Midlife career changes are nothing new. If you’re looking for a field withabundant opportunity and if you enjoy caring for others, nursing might be rightfor you. The job outlook is robust: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reportsemployment among registered nurses will grow faster than the average for alloccupations through 2008. Some reports indicate that more than 1 million newand replacement nurses will be needed by 2012. A career in nursing is alsolucrative: Typical salaries start in the $35K-$50K range and increasesignificantly for more specialized positions. Some hospitals are even offeringsigning bonuses upwards of $14K. So if you’ve spent some time off from work orare looking at a career switch, following are a few tips to help get youstarted in a nursing career:

Do your homework. There are numerous specialties to choose from—includingoncology, pediatrics, recovery, and emergency care—and several settings inwhich you can work. Practices range from home care to private practice toclinics to hospitals. Determine your course by actively networking. Attendcareer fairs and educational sessions. Contact your state nursing board, thelocal nurses association, or the closest chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, thenursing honor society. The more informed you are, the better you can map outyour direction.

Types of nurses include: • Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) • CertifiedNurse Midwife (CNM) • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) •Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) • LicensedVocational Nurse (LVN) in California and Texas • Nurse Practitioner (NP) •Registered Nurse (RN) • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

For more specific information on the differences, visit The Nursing DegreeGuide: http://www.nursingdegreeguide.org/articles/types_of_nurses/

Recognize the steps involved. According to the National Council of StateBoards of Nursing, several steps must be taken before a nurse can enter theprofession. This usually involves:

• Graduating from a recognized nursing program • Meeting the specificrequirements of the state board of nursing • Passing the National Council ofState Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) NCLEX® examination for registered nurses (RNs)or licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs).

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing Directory (list of nursingboards by state):http://www.ncsbn.org/regulation/boardsofnursing_boards_of_nursing_board.asp

Carefully choose a school. There are over 1500 nursing programs in thecountry. The minimum education requirement to get into nursing programs is ahigh school diploma, but advanced degrees require higher education. Mostrequire an entrance exam. There are three basic types of programsavailable:

• For those with bachelor degrees, post-bachelor programs are availablewhich build on your previous education and put you on an accelerated course.This allows you to finish in 12-18 months. • Bachelors of Science in Nursing(BSN degrees) are four-year programs at colleges and universities. They build astrong foundation, providing leadership and management skills. • AssociateDegree in Nursing (ADN) are available at two-year programs found at manycommunity and junior colleges. Pre-nursing courses are typically required.

The school you choose is vital. It will largely determine how prepared youare for the NCLEX. The schools you consider should be state board approved andaccredited.

The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc.:http://www.nlnac.org/Forms/directory_search.htm The Nursing Degree Guide: http://www.nursingdegreeguide.org/ The College Network (online degreeoptions): http://www.college-net.com/nursing/cybernurse/ American Associationof Colleges of Nursing: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/

Research the financial commitment. Make sure you understand the financialcommitment associated with nursing school. Tuition varies but can cost upupwards of $30,000 per year. Daunting, but the typical nurse’s salary shouldmake it easier to swallow.

Financial Aid Resources: • US Department of Education:http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ • Nursing Scholarship Search:http://www.discovernursing.com/scholarship_search.aspx • Federal Student Aid:http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/index.jsp • StaffordLoans: http://www.staffordloan.com/

Take The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Once you’ve made itthrough the craziness of school, you still have to pass the NCLEX. Regularstudy combined with the education you’ve acquired should prepare you.

Link to an NCLEX fact sheet:http://www.ncsbn.org/pdfs/NCLEX_fact_sheet.pdf

Know your state’s licensing requirements. Get all the specifics on statelicensure including the license period, fees, and continuing educationrequirements. Look into CEUs even if they’re not mandated. It’s always a goodidea to stay current on knowledge and practices, and many CEUs are easilyavailable online. SpeedyCEUs (www.speedyceus.com) offers several onlinecontinuing education courses. Make sure your state board accepts the CEUsyou’re interested in.

The Nursing Center (list of state licensure information):http://www.nursingcenter.com/careercenter/licensure.asp

Go get your job! Finally, after researching, attending school, and passingyour boards, it’s time to embark on your new career. Luckily, the job searchshould be the easy part. Your school’s placement program or an intent searchshould provide abundant opportunities. Enjoy the job shopping spree!