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Nursing as a Second Career
Featured Author:
Laura Wisniewski, RN
Laura Wisniewski RN is an educator, speaker and writer with 25 years of front line nursing experience. Her company, Nursing Voice Communications, provides empowering, solution-oriented presentations on nursing workforce issues. Her articles encourage and challenge nurses to improve healthcare.
See all of Laura’s featured articles here.
To learn more about Laura, please visit her website.
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Laura Wisniewski RN, BS, CIC
Job outlook
In the current economic environment, financial stability is of great concern. Nursing jobs are plentiful and career opportunities are endless. We are in the midst of the worst nursing shortage in history, which is predicted to worsen over the next decade. However, shortages are regional and health care delivery is under going continuous change; requiring nurses to be both proactive and flexible. Nursing skills are highly portable, creating an advantage over many other professions.
“Because I can always get a job”, should never be the primary reason for becoming a nurse; however, monetary considerations are extremely important in the real-world. Nursing offers the ability to enjoy a comfortable life-style, provide for the needs of a family; while engaging in meaningful work.
Develop a plan
Simultaneously juggling, personal and financial needs, while returning to school may seem overwhelming. As with reaching any goal, developing a flexible plan is essential. What do you want to achieve? How can you get there? How long will it take? Who can help you? You will reach your goal of becoming a nurse, much sooner with support than you ever could alone.
Do your homework and investigate the options and resources that are available to you. Research the nursing job market in your area. Compare nursing programs and find the one that is best for you. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement. Investigate grants and financial assistance. Ask other nurses for advice. Consult guidance and financial counselors to assist with your plan.
After graduation
It can be especially challenging to enter a field as a novice, after being an expert in another. Be patient with yourself, as you make the transition. Assimilating nursing knowledge requires additional “on the job training”, in the form of a preceptorship. Resist comparing yourself skill for skill to experienced nurses; instead ask for help and find great role models to emulate. Connecting with mentors and joining professional organizations will greatly accelerate your career development.
Next page: How Nurses Can Help
bridget66
over 4 years ago
10 comments
I will be 42 next month and I'm just starting my nursing prereqs. My chemistry lab partner is 54. It's never to late to be what we might have been. I think with age comes a lot of worldly wisdom (especially with Mothers which we both are). We are both soooooo excited to start this new path into Nursing and it's very nice to hear stories like this. Good luck to all the nursing students and may God Bless you all!
swiller
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I am a career changer -- a real estate paralegal in my most recent former life. Now I am a first semester nursing student. WooooooHooooooooo!
Account Removed
over 4 years ago
Excellent story, gives us old people hope.
casassy62688
over 4 years ago
290 comments
Great article. I'm definately going to share this with some of the band parents I know (I've only been ou tof high shcool for 2 years, and my little brother is in the marching band, so I talk to a lot of the band moms). Because a lot of them tell me that I made a great choice going into nursing, and they tell me that they wish they would have done it. Then I tell them that they could always go back to school and become a nurse, and they always say that they are too old. This will show them!