| Midlife career changes are nothing new. If you're | | | | higher education. Most require an entrance exam. |
| looking for a field with abundant opportunity and if | | | | There are three basic types of programs available: |
| you enjoy caring for others, nursing might be right | | | | • For those with bachelor degrees, post-bachelor |
| for you. The job outlook is robust: The Bureau of | | | | programs are available which build on your previous |
| Labor Statistics reports employment among | | | | education and put you on an accelerated course. This |
| registered nurses will grow faster than the average | | | | allows you to finish in 12-18 months. |
| for all occupations through 2008. Some reports | | | | • Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN degrees) |
| indicate that more than 1 million new and replacement | | | | are four-year programs at colleges and universities. |
| nurses will be needed by 2012. A career in nursing is | | | | They build a strong foundation, providing leadership |
| also lucrative: Typical salaries start in the $35K-$50K | | | | and management skills. |
| range and increase significantly for more specialized | | | | • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) are available |
| positions. Some hospitals are even offering signing | | | | at two-year programs found at many community and |
| bonuses upwards of $14K. So if you've spent some | | | | junior colleges. Pre-nursing courses are typically |
| time off from work or are looking at a career switch, | | | | required. |
| following are a few tips to help get you started in a | | | | The school you choose is vital. It will largely |
| nursing career: | | | | determine how prepared you are for the NCLEX. The |
| Do your homework. There are numerous specialties | | | | schools you consider should be state board approved |
| to choose from—including oncology, pediatrics, | | | | and accredited. |
| recovery, and emergency care—and several | | | | The National League for Nursing Accrediting |
| settings in which you can work. Practices range from | | | | Commission, Inc.: |
| home care to private practice to clinics to hospitals. | | | | The Nursing Degree Guide: |
| Determine your course by actively networking. | | | | The College Network (online degree options): |
| Attend career fairs and educational sessions. Contact | | | | American Association of Colleges of Nursing: |
| your state nursing board, the local nurses association, | | | | Research the financial commitment. Make sure you |
| or the closest chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the | | | | understand the financial commitment associated with |
| nursing honor society. The more informed you are, | | | | nursing school. Tuition varies but can cost up upwards |
| the better you can map out your direction. | | | | of $30,000 per year. Daunting, but the typical nurse's |
| Types of nurses include: | | | | salary should make it easier to swallow. |
| • Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) | | | | Financial Aid Resources: |
| • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | | | | • US Department of Education: |
| • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | | | | • Nursing Scholarship Search: |
| • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | | | | • Federal Student Aid: |
| • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | | | | • Stafford Loans: |
| • Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California and | | | | Take The National Council Licensure Examination |
| Texas | | | | (NCLEX). Once you've made it through the craziness |
| • Nurse Practitioner (NP) | | | | of school, you still have to pass the NCLEX. Regular |
| • Registered Nurse (RN) | | | | study combined with the education you've acquired |
| • Certified Nursing Assistant (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 nursing program | | | | practices, and many CEUs are easily available online. |
| • Meeting the specific requirements of the state | | | | SpeedyCEUs ( offers several online continuing |
| board of nursing | | | | education courses. Make sure your state board |
| • Passing the National Council of State Boards of | | | | accepts the CEUs you're interested in. |
| Nursing (NCSBN) NCLEX® examination for | | | | The Nursing Center (list of state licensure |
| registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical | | | | information): |
| vocational nurses (LPN/VNs). | | | | Go get your job! Finally, after researching, attending |
| The National Council of State Boards of Nursing | | | | school, and passing your boards, it's time to embark |
| Directory (list of nursing boards by state): | | | | on your new career. Luckily, the job search should be |
| Carefully choose a school. There are over 1500 | | | | the easy part. Your school's placement program or an |
| nursing programs in the country. The minimum | | | | intent search should provide abundant opportunities. |
| education requirement to get into nursing programs is | | | | Enjoy the job shopping spree! |
| a high school diploma, but advanced degrees require | | | | |