smooth as possible.

1. Find an Accredited Accelerated Nursing Program

If you already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can jumpstart your nursing career by finding an accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing, or ABSN program. This degree allows you to complete prerequisites, nursing-specific classes, and hands-on clinical experience without starting over with a second degree. Many schools offer these accelerated programs; make sure the one you choose is accredited by an organization such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

2. Enroll in an Accelerated Nursing Program

Once you've found your program, check the admission requirements to ensure you meet all of them. Common requirements include a bachelor's degree in any field and a GPA of 2.5 or better. If you meet the requirements, fill out an application to enroll in the program. If you are accepted, you will complete a period of intensive coursework followed by supervised clinical rotations. These programs typically last about one to two years, and students are encouraged not to work while completing an ABSN program.

3. Prioritize Your Studies

Nursing school can be intense, especially if you enroll in an ABSN degree program. Even if you don't already have a college degree and enroll in a traditional associate or bachelor's degree in nursing, you will be learning a lot of complex and important information that you'll use throughout your career. Prioritize your studies so you understand the information well, as this will help you provide better patient care once you begin working.

4. Create a Disciplined Routine

If you've been out of school for a while, reestablishing a study routine can help you stay on track and work through the more challenging subjects. Set aside time to study each day, seek tutoring if necessary, and reward yourself when you meet specific milestones. Disciplining yourself will help you succeed with your studies and set you up for success as you begin your nursing career.

5. Research Financial Aid Options

Balancing school and work can be challenging. To continue working while in nursing school, you may need to seek additional financial resources to help you fund your education. Fill out the FAFSA to apply for government financial aid, look for scholarships you qualify for, and find out if your employer offers tuition assistance benefits.

6. Ensure That Nursing Fits Within Your Career Goals

If you're still on the fence about nursing, you may want to explore more about the job to ensure it aligns with your career and personal goals. Consider job shadowing a nurse and talk to nurses in different nursing specialties to learn more about what they do. It's important to ensure you want to become a nurse before investing the time, money, and energy into making this career change.

7. Speak To an Academic Advisor

If you're ready to start your nursing degree but need more specific guidance, check with an academic advisor at your school. Your advisor can answer any questions about specific courses you'll need to take, class schedules, and more. They can also help you create an individualized plan of study based on your unique life circumstances and goals.

FAQs About Starting Nursing as a Second Career

Perhaps you still have questions about becoming a nurse at this life stage. Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions.

How Fast Can I Get a Nursing Degree?

Depending on your academic history, transfer credits, and many other factors, you can typically complete an accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree in as little as a year or two. An ADN degree will take about two years to graduate; a traditional BSN program will require four years of study. If you study part-time, it will take you longer to complete each of these types of nursing programs.

Can I Become a Nurse While Working Full Time?

Theoretically, completing your nursing degree while working full-time is possible. However, juggling a full-time job with full-time studies can be challenging; it may take longer to earn your degree if you are working. Because of the intensity of ABSN programs, students are often encouraged not to work for the duration of the program.

Is Nursing a Good Second Career?

Many career changers find that nursing is an excellent second career. If you enjoy helping people, are interested in moving into the healthcare field, or have always dreamed of becoming a nurse, pursuing nursing as a second career may be a great move for you.

What Are the Benefits of Switching My Career to Nursing?

A career in nursing has many benefits. If you're considering this career change, some of the benefits you can look forward to include:

• job security
• potentially competitive pay and benefits
• opportunities for specialization
• fulfilling work

Are Nursing Degrees Hard?

Most students consider nursing degrees moderately hard; they are not as challenging as some degree programs but may be more difficult than others. Nursing degrees typically involve memorizing many medical terms and names, medications, and treatments, and they also require basic math skills. That said, whether you find a nursing degree hard or easy will depend on your strengths and weaknesses as a learner.