Taking the step to further your nursing career is never easy. There are many things that can get in the way including family, money or being too indecisive to choose what to do next. There are many routes in which registered nurses can take once they are qualified and have experience, and if you are thinking about a career change but want to stick to nursing, here is how to know when you are ready.
Personal Life
This is a difficult one as there is always going to be something that is stopping us in our personal life. The important question is: will it be too difficult to further your nursing career right now or is it something that can be worked around? For those with families and children, it may seem like you will never have the time to study again, but if your children are in school full-time, there are ways and means to work around this. If you have family and friends who will help with the kids, then you can further your career. If spending time with your children is more important, then perhaps it is not the right time for you. Remember, you are furthering your career to make a better living for them and to be happier in your role too, so you should never feel guilty for being a hard-working mom.
Choosing A Specialism
Nursing leads to many specialisms and it can be tough to know which career path is right for you. There are many ways in which a registered nurse can advance their career, from becoming a family nurse practitioner to becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner. The only person who can decide where you work best is you. If there is something that you are particularly interested in or an age group that you would love to work with, then look for a career change in this area. If you would be especially interested in working in young babies, a neonatal nurse practitioner program may be something you would be interested in.
Money Worries
Becoming a student again for many is one of the most worrying parts about furthering their career. You need to be financially ready to be able to juggle studying around working, as well as taking care of yourself. If you are just looking to move into a new home with a partner, now may not be the best time to be studying. Furthering your career, although it may mean you have to tighten your belt strings for a few years, also means once qualified, you will be earning a much better wage than before. It may be best to try and save some money before enrolling on a course, that way you have spare money for when you need to work less and focus solely on furthering your nursing career.
When you believe you are financially ready to enroll in a course, there is nothing in your personal life that would cause you to struggle and you have chosen a specialism, then you are as ready as you will ever be to further your nursing career.
