How to become a nurse: The ultimate guide
There are more jobs available than ever before in the healthcare sector, which means nursing professionals have a lot of options when it comes to their careers. The nursing field is booming, and abundant opportunities for nurses exist throughout the United States. Here is everything you need to know about becoming a nurse or transitioning to nursing from another career so you can explore all your potential options.
Why nursing is an excellent career for you
Nursing is a rewarding career because it allows you to help other people on a daily basis. You’ll spend your whole career caring for patients and their families and will likely be among those patients’ close acquaintances as those relationships deepen.
On top of this, nursing offers the flexibility of working a part-time or full-time schedule. It’s great for those with family or other responsibilities that don’t allow for a full-time work schedule. Moreover, there’s a high demand for nurses. In good news for those looking into how to become a nurse in Illinois, 92% of counties in the Midwest are facing a shortage of professionals, and online nursing programs like those offered by Elmhurst University can equip graduates with the knowledge needed to fill this gap.
The rewards of nursing
Now that you know why nursing is a great career, let’s look at the rewards of nursing. The best thing about nursing is that it’s never a career centered on just one person. In other words, nursing is about patients and your medical team. As a result, you can always find something new to learn as a nurse and never run out of things to do in the field.
If you enjoy learning new things and being part of a relationship-driven field, nursing is a rewarding career choice. The best part about nursing is that you can work and treat different patients with varying issues. Therefore, you could choose to become a pediatric nurse or work in gerontology or oncology. All you have to do is follow your passion and interests to select an area that is rewarding for you.
What kind of nurse would you be?
There are many different types of nurses, so if you’re interested in a specific area, there’s a good chance you can find a job that’s a great fit. For example, you might choose to specialize in a specific area, such as working in the emergency room.
Many options exist once you’ve completed your nursing education, so keep that in mind as you consider your long-term prospects. Moreover, nursing goes beyond your area of specialization. It’s also about the environment where you prefer to work. For example, you might have the inclination to work in a small doctor’s office, or you might like to grow in a career in a large metropolitan hospital. Whatever your having a good idea about whom you want to treat and where you would like to work will help position you for success as a nurse.
Get your nursing degree
In today’s fast-paced world, there’s so much information available to everyone. Unfortunately, it’s often in short, broken pieces. However, you can find all the information you need – from skills to certifications – in one place: your nursing degree. A nursing degree gives you the essential foundation to build a lifelong professional career in the field.
For example, you’ll learn how to help others by providing them with patient-centered healthcare, medication, and other services. In addition, a nursing degree teaches you the science behind delivering high-quality healthcare, which helps you provide the best care to patients in the future.
Nursing is a lifelong career, and it’s one that has so many threads to it. That’s why it’s one of the best careers in medicine. Let’s explore why this career can serve you throughout your working life.
Why nursing is a lifelong career
There are several reasons that nursing is considered a good long-term career choice. First, you can select your specialty depending on your passions and interests. If you have an interest in a particular area of medicine, you can specialize in it. For example, you can choose a specialty if you want to provide care to patients with specific conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or cardiac issues.
Second, nursing has plenty of room for advancement. You can start out as a floor nurse, and as the years pass, you might choose to move into a nursing leadership position. You could also return to school and obtain an advanced degree. Third, it’s a field that pays well. For example, the average nurse’s salary is currently $102,420. The further you go in your career, the more you stand to earn.
Transitioning from another career to nursing
Nursing is also a great career to consider transitioning to from another profession. There are several reasons you might want to make the switch to nursing. You may already have some healthcare experience and want to find a way to transition into the field. Perhaps you’ve worked as an emergency medical technician and are interested in exploring other branches of medicine.
In addition, you may be in a career you aren’t enjoying. Nursing is an excellent option for people who want to have a thriving career that is constantly changing. Technology in the healthcare sector is changing the face of nursing and medicine every day, so it is a great time to make the career transition.
5 ways to make a career change and become a nurse
Many people hesitate to make a career change because they don’t know what else to do or they think making the transition will be too difficult. However, it is often easier than you think. All you have to do is keep an open mind and then take the first step to explore a career in nursing. You may be pleasantly surprised.
For example, many nursing programs can be completed online, allowing you to obtain a degree while you have the flexibility to continue working in your current career. In other words, you don’t have to rush to a traditional classroom and can attend classes from the comfort of your home.
Here are five tips to ensure that your transition into a new career is as smooth as possible and gets you on the right track to becoming a nurse.
Be prepared to make a career change
Before looking for a new career, be prepared to change your life significantly. As you know, you’ll be changing careers, but you’ll also be changing your lifestyle. Perhaps your current job has you working in an office setting. As you can imagine, working in a hospital with patients is an entirely different experience and lifestyle.
If you decide to become a nurse, you’ll immerse yourself in a thriving career in the healthcare sector. That means you’ll know much more about a healthy lifestyle and wellness than the average person. As a result, you may end up with friends and family coming to you for advice. You may also find yourself forming friendships with people you meet in the nursing profession.
