Getting a Fast Start at Nursing as a Second Career

With today’s economy, the field of nursing is becoming more and more enticing to potential job seekers.  Men and women are finding that the profession can provide stability and job satisfaction while providing an income that can support a family.  Some people come to nursing after having a previous career, either due to job loss or personal preference. 

I have talked with many nursing students who hold bachelor’s degrees in other fields and have now chosen to turn their education to the field of nursing.  Accelerated nursing programs are perfect for these students, as they provide a much quicker route to becoming a registered nurse (RN).

Many accelerated nursing programs allow students to receive a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) degree and become an RN in around one year.  Courses include prerequisites as well as nursing classes and clinicals.  Generally these programs are rigorous forms of study and do not allow time for outside jobs.  However, this is a much quicker route than the four-year programs for students that already hold a degree, and many financial aid options are still available.

Oftentimes, employers look for applicants that hold previous degrees and even have varied professional history outside of nursing.  The experiences from previous jobs  can add further depth to the already multidimensional scope of nursing. 

If you have thought that you are either too old for nursing, or that no one would hire you due to lack of nursing experience, please reconsider.  An accelerated degree program is an excellent option for seasoned individuals wanting to make a change.

For more information, please see the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Fact Sheet on Accelerated Baccalaureate and Master’s Degrees in Nursing.