{"id":12102,"date":"2021-10-21T00:42:53","date_gmt":"2021-10-21T04:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hci.edu\/?p=12102"},"modified":"2021-11-11T15:12:25","modified_gmt":"2021-11-11T19:12:25","slug":"nursing-as-a-second-career-what-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hci.edu\/hci-news\/12102-nursing-as-a-second-career-what-you-should-know","title":{"rendered":"Nursing as a Second Career: What You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Shifting careers is a big deal\u2014but these days, it\u2019s pretty common<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you choose your major in college, that effectively dictates your career trajectory. This is a decision you likely make in your teens, and it will have lifelong consequences. We tend to model our dedication to our professions on previous generations, and if you think about your parents or grandparents, you\u2019ll discover that they often stuck to one job or profession from the day they entered the workforce until they retired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

So, when the option to pursue a second career comes up, many question whether it\u2019s a smart professional decision. For those thinking about nursing, however, the decision to do so may be easier. Nursing fulfills the desire to make a real difference in the lives of others through their profession, and nurses say that their job gives them<\/strong> <\/strong>a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

More importantly, nursing is a career that\u2019s accessible to almost anyone, and at any point in their lives. If you\u2019re considering it as a second career, rest assured that you can do so successfully if you keep these five things in mind: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Don\u2019t be deterred by your age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many students interested in entering nursing as a second career are apprehensive because they\u2019re worried about their age. In the course of looking and researching possible options for nursing schools, you probably saw how young students truly are. Given the rigors of nursing education and training, you may worry that being older means you won\u2019t be able to keep up with the demands of the course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nursing, however, is a field where age and experience can prove to be an advantage. When you\u2019re older, it\u2019s likely that you already have relevant career experience. This means you\u2019ve likely developed the professional discipline and dedication it takes to pursue a career successfully. It also means you have more developed interpersonal and communication skills, better stress management techniques, and more confidence to take on the challenges of the profession. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bottom line? While you may be older, you likely have the experience needed to be a more well-rounded healthcare professional. <\/strong>Still, if you\u2019re feeling a little unsure, keep this in mind: the average age of nurses in the United States is 51 years old.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Do your research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Be realistic about your education and job expectations. Sure, nursing is one of the fastest growing sectors in healthcare today and is one of the most in-demand, but the job can also be challenging<\/a> and demanding. Before you commit to nursing as a second career, familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the profession. What should you expect as you begin school? How will the time and commitment to study affect your current lifestyle? If you can, sit down with a nurse who can tell you more about the reality of studying nursing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healthcare is a field that is constantly evolving. Familiarizing yourself with the potential challenges that you may face, inside and outside the classroom, gives you more insight as to whether nursing is truly for you. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Choosing the right nursing program matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Finding a nursing program that fits your needs is just as important as your decision to actually take the leap and study nursing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are numerous programs available, and they have different curriculums, policies, and requirements. Which one is best for you will depend on numerous factors. For example, since you\u2019re pursuing nursing as a second career\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n