Network and build your professional network
While researching nursing jobs and reading blog posts on the internet are great ways to learn about your new field, you’ll be far more competitive for a job if you have experience from a different field. For example, a job in management helps you in nursing because it’s a skill that you can use when you advance in your career and would like to step into a leadership role.
Build your professional network by volunteering, taking classes, and networking with other healthcare professionals. Another great idea to grow your professional network is to volunteer for a healthcare-related nonprofit, such as Doctors Without Borders.
Don’t be afraid to explore classes and opportunities
If you have been working in the same field for a while and want to make a career change, you may consider taking some nursing classes to expand your knowledge and skills. This will help you explore the field. If you are interested in increasing your nursing knowledge, classes and online nursing courses are often a great choice. Not only will you be expanding your thinking, but you’ll be in a better position to find a job when the time comes. Furthermore, some nursing schools offer classes specifically designed for those who want to make a career change. You might also consider attending a nursing career expo or conference where you can connect and find jobs.
Learn something new every day
One of the best ways to make your career change a great experience is to remain open and curious. You never know what opportunities will come your way or what new skills you’ll learn. The best way to stay curious is to continue learning throughout your workday.
Make the most of your time by keeping yourself open to new information and experiences. When you’re at work, take notes, ask questions as needed and pay attention to what your coworkers say and do. When you have downtime while at work, don’t just sit there; use that time to learn something new for a nursing career. Keep your ears, eyes, and mind open to new information. Whether it’s reading a book or taking a class, make sure to keep your mind active and engaged. It’s a great skill to possess.
Join an organization that supports nursing workforce development
Join a professional organization that supports nursing workforce development. You can meet people who work in related fields, receive networking opportunities and learn new skills while you’re active in the organization. Many nursing associations offer memberships at a low cost or for free. You can also join an association that focuses on your specialty as you prepare for a career in nursing.
Moreover, many nursing organizations provide professional development and networking opportunities. Nurses may join nursing organizations such as the National League for Nursing (NLN), the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Participating in these organizations can help you advance in your salary and career path.
How to find nursing jobs
Finding nursing jobs doesn’t have to be difficult, even if you’re just starting out in the field. Luckily, there are a number of resources available to help you find a job in nursing. One of the best places to start is by following nursing social media channels. These channels and the people working in the field are in the business of helping new nurses find jobs. The nursing community is very supportive, and you’ll find that people are more than happy to help you.
Try searching for nursing job listings on online job boards. Make sure that you look through the listings thoroughly and don’t just limit yourself to certain types of jobs or locations. You want to be open to as many options as possible. Finally, network with other nurses. It’s always better to ask for help than to try to figure out everything on your own.
Find career work in nursing
Once you decide on a career in nursing, it’s never too early to start researching career paths. If you’re starting from scratch, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, think about what kind of nursing job you want to pursue. Are you interested in a long-term healthcare career? If so, consider different career paths, such as nursing administration or nursing research.
You should also think about your interests and passions. Do you have an interest in a specific area of nursing? If so, explore that interest through a degree program. Finally, look at salary indicators. If you’re interested in a particular nursing job, it might make more sense to pursue that path in another city or town.
Tips for your nursing resume
A resume can be tricky to write, especially if you’re just starting in the field of nursing. Fortunately, you can follow a few tips to make your resume easier to develop.
First, don’t just focus on your work experience. Include any relevant education, volunteer work, and life experiences you think would make an excellent addition to your resume. Second, make sure that you keep your resume clean and professional. That way, it will be easier for hiring managers to get through your resume quickly and easily.
Finally, make sure you highlight transferable skills, even if they come from another profession. For example, perhaps you’re an excellent communicator. If so, it’s important to emphasize that skill. If you have training in conflict resolution, be sure to point it out.
Dynamism in the nursing field
It is important to remember that nursing is a dynamic field that can adapt to the changing needs of our nation’s population. Nevertheless, those who choose to pursue a career in nursing need to be ready to work hard and persevere in an exciting field that is constantly changing and adapting. If you’re prepared to make a career change and willing to put in the effort, you can make it happen.
Don’t forget that nursing is a relational career that depends on relationships. Therefore, it is never too soon to begin networking with other nurses and healthcare professionals. As you make connections, remember that they can eventually lead to job opportunities. Make it a point to attend career fairs and conferences and find organizations that support nursing workforce development. You should also take advantage of classes to expand your knowledge and skills in the field. The sooner you get started, the better, as you’ll never really know where the next opportunity will arise for your nursing career.
Nursing is a great career choice for many reasons, including the fact that you can choose your specialty and work in many different healthcare settings. To become a nurse, you’ll need to get your nursing degree. However, in a student-centered world, many excellent programs offer you the chance to get your degree online, so you can even continue to work while you study. Ultimately, if you’re passionate about the field, you’ll make it happen and create a thriving career in an exciting, constantly evolving area.