A career change isn’t something that most people plan for easily. The transition from one job to another might feel overwhelming initially, but it’s also a great opportunity to discover new things about yourself and develop personally and professionally.
For one, you have to do research for the right educational program. Perhaps you have a job, and it’s hard to go to school in a traditional setting. If this is the case, then schools such as Wilkes University could be the answer, as they provide accelerated online nursing programs.
But what else do you need to consider for a career change into nursing? Read on for valuable tips on how you can create an action plan and manage a more secure future with less stress.
Know your interests and skills
You first need to understand your nursing interests, skills and values clearly. You can do this by listing your skills, qualities and the work you enjoy most. Think about your strengths and weaknesses, what you’re good at, and what you want to improve. You can even list things you don’t like or want to do. For example, you might want to focus on gerontology and not pediatrics. Doing this exercise helps you get clarity for your career change.
Research potential nursing careers
Nursing is a field with lots of opportunities. There are many great websites to find out more about different nursing jobs. You can also learn about various careers by reading nursing magazines and books and speaking to people in the profession. Once you know what careers and skillsets match your interests, it’s time to start researching possible nursing jobs, such as holistic nursing.
Decide what matters to you most
As you research nursing careers, think about the qualities that matter to you the most. What do you value in a nursing job? What’s most important to you when making a nursing career choice? Do you want to work in a particular institution (e.g., a hospital)? Do you want to work in a specific environment? Take the time to think about what matters to you and list your top priorities.
Build your support network
As you start planning for a career change, building a network of people to lean on for professional and personal support is crucial. So, talk to people and let them know your plans and why you’re making this change. They can be great sources of wisdom and advice. Also, many online communities exist where you can meet others in a similar situation.
Commit to making a change
As you plan for a career change, committing to it is essential. Still, it’s easy to get discouraged when making a big change. That’s why staying positive and committing to your goal is critical. You might not know exactly how things will go, but you can commit to preparation and readiness for anything.
Conclusion
Finally, stay calm. If you feel overwhelmed, take a step back and try to remember that you can do this. You have the ability to create a better future for yourself. You can create a plan for tackling all the steps. So, when something unexpected happens, remember that you’re prepared.