There are challenges to starting a nursing career, but there are also many solutions that can help you move forward.
If you have been considering the idea of starting a career in nursing, you may have fears standing in your way. Embarking on a new career can be overwhelming, but don’t let that stop you from pursuing your dream career as a nurse.
Here are three of the biggest challenges many prospective nursing students face when considering a career in nursing and how you can get past them.
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Nursing Career Challenge #1: “I have a busy schedule.”
Nurses lead busy lives, and their careers can often become a central part of them. When you’re researching how to become a nurse, you need to think about ways to balance it with the rest of your life.
Here’s a solution: Talk to your partner or family about ways you can work around each other’s schedules, and consider possible alternative schedules.
One great aspect of having a nursing career is that nurses work many different kinds of shifts, at all times of the day and night. Some possible schedules include eight or 12-hour shifts, day shift (7 am-7 pm), mid-shift (12 am-12 pm), and night shift (7 pm-7 am). Also, many nurses only work on the weekends. There are not many professions that offer that kind of work flexibility!
Also, many accredited nursing programs are almost entirely online, and you can fit your studies at any time that works for you!
Because online nursing schools offer courses on a flexible schedule, students can work around their commitments and still earn their degrees. In addition, most online nursing programs allow students to take classes at their own pace. For those with a full-time job or other responsibilities like family obligations, an online program can be the perfect fit.
Nursing Career Challenge #2: “School is expensive.”
Money is always going to be a factor when you’re trying to figure out precisely what kind of career you want to pursue, and nursing is no exception. Whether you will have to take a pay cut or you’re worried about the costs of getting your qualifications, there are always things that you can do to get a grip on your money concerns.
Here’s a solution: There are plenty of grants and loans available for those studying, and there are plenty of adjustments you can make in your life to balance out a drop in your pay. Also, you don’t need to worry about paying your student loans back until after you graduate from nursing school, and there are many low rates available.
There are many resources that can help you pay for your nursing degree:
- Federal loans – These are the most popular and come with low, fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options. They can cover tuition, living expenses, and more.
- Private student loans – These may have higher interest rates, but they can be used to pay for a variety of nursing school costs not covered by other financing options.
- Scholarships – These are awarded to students based on academic merit, so be sure to inquire about any available programs at your nursing school.
- Grants – Many nursing schools offer grants or scholarships specifically for students in financial need. Be sure to contact the financial aid office at the school you wish to attend for more information.
Nursing Career Challenge #3: “I’m afraid to make a big life change.”
The idea of changing your career can be scary, and getting a nursing education can seem intimidating. However, if you let fear dictate your career decisions, you are only holding yourself back. It might sound cliche, but keep in mind: fortune favors the bold. Don’t let fear hold you back from something so important to you.
Here’s a solution: Think about everything you have to gain from achieving a nursing degree and entering the profession of your dreams. Making a shift into a nursing career is much the same as any career change in a lot of ways. It’s a big step and one that you definitely shouldn’t take lightly.
Think it over carefully, but if fear is the only aspect that is holding you back, then maybe it is something that you really should consider. After all, moving forward despite feeling afraid is when we have the opportunity to grow the most – both personally and professionally.
Are you facing challenges to starting a nursing career? How can you move through it? Good luck!
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