Change is hard for most people. We are creatures of habit and naturally want to stick to what we know. Changing careers can be particularly scary.
You might even wonder: Is it too late to become a nurse? The answer is no.
It鈥檚 never too late to pursue your dreams. Nursing is a that attracts a wide range of people. In fact, many nurses don鈥檛 start their career until later in life, some in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Further, you haven鈥檛 鈥渨asted your time鈥� thus far. Your previous life and career experience is valuable and can even strengthen your application.
Below, we鈥檒l go over some of your options for becoming a nurse no matter where you鈥檙e at in life.
Why more adults are choosing nursing as a second career
Many people change careers. Sometimes, careers that we once found exciting and fulfilling are no longer doing that for us. Maybe you鈥檝e always been interested in healthcare but ultimately chose a different career path in college.
The good news is transitioning to a nursing career is absolutely doable. All your previous work and life experiences are valuable skills that will likely carry over into your nursing career.
Your previous career can offer an advantage
Nursing is more than just a healthcare career. It鈥檚 a career that requires strong skills in communication, organization, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. If you鈥檙e someone who has spent time managing employees, for example, you鈥檙e going to already understand scheduling, the importance of organization, and teamwork.
While these types of skills cannot substitute for a BSN nursing program, they do help give you a leg up over someone who just graduated high school. An RN program is designed to help you become a capable healthcare professional, but you may already have the professional part down.
Life experience can matter in patient care
Mature students are highly valued in RN programs because they know exactly what they want. There鈥檚 no guessing or half-hearted choice; you鈥檝e chosen nursing and want to see it through.
Professors at nursing schools in Connecticut value the maturity and perspective older students bring, especially in patient care.
As a nurse, you鈥檒l be communicating with patients and families, often during very hard and emotional life moments. Your life experience with people around you can help equip you with the empathy and delicate communication needed to handle these moments professionally.
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What should you consider before making the career change?
Nursing school is a big investment. Before you dive into a career in nursing, make sure you understand what鈥檚 necessary to see it through and the options available to you. If you鈥檙e already several years into your career, you might be wondering, is it too late to become a nurse? The answer is always no. It鈥檚 never too late to change your career.
Before you apply to nursing schools in CT, consider a few practical factors. Make sure you can invest enough time and that it鈥檚 financially feasible for you. Next, you鈥檒l want to decide if you鈥檙e going to go with an ADN program or a BSN nursing program.
Consider talking to an admissions counselor about what each degree might entail so you can accurately estimate the workload.
How to become a nurse later in life
Every RN program is slightly different. Where you begin your nursing education depends on your previous educational history. Without a previous degree, you can dive right into an ADN program. If you鈥檝e already earned your bachelor鈥檚 degree in another field, it鈥檚 likely that an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or ABSN, is a great option for you.
ABSN programs are specifically crafted for students who have already completed college-level education and want to become a nurse. To start, research programs, prerequisites, and the admissions process.
Typically, you want to talk to a guidance counselor within one of the RN programs you鈥檙e considering to get a better idea of where you鈥檙e at and a timeline for completion of nursing school. Once you鈥檙e done with nursing school, you鈥檒l sit for the NCLEX-RN before obtaining your state license.
How can older nursing students prepare for success?
The best way to transition into nursing school, or any school, is to prepare adequately. Make sure you understand the time commitment required to complete your nursing education. You鈥檒l also want to have a clear idea of your options for nursing schools in CT. Figure out the admissions requirements and what your time in the RN program will include.
Make sure you have a support system in place so you can balance life and school. Mapping out a potential schedule can help you get a sense of what nursing school might look like week to week. Like with most things, preparation is key to setting yourself up for success.
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If nursing is your passion, let us help with the education piece. With supportive faculty, great financial aid options, and different time tracks, you can step into a career as an RN with confidence.
Changing your career path requires planning and courage, but where there is a will, there is a way. Don鈥檛 stay in a career that鈥檚 not fulfilling simply because you can. Use your previous experience to become the kind of nurse you want to be.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more or apply today.