A 2021 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reveals various reasons for Americans changing careers at an unprecedented pace. Shifting to a career in nursing can address many of those reasons, from the desire to make a difference to the need for greater flexibility.
Those considering a career change to nursing must understand the role’s benefits to not only society but also those working in the profession. They must also learn the requirements, from nursing education to professional certification, for pursuing this new career.
Importance of the Nursing Profession
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reported in 2024 that nursing was the largest healthcare profession, with about 4.7 million registered nurses (RNs) around the world. It’s little surprise, then, that these professionals are responsible for a significant amount of the medical care that people receive, serving as the primary providers of hospital and long-term care in the United States.
Those who work in this profession are responsible for coordinating patient care, offering emotional support for patients and their families, and educating individuals and community members about healthy behaviors. The broad scope of nurses’ work — and its impact — includes the following tasks:
- Promoting the overall well-being of patients and communities
- Helping individuals and families protect themselves against disease
- Providing primary and emergency healthcare
- Developing and managing treatment plans
- Establishing standards of patient care
- Offering healthcare education and other community health services
Benefits of Pursuing a Nursing Career
Whether career changers are seeking job security, flexibility, or the opportunity to make a difference, they can find those advantages in a nursing career. Below are key reasons that making a career change to nursing can be a great idea.
In-Demand Profession
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that healthcare careers will grow much faster than average in the coming years, and nursing roles, in particular, are projected to experience strong demand.
The BLS projects a 6% increase in employment of RNs between 2022 and 2032, a growth rate that’s double the projected average for all jobs. There will be an average of 193,100 openings across the nation each year due to growth and nurses leaving the healthcare workforce.
Additionally, for anyone interested in advancing their career after becoming an RN, progressing to a nurse practitioner (NP) role offers the opportunity to work in a job whose projected growth is one of the highest in the nation. The BLS projects 45% growth in NP jobs between 2022 and 2032.
Difference-Making Role
Because of their importance in providing patient care, offering support during challenging situations, and promoting healthy behaviors, nurses make a significant difference in their communities. Career changers interested in forging connections with patients and their loved ones as well as with their colleagues — while providing care that may save lives — can find a great fit in nursing.
Respected Career
For 22 years, nursing has topped the list of professions that Americans find to be the most honest and ethical, according to Gallup. Nurses build this trust by showing respect for patients and their families, a core tenet of nursing care, according to the AACN.
Flexible Scheduling
Another reason that a career change to nursing can be beneficial is the opportunity for flexible scheduling. Many medical facilities are open most hours and have various work shifts available for nurses. Whether selecting a work setting that requires standard hours, such as a physician’s office, or one that offers evening and overnight shifts, such as a hospital, nurses have myriad opportunities for finding positions that suit their schedules.
Growth Opportunities
Periodic changes can stimulate personal growth, and switching to a nursing career provides many opportunities to build new skills and gain new experiences.
Nursing requires professionals to strengthen their aptitudes for thinking critically and providing compassion while also demanding clinical skills that may be new to career changers, such as those related to administering medication and operating medical equipment.
Additionally, nurses may choose to specialize in working with a specific population or condition, honing skills that are particular to working in that focus area. Oncology nurses, for example, must be adept at providing chemotherapy and care for that treatment’s side effects.
How to Make a Career Change to Nursing
While the specific requirements for becoming a nurse vary by state, the basic criteria for making a change to this career relate to specialized education and training as well as licensing. For those seeking a nursing career, the most important steps to take are outlined below.
Pursue a Nursing Degree
Depending on where they plan to practice, those shifting to nursing careers generally can select from several degree paths — including those that students can finish in just a few years. The two main educational programs for aspiring RNs are as follows:
- Associate Degree in Nursing: The ADN typically takes two to three years to complete.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: The BSN typically takes four years to complete.
Nursing degree programs feature both classroom work and clinical experiences. They focus on academic subjects, such as anatomy and microbiology, and skills, such as emergency care and safety procedures. In many cases, nursing students first earn an ADN and then, as RNs, build on that education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Apply for a Nursing License
To practice, nurses must hold a state license, which generally requires completion of nursing school and passing a licensing exam. Other requirements for nursing licenses, such as completion of clinical hours and passing a background check, differ according to the state of practice.
Take the Licensing Exam
In addition to nursing education, becoming a state-licensed RN requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). As they begin the process of obtaining state licensure, nursing school graduates should apply to take this exam. The exam measures nurses’ ability to make good decisions and ensure patient and provider safety in the clinical setting.
Start the Job Search
To find that first position in nursing, keeping a close eye on job openings while also taking advantage of networking opportunities is important. Among the ways that aspiring nurses can forge career-building connections are as follows:
- Joining professional organizations for nurses
- Attending healthcare conventions
- Reaching out to nursing professionals on social media
Start Your Path to a Career Change to Nursing
If you’re interested in making a career change to nursing and you’re seeking a degree that can put you on that path in only a few years, explore the Saint Paul’s School of Nursing ADN program.
Offered in two locations in New York, the degree program focuses on the subject matter and clinical experience that can prepare students for entry-level roles in nursing. Discover how Saint Paul’s School of Nursing can help you successfully make the change to a career in nursing — and realize the benefits the profession can provide.
Recommended Readings
5 Ways Nurses Make a Difference in Their Patients’ Lives
Are You Returning to School to Start a Nursing Program? Study Tips for the Adult Learner
Good Jobs for Nursing Students That Put Your Education to Work While in Nursing School