By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    physical health
    5 Ways Playing Games Can Improve Neural and Physical Health
    September 9, 2022
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    February 16, 2022
    healthcare organization
    5 Actionable Strategies For Healthcare Organizations
    August 15, 2022
    Latest News
    7 Most Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs: Which Should You Use?
    August 20, 2025
    Hospital Pest Control and the Fight Against Superbugs
    August 20, 2025
    Hygiene Beyond The Clinic: Attention To Overlooked Non-Clinical Spaces
    August 13, 2025
    5 Steps to a Promising Career as a Healthcare Administrator
    August 3, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Almost Anybody Qualifies for Medicaid in Maine
    November 23, 2012
    ebola and EHR
    Ebola: Are We Relying on EHR to Tell the Story?
    October 24, 2014
    Caitlin Kelly
    How Would You Fix Healthcare? – Question and Answers.
    January 16, 2013
    Latest News
    How Social Security Disability Shapes Access to Care and Everyday Health
    August 22, 2025
    How a DUI Lawyer Can Help When Your Future Health Feels Uncertain
    August 22, 2025
    How One Fall Can Lead to a Long Road of Medical Complications
    August 22, 2025
    How IT and Marketing Teams Can Collaborate to Protect Patient Trust
    July 17, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: How to Switch to Nursing As a Second Career
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Nursing > How to Switch to Nursing As a Second Career
Nursing

How to Switch to Nursing As a Second Career

Jamie Smith
Jamie Smith
Share
5 Min Read
How to Switch to Nursing As a Second Career
SHARE

For many of us, finding the right career can be a challenge. You may have started in one profession only to find that it wasn’t fulfilling or financially rewarding enough. If you’re looking for a more stable and meaningful career path that offers excellent benefits, consider taking the leap and switching to nursing as your second career.

Nursing is a highly respected job with abundant opportunities, even during uncertain economic times. With excellent salaries, flexible work hours, and advancement opportunities, becoming a nurse is an increasingly popular choice among those seeking a career change. In this article, we’ll look at how to switch to nursing as a second career, from research and preparation steps all the way through licensing requirements.

Contents
  • 1. Check Educational Requirements
  • 2. Assess Your Work History
  • 3. Research Nursing Programs
  • 4. Build Your Support Network
  • 5. Prepare for Licensing Exams

1. Check Educational Requirements

Before you can become a nurse, you’ll need to ensure that you meet the educational requirements. Depending on which type of nursing path you choose (a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, certified nursing assistant), certain college or vocational courses may be required for licensure. To find out more information, search your state Board of Nursing website or contact the state health department.

If you don’t have the required courses or education, there are several options available to get on track. A hybrid ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is one way to become a registered nurse quickly. This type of program allows you to get your BSN degree in 12 months or less, depending on the hospital or college where you enroll.

2. Assess Your Work History

As part of the application process for nursing school, you’ll need to provide proof of your work history. This includes past and current employers, the type of work you did for them, and any relevant skills or qualifications. Ensure you have all the necessary documents before applying to nursing schools, such as a list of references from previous employers or supervisors. The more experience you have in the healthcare field, the better your chances of getting accepted into a nursing program. Even if you don’t have direct healthcare experience, highlight any transferable skills that could be beneficial for working in a clinical setting.

More Read

mobile patient engagement
Combating the Nursing Shortage with Mobile Patient Engagement
Nurses who fight the flu shot
Why Nursing Makes an Ideal Second Career for Professionals Seeking Purpose
Dealing Effectively with Shift Changes and Patient Handoffs
The Changing Role of Nursing Leadership During Covid-19

3. Research Nursing Programs

Research is vital when it comes to switching to nursing as a second career. Spend some time researching different types of nursing programs and finding the one that best suits your needs and interests. Consider factors such as location, cost, specializations offered, and any available scholarships or financial aid opportunities. Ideally, you should visit the campus and speak with faculty members in person. This can help you better understand the program and what to expect from it.

4. Build Your Support Network

Switching to nursing as a second career is no small undertaking. It requires dedication, hard work, and motivation. To help you stay on track, building a solid support system of family, friends, and colleagues who can provide encouragement when needed is essential. Talk to your loved ones about your decision to switch careers and make sure they know the commitment it will take. The more support and understanding you have, the better equipped you’ll be to make a successful transition.

5. Prepare for Licensing Exams

Once you’ve completed your nursing program, the next step is taking and passing the licensure exam. This is a crucial step as it will determine your qualifications to practice as a nurse in your state. Start studying for the exam early so you don’t feel rushed or overwhelmed when test day arrives. Look for review courses, study guides, and practice tests online to help you prepare.

Switching to nursing as a second career can be a rewarding experience. With the right education, preparation, and support system in place, you’ll be well on your way toward achieving your goals.

TAGGED:nursingnursing careernursing jobs
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

engineer fitting prosthetic arm
How Social Security Disability Shapes Access to Care and Everyday Health
Health care
August 20, 2025
a woman explaining the document
How a DUI Lawyer Can Help When Your Future Health Feels Uncertain
Public Health
August 20, 2025
physiotherapist at work
How One Fall Can Lead to a Long Road of Medical Complications
Health care
August 20, 2025
Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs
7 Most Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs: Which Should You Use?
Health News
August 20, 2025

You Might also Like

nursing school skills
Medical EducationNursing

Nursing Student Skills: All You Need to Know

May 22, 2024
Nursing

Promoting cultural competence in nursing: strategies for enhancing diversity and inclusion

July 18, 2023
nursing
BusinessMedical EducationPublic Health

Nursing Shortage or Nursing Surplus?

February 14, 2015
Health careHospital AdministrationMedical Education

4 Healthcare Degrees with Terrific Job Placement Rates after Graduation

July 31, 2017
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?