Now you know how to proceed when working while in nursing school, what nursing programs for working adults you may opt for and the main tips to getting your degree. If you are wondering how to reorient towards a nursing career while still maintaining your current job, we will provide a step-by-step guide to the process. Here is what you will need to do:

1. Establish the nursing role you aspire to become and research the educational and experience requirements.
2. Based on your aims, select the nursing program you wish to pursue. Remember that you will need to start with an entry-level nursing degree or learning path, even though you wish to eventually earn your MSN degree or your Doctorate in nursing.
3. It is worth developing a long-term educational plan that includes both your initial nursing program as well as the options for continuing your nursing education.
4. Once you have selected your program of study, research the available schools and their requirements. Given your shorter time available for learning and your limitations on relocating, prioritize online nursing schools among your options.
5. It may be worth exploring your financial aid options, in case you also aim to reduce your working hours to accommodate your educational journey.
6. Enroll in your program and attend the courses as any other student. Make sure to dedicate the necessary time for studying and to do so constantly, as opposed to letting materials pile up.
7. Once you complete your program or degree, enroll and sit the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN as soon as you can.
8. Once you pass the exam, you can look for employment in the nursing field. You should start working as a nurse sooner, rather than later, since the experience you gather will help you advance your career.
9. Once you have accommodated to your new environment, enroll in bridge or advanced degree programs and advance your career and education, according to your educational plan.

While entering an entirely new industry can seem daunting, it may be easier than you think, as long as you plan ahead and use all supporting instruments available. The first step, however, will be to enroll in an entry-level educational path: a PN Diploma Program, if you wish to become an LPN or an ADN or BSN Degree Program, if you aim to start as an RN as soon as you graduate. You will also have to include intermediate programs in your educational plan, such as an LPN-to-ASN Bridge or an RN-to-BSN Track. Once you become familiar with the field and discover the area of expertise that interests you the most, you can pursue an MSN in that direction. Popular options include the MSN Ed for becoming a nurse educator, the MSN FNP for becoming a family nurse practitioner, and the MSN PMHNP that allows you to become a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner. Nightingale College is by your side at each step of the way. We are ready to provide the instructional assistance you need, as well as the necessary resources, materials and peer-to-peer support.