As you probably know there is a shortage of nurses in America. The basic problem is that many baby boomers are starting to reach the age that they need more medical treatment and attention. This is increasing the demand for nurses, which are the foundation of a smooth working healthcare system. On top of that, many nurses are also baby boomers, which means they are retiring or going to retire in the near future, this is worsening the whole problem.
Of course, since the demand for nurses is going up, the pay scales of nurses has also taken on a rocket-ship like trajectory. The salary packages of nurses are increasing every year, when the economy in general is in recession.
These two factors, nursing shortage and an economy in recession, is increasing the number of people who are looking at nursing as a second career. Many of these people were previously in the real estate or financial industries and have been laid off or displaced due to the economy and some are just looking for a better paying job. Whatever the reason, if you are looking at nursing as a second career, there has been no better time than now.
If you already have a bachelor's or higher degree in a non-nursing field than this switch will become far easier. If not, then no problem, you may want to look at becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) which takes one to two years of training and a passing score on the NCLEX-PN exam (for more information look at other articles on the right side panel).
However, if you have a bachelor's or higher degree in a non-nursing field it would make the most sense for you to purse a Registered Nurse (RN) program. It will take you about two years of education and a passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam.
The nursing field is a rewarding field to be in, not just financially (which it is), but also personally, because you are really making a difference in someone's life. Request some information from schools to get a better idea of what exactly the education consists of, and good luck on your journey.
