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