4 Reasons to Make a Career Change to Nursing

Switching careers allows you to raise your earning potential, pursue a new challenge, or follow a passion. Nursing is among the top professions to consider if you’re unhappy in your current career or are looking for opportunities to advance. Outlined below are four reasons to make a career change to nursing.

1. Ability to make a quick career change

Nursing allows you to make a fast career change. Pursuing an accelerated BSN is one of the quickest ways to earn a nursing degree. ABSN programs are designed for those with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field already and who wish to acquire a nursing degree in an accelerated time frame. If you meet the eligibility requirements for accelerated programs, you can earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree in less than two years. This is a quick turnaround compared to a full-time BSN program that needs four schooling years, allowing you to make a fast career transition.   

2. Nurses are in high demand

Statistics suggest that around 194,500 openings for RNs (registered nurses) are projected every year on average from 2023 to 2033. The ring demand for registered nurses is associated with:

• Aging population: The improved life expectancy trend comes with an increased development of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. This has led to a rising need for nurses with the training and skills to address older adults’ unique needs
• Improved healthcare access: With more people gaining access to medical care, the need for healthcare professionals, including nurses, has risen drastically, creating more opportunities for new professionals to join the industry
• Nursing shortages: The retirement of aging nurses who contribute to a significant number of the nursing workforce, inadequate nursing school enrolment, and nurse burnout are other reasons for nursing shortages
• Nurse-to-patient ratios: Staffing levels have a substantial effect on patient outcomes, healthcare system efficiency, and nurse job satisfaction. The need for adequate staffing levels creates a high demand for more nurses

An accelerated bachelor’s degree in nursing can equip you with the training and skills needed to join nursing.

3. Nursing is a rewarding or fulfilling career

While nursing provides job security and great pay, the career is rewarding and fulfilling. As a nurse, you have the opportunity to:

• Make a difference in other people’s lives daily, which can be emotionally satisfying 
• Connect with the sick and develop wonderful relationships while providing them with the necessary treatment
• Continue learning and growing as the nursing landscape evolves

Upon establishing yourself as an RN, you can select various career pathways all through your career. For instance, you can work in home care, pediatrics, aged care, intensive care, and more, based on what gives you more satisfaction.

4. Nursing is a lucrative profession

If you’re making a career change to increase your earning potential, then nursing is your best bet. Since nurses are in high demand, medical facilities are ready to offer competitive salary packages to professionals with the necessary qualifications and experience.

Pursuing higher nursing education can also help you unlock higher pay. Most employers also provide other packages besides your nursing salary, including paid volunteer days, tuition assistance, and more, maximizing your earnings. Switching to nursing can give you a steady and solid financial future, which might not be possible with many other professions.

Nursing is a great option for those looking to switch to a career that provides new challenges, better-earning potential, career advancement opportunities, and more. Understanding the reasons to transition to nursing can help you make informed decisions.