| Midlife career changes are nothing new. If you're | | | | school diploma, but advanced degrees require higher |
| looking for a field with abundant opportunity and if | | | | education. Most require an entrance exam. There are |
| you enjoy caring for others, nursing might be right | | | | three basic types of programs available:- For those |
| for you. The job outlook is robust: The Bureau of | | | | with bachelor degrees, post-bachelor programs are |
| Labor Statistics reports employment among | | | | available which build on your previous education and |
| registered nurses will grow faster than the average | | | | put you on an accelerated course. This allows you to |
| for all occupations through 2008. Some reports | | | | finish in 12-18 months.- Bachelors of Science in Nursing |
| indicate that more than 1 million new and replacement | | | | (BSN degrees) are four-year programs at colleges |
| nurses will be needed by 2012. A career in nursing is | | | | and universities. They build a strong foundation, |
| also lucrative: Typical salaries start in the $35K-$50K | | | | providing leadership and management skills.- Associate |
| range and increase significantly for more specialized | | | | Degree in Nursing (ADN) are available at two-year |
| positions. Some hospitals are even offering signing | | | | programs found at many community and junior |
| bonuses upwards of $14K. So if you've spent some | | | | colleges. Pre-nursing courses are typically required.The |
| time off from work or are looking at a career switch, | | | | school you choose is vital. It will largely determine |
| following are a few tips to help get you started in a | | | | how prepared you are for the NCLEX. The schools |
| nursing career:Do your homework. There are | | | | you consider should be state board approved and |
| numerous specialties to choose from-including | | | | accredited.The National League for Nursing |
| oncology, pediatrics, recovery, and emergency | | | | Accrediting Commission, Inc.: Nursing Degree Guide: |
| care-and several settings in which you can work. | | | | College Network (online degree options): |
| Practices range from home care to private practice | | | | Association of Colleges of Nursing: |
| to clinics to hospitals. Determine your course by | | | | the financial commitment. Make sure you understand |
| actively networking. Attend career fairs and | | | | the financial commitment associated with nursing |
| educational sessions. Contact your state nursing | | | | school. Tuition varies but can cost up upwards of |
| board, the local nurses association, or the closest | | | | $30,000 per year. Daunting, but the typical nurse's |
| chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the nursing honor | | | | salary should make it easier to swallow.Financial Aid |
| society. The more informed you are, the better you | | | | Resources:- US Department of Education: |
| can map out your direction.Types of nurses include:- | | | | - Nursing Scholarship Search: |
| Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) | | | | - Federal Student Aid: |
| - Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | | | | - Stafford Loans: The National Council Licensure |
| - Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | | | | Examination (NCLEX). Once you've made it through |
| - Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | | | | the craziness of school, you still have to pass the |
| - Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | | | | NCLEX. Regular study combined with the education |
| - Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California and | | | | you've acquired should prepare you.Link to an NCLEX |
| Texas | | | | fact sheet: your state's licensing requirements. Get all |
| - Nurse Practitioner (NP) | | | | the specifics on state licensure including the license |
| - Registered Nurse (RN) | | | | period, fees, and continuing education requirements. |
| - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)For more specific | | | | Look into CEUs even if they're not mandated. It's |
| information on the differences, visit The Nursing | | | | always a good idea to stay current on knowledge |
| Degree Guide: the steps involved. According to the | | | | and practices, and many CEUs are easily available |
| National Council of State Boards of Nursing, several | | | | online. SpeedyCEUs ( offers several online continuing |
| steps must be taken before a nurse can enter the | | | | education courses. Make sure your state board |
| profession. This usually involves:- Graduating from a | | | | accepts the CEUs you're interested in.The Nursing |
| recognized nursing program | | | | Center (list of state licensure information): get your |
| - Meeting the specific requirements of the state | | | | job! Finally, after researching, attending school, and |
| board of nursing | | | | passing your boards, it's time to embark on your new |
| - Passing the National Council of State Boards of | | | | career. Luckily, the job search should be the easy |
| Nursing (NCSBN) NCLEX(R) examination for registered | | | | part. Your school's placement program or an intent |
| nurses (RNs) or licensed practical/vocational nurses | | | | search should provide abundant opportunities. Enjoy |
| (LPN/VNs).The National Council of State Boards of | | | | the job shopping spree!Eric Morgan has been assisting |
| Nursing Directory (list of nursing boards by state): | | | | companies with internet marketing for over 7 years. |
| choose a school. There are over 1500 nursing | | | | He currently works for MWI web design in Salt Lake |
| programs in the country. The minimum education | | | | City, Utah. For more information on this topic please |
| requirement to get into nursing programs is a high | | | | visit Nursing CEUS. |