Nursing as a Second Career Programs: What Can You Expect?
Second careers are becoming more and more common in today's economy, and it is actually rare to stick to one career for one's entire working life. there may be any number of reasons for seeking out a second career, whether it be lack of current opportunities or the simple desire to move on to bigger and better things.
One of the most popular second careers is nursing, and many nurses working today started their working lives in radically different occupations. Whether you are leaving the retail, finance, or manufacturing industries, there are many reasons why you should consider nursing as a second career. Of course, you should know some important information before you take the plunge. Here are just some of what you need to know.
What Makes Nursing A Great Second Career?
Nursing is a career path that lends itself well to being the second leg in your career track. It is known to be easier than other career changes even though it can feel like you are starting from scratch. Although a demanding job, it is a very important and fulfilling one where the work ethic you bring from your previous career can transfer well.
Even if you are changing careers later in life, your life experience will be an asset rather than being seen as a liability. While there is a lot to learn to even start as an entry-level nurse, the depth of expertise required also makes it a very stable career field. If you choose nursing as a second career, there shouldn't be any reason to choose a third one. Nurses are among the occupations least likely to consider a career change.
How Do You Know If Nursing Is Right for You?
If you want to start a second career as a nurse, you have to go back to school, so it is important to know if it is really for you before you make that commitment. You have to know the mental and physical requirements of the job and the sometimes hectic work schedules that you may need to work. You need to ask yourself if you have the qualities that are required to care for others who are unable to care for themselves.
Most of all, you need to be prepared to pursue a rigorous course of education that may last the rest of your life as medical science continuously marches forward. The good news is that if you already have a BA or BS degree from an accredited college or university then you have a head start. Many of the classes you have already taken may be accepted in transfer and you may qualify for an accelerated nursing program that skips much of the preliminary education requirements for the BSN degree.
Nursing School: A Survival Guide
It is understandable that you may be apprehensive about going back to school, but your nursing education program is going to be different than what you are used to. You will be part of a cohort, and it will be important to get to know the people around you quickly because you will be working more collaboratively than independently. It is crucial that you do not allow yourself to be overwhelmed the first week of school.
You will be informed of due dates and deadlines from your syllabi and you will have ample opportunities to perform practical demonstrations and do lab work well before you will be expected to actually perform any procedures. Your instructors will be very experienced and knowledgeable masters of the profession who will patiently work with you but you need to have the same patience for yourself. You will need to keep an open mind and have a willingness to learn and try new things throughout this program.
Are you interested in a second career as a nurse? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, ECPI University offers this degree at an accelerated pace. For more information, connect with one of our friendly admissions advisors today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Nursing (ADN) - Associate’s
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