{"id":11106,"date":"2023-06-23T09:27:02","date_gmt":"2023-06-23T13:27:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=11106"},"modified":"2024-12-13T16:48:29","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T21:48:29","slug":"becoming-a-nurse-later-in-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/becoming-a-nurse-later-in-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Becoming a Nurse Later in Life: A Guide for Adult Learners"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite popular belief, it is extremely common for a person to change their career multiple times throughout their working life. In fact, with the rise of online learning and flexible degree programs, it\u2019s easier than ever to earn a new degree and pursue a new career.<\/p>\n

As an example, the nursing field is seeing this dynamic play out more and more commonly. While many pursue this career right out of high school, our world also sees people go to nursing school in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and even 60s.<\/p>\n

The rise in the age of non-traditional nursing students shows that there is no official age limit to becoming a nurse, and it is never too late.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s discuss how adult learners interested in nursing can pursue this rewarding profession, why now is a perfect time, and tips they can use when becoming a nurse later in life.<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I Too Old to Become a Nurse?\u201d<\/h2>\n

This question is asked by adult learners all the time, and the answer is simply no. It\u2019s never too late to change your life and career to something you will love and be rewarded by.<\/p>\n

In fact, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)<\/a> reports that the median age of RNs was 46 in 2022, and 47.2% of registered nurses (RNs) reported a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as the degree that qualified them for their first U.S. nursing license.<\/p>\n

And many schools\u2019 student bodies support and reflect this trend as well. For example, seventy-one percent of Goodwin University\u2019s student body<\/a> is over the age of twenty-five, and the median age of students is twenty-nine.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, as healthcare employers increasingly seek out nurses with at least bachelor\u2019s degrees, many mid-career registered nurses (RNs) also return to nursing school.<\/p>\n

These statistics show that nursing schools are not solely filled with twenty-year-old nursing students but are comprised of people of all ages. And returning to school as an adult learner has many benefits.<\/p>\n

Five Benefits of Going Back to School as an Adult<\/h2>\n

Individuals who choose to become nurses later in life benefit from prior professional experience, certainty in this new career path, and a greater understanding of who they are and what they need to personally succeed in school as adult learners.<\/p>\n

1. Prior Professional Experience<\/h3>\n

Adult learners who change careers bring many transferable job skills like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking no matter what industry or field they were working in previously.<\/p>\n

They also have likely learned how to negotiate, look at a situation from all points of view, and listen to and understand others. This wisdom gained in their previous career and life experience only benefits them as they pursue nursing school.<\/p>\n

2. Certainty in a New Career Path<\/h3>\n

Older individuals are often more confident in their career choices and goals, and this certainty often leads to greater motivation to succeed in school and future jobs.<\/p>\n

Many younger nurses struggle to commit to their programs and careers fully. Adult learners, on the other hand, have passion, a purpose, and a timeline, ensuring that they get their education without wasting time or money.<\/p>\n

3. Personal Knowledge of Who They Are<\/h3>\n

While we are always learning and growing, adult learners have a stronger sense of self and identity than younger students. Chances are they have more set values and confidence in themselves and what they want from life.<\/p>\n

Additionally, adult learners know what they need to do to succeed in school. Where younger students can get distracted by socializing with friends and learning time management, adult learners already know how to focus on their studies and prioritize tasks.<\/p>\n

They are ready and prepared to tackle any challenges that come their way because of their rich life experience.<\/p>\n

4. Higher Income and Career Advancement Opportunities<\/h3>\n

Though it does depend on previous professional experience, individuals pursuing a new career as a nurse often benefit from a higher starting salary and various developmental and growth opportunities.<\/p>\n

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses make a median annual wage of $77,600<\/a>, with the highest ten percent earning more than $120,250.<\/p>\n

5. Adult Learners Want to Learn<\/h3>\n

Many adult learners who have already had successful careers choose to return to the classroom because they know the value of education and enjoy learning.<\/p>\n

They are excited about their new education and have no problem paying attention, taking notes, studying, and putting in the work to succeed in the classroom and in their new career.<\/p>\n

Do We Need More Nurses?<\/h2>\n

Absolutely. As the global population ages, healthcare costs rise, and the need for home, hospice, and same-day healthcare centers rises, so too does the need for qualified, skilled, and passionate nurses.<\/p>\n

The BLS projects employment of registered nurses<\/a> to grow six percent by 2031, with about 203,200 openings projected each year. And many of these openings are expected to result from needing to replace workers retiring.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s never been a better time to pursue a career as a nurse, and with various flexible nursing school degree programs, it\u2019s now more possible than ever for adult learners to do so.<\/p>\n

Going Back to School as an Adult Nursing Student<\/h2>\n

Though training is needed to become a nurse, many flexible programs and options are available to fit students’ lives and goals. And many adult learners are relieved to learn that they do not need any prior nursing experience or healthcare education to pursue this new career.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Which Nursing Program is Best?<\/h3>\n

Enrolling in nursing school starts with enrolling in the program best fit for a student\u2019s educational level and nursing career goals.<\/p>\n

Common programs include:<\/p>\n