| Midlife career changes are nothing new. If | | | | programs is a high school diploma, but |
| you're looking for a field with abundant | | | | advanced degrees require higher education. |
| opportunity and if you enjoy caring for | | | | Most require an entrance exam. There are |
| others, nursing might be right for you. The | | | | three basic types of programs available:- For |
| job outlook is robust: The Bureau of Labor | | | | those with bachelor degrees, post-bachelor |
| Statistics reports employment among | | | | programs are available which build on your |
| registered nurses will grow faster than the | | | | previous education and put you on an |
| average for all occupations through 2008. | | | | accelerated course. This allows you to finish |
| Some reports indicate that more than 1 | | | | in 12-18 months.- Bachelors of Science in |
| million new and replacement nurses will be | | | | Nursing (BSN degrees) are four-year programs |
| needed by 2012. A career in nursing is also | | | | at colleges and universities. They build a |
| lucrative: Typical salaries start in the | | | | strong foundation, providing leadership and |
| $35K-$50K range and increase significantly | | | | management skills.- Associate Degree in |
| for more specialized positions. Some | | | | Nursing (ADN) are available at two-year |
| hospitals are even offering signing bonuses | | | | programs found at many community and junior |
| upwards of $14K. So if you've spent some time | | | | colleges. Pre-nursing courses are typically |
| off from work or are looking at a career | | | | required.The school you choose is vital. It |
| switch, following are a few tips to help get | | | | will largely determine how prepared you are |
| you started in a nursing career:Do your | | | | for the NCLEX. The schools you consider |
| homework. There are numerous specialties to | | | | should be state board approved and |
| choose from-including oncology, pediatrics, | | | | accredited.The National League for Nursing |
| recovery, and emergency care-and several | | | | Accrediting Commission, Inc.: Nursing Degree |
| settings in which you can work. Practices | | | | Guide: |
| range from home care to private practice to | | | | |
| clinics to hospitals. Determine your course | | | | College Network (online degree options): |
| by actively networking. Attend career fairs | | | | |
| and educational sessions. Contact your state | | | | Association of Colleges of Nursing: |
| nursing board, the local nurses association, | | | | |
| or the closest chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, | | | | the financial commitment. Make sure you |
| the nursing honor society. The more informed | | | | understand the financial commitment |
| you are, the better you can map out your | | | | associated with nursing school. Tuition |
| direction.Types of nurses include:- Advanced | | | | varies but can cost up upwards of $30,000 per |
| Practice Nursing (APN) | | | | year. Daunting, but the typical nurse's |
| | | | salary should make it easier to |
| - Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | | | | swallow.Financial Aid Resources:- US |
| | | | Department of Education: |
| - Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist | | | | |
| (CRNA) | | | | - Nursing Scholarship Search: |
| | | | |
| - Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | | | | - Federal Student Aid: |
| | | | |
| - Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | | | | - Stafford Loans: The National Council |
| | | | Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Once you've |
| - Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in | | | | made it through the craziness of school, you |
| California and Texas | | | | still have to pass the NCLEX. Regular study |
| | | | combined with the education you've acquired |
| - Nurse Practitioner (NP) | | | | should prepare you.Link to an NCLEX fact |
| | | | sheet: your state's licensing requirements. |
| - Registered Nurse (RN) | | | | Get all the specifics on state licensure |
| | | | including the license period, fees, and |
| - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)For more | | | | continuing education requirements. Look into |
| specific information on the differences, | | | | CEUs even if they're not mandated. It's |
| visit The Nursing Degree Guide: the steps | | | | always a good idea to stay current on |
| involved. According to the National Council | | | | knowledge and practices, and many CEUs are |
| of State Boards of Nursing, several steps | | | | easily available online. SpeedyCEUs ( offers |
| must be taken before a nurse can enter the | | | | several online continuing education courses. |
| profession. This usually | | | | Make sure your state board accepts the CEUs |
| involves:- Graduating from a recognized | | | | you're interested in.The Nursing Center (list |
| nursing program | | | | of state licensure information): get your |
| | | | job! Finally, after researching, attending |
| - Meeting the specific requirements of the | | | | school, and passing your boards, it's time to |
| state board of nursing | | | | embark on your new career. Luckily, the job |
| | | | search should be the easy part. Your school's |
| - Passing the National Council of State | | | | placement program or an intent search should |
| Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) NCLEX(R) | | | | provide abundant opportunities. Enjoy the job |
| examination for registered nurses (RNs) or | | | | shopping spree!Eric Morgan has been assisting |
| licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN | | | | companies with internet marketing for over 7 |
| VNs).The National Council of State Boards of | | | | years. He currently works for MWI web design |
| Nursing Directory (list of nursing boards by | | | | in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more |
| state): choose a school. There are over 1500 | | | | information on this topic please visit |
| nursing programs in the country. The minimum | | | | Nursing CEUS. |
| education requirement to get into nursing | | | | |