| Midlife career changes are nothing new. If you're | | | | education requirement to get into nursing programs is |
| looking for a field with abundant opportunity and if | | | | a high school diploma, but advanced degrees require |
| you enjoy caring for others, nursing might be right | | | | higher education. Most require an entrance exam. |
| for you. The job outlook is robust: The Bureau of | | | | There are three basic types of programs available: |
| Labor Statistics reports employment among | | | | • For those with bachelor |
| registered nurses will grow faster than the average | | | | degrees, post-bachelor programs are available which |
| for all occupations through 2008. Some reports | | | | build on your previous education and put you on an |
| indicate that more than 1 million new and replacement | | | | accelerated course. This allows you to finish in 12-18 |
| nurses will be needed by 2012. A career in nursing is | | | | months. |
| also lucrative: Typical salaries start in the $35K-$50K | | | | • Bachelors of Science in Nursing |
| range and increase significantly for more specialized | | | | (BSN degrees) are four-year programs at colleges |
| positions. Some hospitals are even offering signing | | | | and universities. They build a strong foundation, |
| bonuses upwards of $14K. So if you've spent some | | | | providing leadership and management skills. |
| time off from work or are looking at a career switch, | | | | • Associate Degree in Nursing |
| following are a few tips to help get you started in a | | | | (ADN) are available at two-year programs found at |
| nursing career: | | | | many community and junior colleges. Pre-nursing |
| Do your homework. There are numerous specialties | | | | courses are typically required. |
| to choose from-including oncology, pediatrics, | | | | The school you choose is vital. It will largely |
| recovery, and emergency care-and several settings in | | | | determine how prepared you are for the NCLEX. The |
| which you can work. Practices range from home care | | | | schools you consider should be state board approved |
| to private practice to clinics to hospitals. Determine | | | | and accredited. |
| your course by actively networking. Attend career | | | | The National League for Nursing Accrediting |
| fairs and educational sessions. Contact your state | | | | Commission, Inc.: |
| nursing board, the local nurses association, or the | | | | The Nursing Degree Guide: |
| closest chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the nursing | | | | The College Network (online degree options): |
| honor society. The more informed you are, the | | | | American Association of Colleges of Nursing: |
| better you can map out your direction. | | | | Research the financial commitment. Make sure you |
| Types of nurses include: | | | | understand the financial commitment associated with |
| • Advanced Practice Nursing | | | | nursing school. Tuition varies but can cost up upwards |
| (APN) | | | | of $30,000 per year. Daunting, but the typical nurse's |
| • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | | | | salary should make it easier to swallow. |
| • Certified Registered Nurse | | | | Financial Aid Resources: |
| Anesthetist (CRNA) | | | | • US Department of Education: |
| • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | | | | • Nursing Scholarship Search: |
| • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | | | | • Federal Student Aid: |
| • Licensed Vocational Nurse | | | | • Stafford Loans: |
| (LVN) in California and Texas | | | | Take The National Council Licensure Examination |
| • Nurse Practitioner (NP) | | | | (NCLEX). Once you've made it through the craziness |
| • Registered Nurse (RN) | | | | of school, you still have to pass the NCLEX. Regular |
| • Certified Nursing Assistant | | | | study combined with the education you've acquired |
| (CNA) | | | | should prepare you. |
| For more specific information on the differences, visit | | | | Link to an NCLEX fact sheet: |
| The Nursing Degree Guide: | | | | Know your state's licensing requirements. Get all the |
| Recognize the steps involved. According to the | | | | specifics on state licensure including the license period, |
| National Council of State Boards of Nursing, several | | | | fees, and continuing education requirements. Look |
| steps must be taken before a nurse can enter the | | | | into CEUs even if they're not mandated. It's always a |
| profession. This usually involves: | | | | good idea to stay current on knowledge and |
| • Graduating from a recognized | | | | practices, and many CEUs are easily available online. |
| nursing program | | | | SpeedyCEUs ( offers several online continuing |
| • Meeting the specific | | | | education courses. Make sure your state board |
| requirements of the state board of nursing | | | | accepts the CEUs you're interested in. |
| • Passing the National Council of | | | | The Nursing Center (list of state licensure |
| State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) NCLEXÂ(R) | | | | information): |
| examination for registered nurses (RNs) or licensed | | | | Go get your job! Finally, after researching, attending |
| practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs). | | | | school, and passing your boards, it's time to embark |
| The National Council of State Boards of Nursing | | | | on your new career. Luckily, the job search should be |
| Directory (list of nursing boards by state): | | | | the easy part. Your school's placement program or an |
| Carefully choose a school. There are over 1500 | | | | intent search should provide abundant opportunities. |
| nursing programs in the country. The minimum | | | | Enjoy the job shopping spree! |