Careers are not the same today as they have been in the past. Now, because there is so much choice and because so many career options are open to everyone, it means that, even if you start in one job sector, you can move into another one if you find that it would suit you better. This was not something that previous generations could or would do; once they started in a profession, that’s where they stayed.
The present situation is a much better one for most people. It’s hard to know exactly what you want to do and be for the rest of your life, and if you find you have made a mistake or that something else appeals to you later down the line, you should be able to change and retrain to do whatever it is you want to do. Or perhaps you took time out from your career to raise a family, and now you want to go back to work; you can choose from a multitude of different options – you don’t have to do what you were doing before, and if you do want to go back to what you were doing, you don’t have to go back at the same level. Nursing can often appeal to people due to the fact that it is so rewarding, plus it’s flexible. If you feel that becoming a nurse might be a good idea, here are some of the reasons to retrain in that field.
Nursing Is Open to All
If you are looking for a job because your children no longer need quite so much attention (perhaps they have started school or even left home by now) or because you want to try something different, or even if you are looking for your first job, nursing will tick all the boxes. This is because nursing is something that is open to all people, no matter what their background might be, their age, their gender, and so on. It really doesn’t matter who you are as long as you have a passion for helping people and you have the qualifications needed to work as a nurse.
Of course, the fact that nursing is open to all is a very good thing, and it helps a lot of people find the ideal career for them, even if it has been a long time since they last worked, or if they were working in a different field entirely. However, do bear in mind that you might not actually enjoy nursing; it is a physical job, and the hours can be long, for example, and you do need to enjoy helping people – that’s a core requirement. So, make sure that nursing is the right choice for you before embarking on this career. If it is, you’ll find it is rewarding and even fun, with a lot to do and a lot to learn.
So Much Choice
There are several different types of nurses. It all starts with being an RN (registered nurse), but from there, you can choose to head in any career direction you want to. This might mean you choose to stay in general nursing, or perhaps you want to specialize in the ER, OR, or in a specific department of the hospital or clinic. To move ahead in your career, you’ll need to take an MSN FNP degree online, for example, or another qualification that will get you where you want to go, and there are always opportunities for additional learning.
The key is not to jump into anything when you’re a nurse. Enjoy the general nursing job you begin with, and take your time to decide what it is you want to do and where to take your career. The very fact that there is so much choice is what makes nursing the ideal career path for so many people – there is a branch of nursing to suit most people – but remember, there is no rush. If you truly want to be the best nurse you can be, you’ll need to get as much experience as possible and ensure you put that to good use. Then, as you work, you can decide if there is an area that interests you more than others or that you’re particularly good at.
It’s A Calling
The interesting thing about nursing, unlike most other careers (although teaching is another that might fall into this category), is that it can often be seen as a calling. In other words, the person who goes into nursing really feels they have no choice – in a good way. This is what they know they should be doing, and even if it’s something they can only do later in life due to personal circumstances, they will work towards attaining their ultimate career goal.
If you have a calling to be a nurse, it’s important that you see that feeling through. Thanks to online courses, you can now work towards obtaining your nursing qualifications while you’re still working in a different career or when you’re at home taking care of your children and handling other responsibilities. This convenient, flexible way of studying has opened up nursing to many people who might have desperately wanted to do it but who simply could not be due to the time needed. In this way, you can listen to what your true feelings want you to do, and you can ensure that you really can do what will make you happy.
You’ll Have Plenty of Support
You might worry that changing careers and getting into nursing later than you might originally have intended will be difficult because of a lack of support. You might worry that you’ll have to work everything out for yourself and that this could mean you can’t get as far as you might want or plan to. The good news is this is not something you have to be concerned about; there is a lot of support for nurses before, during, and after their training. It makes no difference if you go straight into studying for your nursing qualifications directly after finishing high school, or you wait thirty years and then choose to go into nursing later on – or anything in between. You’ll always find plenty of support, and you’ll always have someone to turn to when you need help, guidance, and advice.
This could be support from your friends and family, and hopefully, it is. Ideally, they will understand that you want to make some positive changes in your life, and they will give you the help you need to do that. It might be that they offer you a place to work, or they’ll cook meals for you when you’re coming up against deadlines, or they’ll take care of your children while you study. It could be anything as long as it’s helpful. Or perhaps the support will come from outside your own sphere. There are online forums where student nurses can discuss any issues and find answers, for example. Sometimes it’s best to have both these forms of support, as they will offer something very different.
Every Day Is Different
There are some jobs that are exactly the same day in, day out. They offer no challenges. You know just what to expect. This is not altogether a bad thing; some people love this kind of work, as it allows them to get the job done so they can focus on their other interests. Plus, they simply feel comfortable with a set routine that never changes. However, not everyone is like that. Some people thrive on change and challenges, and if that sounds like you, nursing could be an excellent career choice; no two days are ever going to be the same.
To begin with, nurses usually work shifts, so every week is different in terms of when you need to leave the house when you are working, and even how long you’ll be working. Sometimes you’ll be working at weekends, sometimes at night, sometimes your shift will coincide with a ‘typical’ working day. You’ll know in advance, of course, but because it changes from week to week or even day to day, it can be fun, and it means you don’t have to get stuck in any one routine. Not only that, but when you are at work, it’s impossible to predict what’s going to happen. You won’t know what patients you’ll be treating, what medications they will need, or who you’ll meet. When it comes to a job that offers a challenge and won’t allow you to get stuck in a rut, nursing is a definite contender for the crown.
You Will Make a Difference
Something that’s very important to remember when you retrain as a nurse is that you’ll be making a difference. When you go to work, you’ll help people, and you might change lives. You’ll also help your colleagues, you’ll help patients’ families, and you’ll help yourself become a better person.
If you want to make a difference not just in your own life but in the wider world, nursing will give you that opportunity. No matter when you come to the profession, you’ll be welcomed, and you’ll find a place that’s just right for you.
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