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There has never been a more exciting time to enter the nursing field. Nurses are needed around the world in a variety of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, private practices, schools, and large corporations. Working in unique environments with interesting patients and professionals, you can earn great pay and terrific benefits while doing work you can be proud of.
Nursing as a Second Career
No matter what your first career is, whether in law, construction, business, education, or as homemaker, most people can readily adapt to the field of nursing as a second career. If you have earned a college degree previously, or taken any college courses, some of those credits may apply toward a nursing degree. Check with a college admissions adviser to find out. Financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans is likely available, as well.
Students with Life Experience Equipped With Superior Interpersonal Skills
Becoming a nursing student a little later in life comes with certain benefits. Many older students have gained life experience in learning to deal with difficult people, developing patience in trying situations, and problem solving to manage struggles. Skills like these are highly valued in the nursing profession, and equip older nurses with distinctive advantages that younger students don’t yet have.
The experience of having a prior career that may have been balanced with raising a family is another asset older nurses bring to their work. They are usually good students, serious about getting high grades and making effective use of financial aid.
Challenges of Second Career Nursing
Prospective nursing students should be aware that technology has become a critical part of nursing today, and this could intimidate some people entering the profession at an advanced age. Computers, robots, and medical software are instrumental in nursing jobs across many fields. Most new nurses love the opportunity to work in a high-tech environment, and training is provided by the hiring institution, so fear of technology should not be one of the emotions older nursing students experience. These technologies exist to make the job easier, not more difficult.
Exciting Innovations
Adults who train to become nurses will be facing important changes in the medical industry. Geriatric care and nursing homes are growing exponentially due to aging baby boomers, so the nursing job forecast in that area is strong. Numerous training programs are opening up for nurses across technology, business, and industry with options for diversification, which can lead to possible hybrid jobs or interdepartmental nursing.
If you are looking for a new and fresh career change, consider becoming a nurse. Many adults are taking this route for a rewarding and meaningful job change that will help them develop personally and professionally.
About the Author
Patricia Newton has been a nurse for 30 years, and has worked with many “older” first-time nurses. She enjoys mentoring all new nurses in her job, and offers more nursing advice at Master of Science in Nursing Degree Guide.