8 important tips for nurses who are ready to make a career change

It’s no secret that the nursing profession currently is experiencing widespread growth. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 26 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur primarily because of technological advancements; an increased emphasis on preventative care; and the large, aging baby-boomer population who will demand more healthcare services as they live longer and more active lives.”

Thinking about a change in your own career? Luckily, you have the advice of those who have gone before you to help guide you through your journey. One great resource? Our Scrubs Blog Carnival! The Gypsy Nurse recently featuring a fantastic roundup of wisdom especially for nurses thinking about a career transition. Check it out below:

There is tremendous growth and opportunity in the industry as a whole. If you have a specific interest, there is a position within nursing that will fit your needs. Like computers? Check out Nursing Informatics.  Live for excitement? Try Flight Nursing. Want to focus on mind/body? See what Holistic Nursing is all about. Love the elderly? Long-Term Skilled Care might be just what you’re looking for.

Already a nurse? It can be a bit daunting when you begin thinking about a career change in nursing. The following articles can help lessen the stress of finding your new niche and help ease the transition by providing you the tools needed to determine where you want to go in nursing.

Erica MacDonald of SelfEmployedNurse.com explores some of the reasons that nurses choose to change careers. She further discusses self-reflection as a way and means to assist the nurse with the “big switch.” Have you done any self-reflection lately?

Are you feeling trapped and looking for a change? Kevin Ross, RN, BSN gives a few easy steps to take to help make your career transition a success at Facilitating A Career Change.

If you are looking for some inspiration, Jennifer Olin, RN provides an excellent personal example of a nurse that took advantage of the opportunities available and completely turned her career around at RN Career Path Can Take Many Interesting Turns.

Brittney Wilson gives some great insight into transitioning a nursing career as a Flight Nurse. She gives some great tips and information on requirements and salary for this exciting field at Interested in a Career Change? Consider Becoming a Flight Nurse!

“Jo, RN” is the author of the wildly popular nurse blog, Head Nurse. She writes at Scrubs Magazine with advice on figuring out where you belong and more importantly, figuring out if your chosen specialty is the best fit at Is your nursing job right for you?

Is your current position lacking? Feel like you should be doing something different? Keith Carlson shares some excellent thoughts on following a “calling” that runs deeper than the call of your wallet at Career Changes for Nurses: What Calls You?.

Experiencing burnout? No longer happy or healthy in your work? Maybe it’s time to change. Elizabeth Scala explores several ways in which you can ensure a smooth transition at Change Your Nursing Career the Easy Way.

Nurse Gail talks about her dramatic career change from “jet-setter to nurse” at Second Career Nurses.

This post is a collective effort of nurse bloggers as part of the Scrubs Mag Blog Carnival. If you are interested in participating find out more details and sign up here.