How do I shift from marketing career to nursing?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

It's great that you have discovered your passion for nursing and are pursuing it. It sounds like you are being true to yourself, and I applaud you. My condolences for your loss.

Although switching from marketing to nursing is a significant change, you can definitely pivot successfully with careful planning and dedication.

One thing I know about nurses-we are a determined bunch. I always say, yes, you have to be smart to get through nursing school-but it takes more than that, and being smart is a given. You have to be determined. With that combination, you can do anything.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for nursing school and manage the transition:

• Understand your local community college's admission requirements, application processes, and deadlines. Get a school catalog as you will be referring to it frequently. Once you're in the program, your requirements fall under that year's catalog.

• Stay Informed: Stay updated on any changes to nursing program requirements or admission processes. Regularly check the official websites of the nursing schools you are interested in.

• Schedule a meeting with an academic advisor at the community college to discuss the admissions process. Enroll in the prerequisite courses required for the nursing program. Since you already have a degree, you have some general education courses covered, but you will need to take some science and lab classes. That usually takes a year.
• Prepare to take the TEAS exam if required. It measures your readiness for nursing school and is a pre-admission requirement for many programs. Use the link above to learn more about the TEAS.
• Explore financial aid options, scholarships, and grants available for nursing students. Your community college's financial aid office can provide information on available resources. 
• Consider buying used textbooks if you are on a budget, through the bookstore, or from recent students. Look for notes posted on college community bulletin boards. Used books suffice in many instances as revisions can be minor.
• Once you're in a nursing pre-req class, network with the other students. It's a good way to navigate your path through pre-nursing and nursing. I have always said nursing students should get college credits just for navigating the system, it can be complex ?. Not to minimize the importance of academic counselors, but for some reason many nursing students get the most accurate information from each other and from those one semester ahead.
• Gain exposure to the healthcare field by volunteering or working in a healthcare setting. This experience can strengthen your application and provide valuable insights into the profession. Get your healthcare professional Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association.
• Connect with nurses and healthcare professionals in your community. Attend nursing-related events, and join online forums. Join the National Students Association (NSA) to begin your professional development.
• Create a realistic schedule that balances work (not working is ideal if at all possible), study, and personal time. Nursing programs are demanding, so effective time management is crucial. Meal prepping for the week is really helpful.
• Prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Nursing school is challenging, so maintaining good health is essential. Practice activities such as regular exercise and stress-relief techniques.
• Seek support. Nursing school is all-consuming, and you will need support and understanding from friends, family, or mentors. Let some things go for the 2-year duration, and ask  for your family's support. Examples of letting some things go or getting support may include buying gift cards instead of presents, or getting a housekeeper every couple of weeks if possible. Look at your roles in your family and be prepared to adjust them temporarily. For example, if you babysit a niece or nephew regularly, or always make homemade cookies for family gatherings, you may need to scale back. My examples may not fit, but they are just to get you  thinking :).

Remember, the journey to becoming a nurse has its challenges, but your passion and commitment will drive your success. Best of luck with your career transition and your future nursing education!

Nurse Beth

 

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Nurse Beth offered spot-on advice  

Allnurses  Nursing Student    section, especially pre-nursing forum may be helpful, especially peer support available.

Best wishes in your journey.  "Marketing"  what nurses do to patients and general public will be helpful skill in a nursing position.