People often change jobs or even career paths throughout their professional lives. These shifts tend to decrease with age, but one area where a surprising number of older people transition is nursing. Compared with other positions in the medical field, nursing jobs may offer more generous wages, opportunities for advancement, and the flexibility needed to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Prism Career Institute offers practical nurse training in Philadelphia and in New Jersey at our campuses in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City. Here, we discuss why many people turn to nursing later in their working lives from Prism Career Institute.
Understanding the Practical Nurse
Individuals have several job options within nursing to consider. For example, they may pursue a career as a Practical Nurse (PN). PNs provide a mix of medical and personal care services to patients, such as taking their vital signs and assisting them with daily activities such as dressing and eating. Some PN responsibilities include:
- Advocating on behalf of their patients regarding treatment and similar circumstances
- Acting as a liaison between the patient and their care providers
- Conducting clinical tasks, such as administering medications and observing their progress with medical conditions
- Educating patients on the state of their health
- Consulting with patients and their families to help them better understand care plans
Positions for PNs should remain steady for the near future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 58,800 job openings are expected for practical and vocational nurses through 2031. While many of these PN career opportunities stem from retirees, aspiring nurses should not let their age get in the way of pursuing this occupation.
Reasons to Enter Nursing Later in Life
With nationwide shortages in nurses due in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic, few hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other facilities will deny applicants opportunities based on their age. So, if you’re willing to take on the various duties of a Practical Nurse, you can confidently begin the transition to this exciting profession by enrolling in our practical nurse training program. If you’re still unsure about this change, reflect on the following reasons it may be beneficial for your career:
Experience
Even if you have no nursing experience, your older age comes with a wealth of knowledge and life experience that can be advantageous when seeking work in healthcare. You may better understand the difficulty patients and their families face when dealing with debilitating illnesses and know the most effective ways to respond or assist. Additionally, you may be closer in age to some of your patients, which may enable you to relate to their situations and health concerns.
Direction
After spending multiple years in the working world, you likely have a clearer picture of what you find appealing – and unappealing – in a career. With this knowledge, you can focus on a specific healthcare field, such as oncology, pediatrics, or neonatal care. This understanding may give you more direction and possibly allow you to obtain the desired role more quickly. Comparatively, a recent college graduate may not know which area of nursing best suits their strengths and interests.
Schedule Flexibility
Since most hospitals are open 24/7, many people believe all nurses work long hours with little time off. While this may be a reality for some nursing professionals, it’s also true that the occupation offers more scheduling freedom than other jobs might. You may choose a conventional shift to avoid working nights and weekends or opt for extended shifts to enjoy more full days off.
Advancement
Beginning your nursing career later does not mean you have to remain in the same role until you retire. With additional training and experience, you may progress from a PN into one of the following roles and more:
- Registered nurse (RN)
- Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
- Nurse supervisor
- PN program instructor
Pay and Benefits
Nursing proves to be financially rewarding for many people. While the average annual salary for practical and vocational nurses is around $48,070, BLS states that nursing professionals can earn $63,790 per year or more.
Besides wages, PNs may receive benefits, such as access to medical insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plans, bonuses, and even help with student loan payments.
Personal Satisfaction
The ideal occupation is about more than the paycheck – there’s an emotional component to your work, as well. If your current role is dissatisfying, you may find becoming a PN more fulfilling. By helping others navigate health issues, you enable them to achieve better overall wellness and may aid in building stronger relationships between patients, their families, and their providers.
Launch Your Practical Nursing Career With a Practical Nursing Program
If you want to reap the benefits of a nursing career, consider the practical nursing program at Prism Career Institute. Taught by outstanding instructors, the accredited curriculum gives students the skills necessary to sit for the NCLEX exam and begin their journey into this rewarding career field. Contact us today to learn more about the practical nursing program offered in Philadelphia, PA, as well as Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ.