Turning Your Caregiving Experience Into a Nursing Career

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predict that there will be a 9% rise in employment for nurses by 2030.

This is good news for those who are interested in a nursing career. You may have already done your research and decided that nursing is the right path for you.

If you’re a family caregiver or a caregiving professional, you may be wondering if your experience can translate into a nursing career. The answer is yes! Many people who enter the nursing field do so after working as caregivers. In fact, there are many reasons why your experience as a caregiver can make you an excellent nurse.

However, you’ll need to do your due diligence and research the options in your local area. After all, your opportunities will vary based on where you live, your work history, and a variety of other factors.

Why Should Caregivers Upgrade to a Nursing Career?

Nurses are paid better than caregivers (especially as family caregivers are often completely unpaid).

There are wage differences depending on experience and location. Even so, the average pay for nurses is consistently higher than for caregivers.

Job Security

Nurses have more job security than caregivers.

In the next decade, the demand for nurses is expected to explode. This implies that many more nursing jobs will be available in the coming years.

Working Conditions

Nurses have better working conditions than caregivers

Caregivers often work long hours with little rest. They also frequently have to deal with difficult patients and families. In contrast, nurses typically work shorter shifts and have more time off between shifts. They also have access to better facilities and equipment.

The comparison between nurses and family caregivers is even more dramatic. Sure, nurses face long days and emotional challenges too. But, they get to go home at the end of the day. They’re also dealing with much less overwhelm than caregivers.

Opportunities

Nurses have more opportunities for career advancements

As a nurse, you will have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of healthcare. You can also advance your career by becoming a nurse educator or administrator.

In contrast, caregivers often find themselves working for families or agencies, with little chance of advancement.

How To Prepare

First and foremost, you’ll need to get admitted to a good nursing school. In order to do this, you’ll need to pass the Wonderlic SLE Test because most of the reputed nursing schools in the US consider Wonderlic SLE Test scores as a selection criterion for their nursing programs.

The Wonderlic SLE Test is a 50-question, 12-minute exam that measures your basic math, verbal, and spatial reasoning skills. The test is designed to give nursing schools an idea of how well you can handle the academic rigors of a nursing program.

While a high Wonderlic score is not a guarantee of admission to a top nursing school, it certainly can improve your chances.

Once you are in a good nursing school, you need to clear the NCLEX-RN. This is a computerized exam that all nursing students must pass to become licensed registered nurses.

The NCLEX-RN covers a wide range of topics, including infection control, pharmacology, and safety.

You can find plenty of study guides and practice tests online to help you prepare for the NCLEX-RN. What you’ve learned in nursing school will be crucial as well.

How Your Caregiving Experience Can Be an Asset

While you may not have a degree in nursing, your experience as a caregiver can be a big asset as you pursue a career in nursing. Here is how:

Familiarity

You’re already familiar with many of the requirements of the profession.

As a caregiver, you know firsthand what it takes to be a nurse. You’re used to long hours, shift work, and dealing with individuals who are experiencing difficult times.

When you become a nurse, this knowledge will be helpful. You’ll be able to get up and running quickly and you won’t be surprised by the job’s demands.

Your experience as a caregiver has also given you plenty of hands-on experience with many of the day-to-day tasks that nurses perform, such as taking the patient’s vital signs and providing personal care.

Your Communication Skills

You’ve also probably developed strong communication and interpersonal skills from your work as a caregiver. These skills are essential for success in the nursing field.

You Cope Well Under Pressure

Your experience as a caregiver has likely taught you how to deal with difficult situations and stay calm under pressure. These are both valuable skills for nurses.

Understanding Medical Information

You may also have developed an excellent understanding of medical terminology and the basics of standard medical procedures from your experience as a caregiver. This knowledge can give you a leg up as you begin your nursing career.

This is true for family caregivers as well as professional caregivers, as you often need to interpret what a loved one’s doctor has to say or try to relay instructions to a family member.

You Are Compassionate

Finally, your experience as a caregiver has likely given you a deep understanding of the importance of providing compassionate care to patients and their families. This is a crucial component of nursing and not easily learned in a classroom.

Final Thoughts

The nursing profession offers many benefits, including good pay, job security, and the opportunity to help others. If you’re a caregiver interested in becoming a nurse, you may have many of the skills and qualities needed for success in this field. With the proper education and training, you can transition to a rewarding career as a registered nurse.

This post contains a sponsored link