5 Reasons Why Nursing is an Ideal 'Next' Career
It’s not uncommon for people to reach a point in their careers where they’re no longer satisfied with their work. Maybe they want higher pay, greater flexibility, or more meaningful work. Sometimes people just want a change. Whatever their driving motivation, many people do decide to pursue new mid-life careers.
If you’re one of these people – tired of your current path, wondering what else could be out there for you – consider nursing! Nursing is the ideal second career.
5 Reasons Nursing is the Perfect Mid-Life Career
Reason #1 – Nursing Will Draw Upon All of Your Experiences
Nursing is an area where all of your experiences are valued. The skills you developed prior to pursing your RN, whether in a professional path, in raising a family, or otherwise, will be appreciated and utilized to their fullest. Furthermore, this prioritization of experience means that the more years you give to nursing and the more skills you develop, the higher your pay and professional prestige.
Reason #2 – You Can Earn an Accelerated Degree
It can be intimidating to start over. The good news is, you don’t have to when getting your RN! If you already have a two- or four-year degree, odds are some of the credits will transfer to an accelerated nursing degree program. Depending on your educational background, some programs will allow you to complete your program in as little as a year. Once you’ve done that, you just need to pass the NCLEX, and you’re on your way!
Reason #3 – RNs Are in High Demand
With an aging population, the retirement of nurses, and the limited capacity of nursing schools, there’s an acute and ongoing nursing shortage in the United States. RNs are in demand across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that between 2016 and 2026, nursing will grow by 15 percent, significantly more than the 7 percent average for all occupations. This corresponds to the creation of 438,100 jobs.
Reason #4 – You’ll Be Making a Difference
As a nurse, your career is serving people. You are a caregiver, comforter, and educator to your patients and their families. You encounter people in their darkest moments and make those moments a little easier to bear. You save lives. If you’re seeking a mid-life career change because you want something fulfilling, this is it!
Reason #5 – Your Nursing Career is Customizable
As a registered nurse, you have options! You choose your nursing specialty, healthcare setting, and shift. Also, once you have a year of nursing experience, you can embark on a travel nursing adventure. Travel nursing allows you to choose when and where you want to work. Do you have family members scattered around the country? Visit them on a series of travel nurse assignments! Did your last job keep you from leaving your hometown? Hit the road and see all of the destinations you’ve only dreamed of. With travel nursing, you can make your life what you want it to be!